Danny Lafferty wants to help instil a winning mentality at Derry City

The 31 year-old former Burnley and Sheffield United left-back turned down interest from several clubs to return to Brandywell on a two-year deal which involves a coaching role with the club’s Academy.

He arrives on the back of winning the League of Ireland Premier Division title with Shamrock Rovers and insists he’s ‘excited’ about returning ‘home’ after eight successful years on the road.

“It’s something which really excites me,” said the former Celtic man. “It’s easy to get into a bit of a lull in football but this is exciting and I’m excited about coming home and being successful with Derry City.

“I know the pressures that come with playing for your hometown club and you need that edge, that bit of a fear factor. There’s no better place to be when things are going well.”

Lafferty, who spent the last season and-a-half at Tallaght Stadium, admits he’s been frustrated watching Derry struggle at the bottom half of the table last year.

He believes he can help inject a belief back in the squad and with the addition of a few more like-minded personalities with a similar desire for success, he’s hopeful the Derry dressing room can be ‘formidable’ next year.

“I’m delighted to be back and to be a part of something again at Derry. Hopefully I can help instil that belief back in the club. That’s been missing,” said the defender who netted nine times in 50 appearances for City during his first spell.

“I’ve been watching the club to see how they’re performing and it’s been frustrating to see them struggle last year. Hopefully I can add the right mentality and I know I have the right desire to help drive the club on and get the right results.”

Lafferty’s signing comes hot on the heels of Ciaran Coll’s new two year contract and the Carnhill man reckons the competition at left-back will only be good for the club.

Of course the versatile Lafferty can operate in a left wingback position and at centre half if required and the former is a prospect he’s relishing.

“It’s obviously up to the management and where they want me to play but it’s good to be adaptable.

“Lots of teams play with that 5-3-2 formation and, used correctly, it can be a real attacking formation. I’d like to think of myself as an attack-minded player and playing left wing back, that’s exciting.

“Knowing there’s another player in your position makes you raise your game. Ciaran Coll has been brilliant for the club over the last two years. He was club player of the year a couple of seasons ago and he’s signed a new contract.

“It brings that competition you need. If you have that it’s only going to make you work harder. If you know there’s another player who plays in your position it drives you on and that flows out to the team on matchdays.”

Lafferty had several options after becoming a free agent last week but after talks with City boss, Declan Devine and Technical Director, Paddy McCourt he very much bought into their plans to bring back the ‘enjoyment factor’ to Brandywell.

“One thing I appreciate from Paddy and Decky is the honesty and how genuine they are. They have the club’s interests at heart and they’re genuine Derry fans like myself. “

“They want Derry to be successful and I want to be a part of that. They want the club to be enjoyable for everyone and to bring that enjoyment factor back.

“They want to attract the right characters to the club and demand the players maintain good standards. That demand should come from the players themselves.

“I think I can bring that as well. That professionalism in the dressing room that I’ve gained from all my years in football.

“If Declan gets a few more players that have that same mentality then it can be a formidable dressing room this year.

“Players can self-police the dressing room and create an ethos at the club where everyone works hard and the standards are maintained.

“You need to meet these standards or else don’t play for the club. Declan wants to instill the correct culture at the club and ensure the players are proud to play for Derry.

“It’s nice for me personally and it excites me again. I’ll enjoy Christmas with my family and it’s nice to get it finally done and settled but I’m already looking two or three weeks ahead now and the start of pre-season.

“I’ll be making sure I get myself right for pre-season so that I’m able to hit the ground running.”

Lafferty is also grateful for the chance to begin his coaching education at the club’s Academy where he believes he can offer advice and experience to the next generation of Derry players.

“In my line of work it’s the next transition, to become a coach when my playing days come to an end.

“I’m grateful to the club for this opportunity they’ve given me and I’m looking forward to working with the next generation at the club.

“Hopefully I can inspire them and offer them the experience I’ve had in football over the years and relay the information and the knowledge I’ve gained in my career.

“I’ll be a bit of a sponge and pick up things and learn from the staff and management and academy coaches and see that different side to football.”