DERRY CITY: Barry Molloy announces his retirement from football

Ex- Derry City captain Barry Molloy has announced his retirement.

The 32 year-old who represented his hometown club for 10 years, recently turned down an offer to return to the ‘Candy Stripes’ for the 2016 season claiming the offer wasn’t right for him.

And the Bishop Street native has confirmed on his Facebook account tonight (Sunday), he will hang up his boots following what he described as a ‘decent career’.

The full statement read: “Over the past few weeks I’ve been back and forth in my mind over what to do regarding football.

“From deciding to cancel my contract with Crusaders to the thought of giving it one more go with another club. Had a few offers to go back into it again. Was very grateful to the club’s who showed an interest. But as I’ve always said, if your gonna [sic] do something you should give it 100 per cent and I genuinely don’t think I was 100 per cent committed to giving it another go. That said I think the time is right for me to call it a day on what has been a decent career.

“I’ve been very lucky in the people I’ve worked with from my early days with Brandywell Harps and especially Trojans and, in particular, Raymond Carton who always believed in me.

“My mum was my biggest inspiration with football, always supportive and making sure I kept my standards high. Had a great five years at Derby County from the youth team towards the first team squad.

“Drogheda United were amazing to me when I first came back to Ireland. But in reality there was only one club I wanted to play for back here.

“Meant a lot that Stephen Kenny got me to sign for my home town club. And what a rollercoaster ride it was. From Cup finals, European adventures to relegation and again being a part of getting the club back into the Premier Division at the first time of asking.

“I’ve been very lucky to have been given these opportunities and I’m sure there is plenty of people out there who would have loved to have played for there home town club.

“Very proud moment walking the team out in the Aviva but most of all sharing the 2012 FAI Cup win with my two beautiful kids was the stand out moment for me.

“Have always appreciated the support over the years.

Thanks.”

High Praise from Peers

Molloy’s statement drew high praise from his peers, including former teammate and current West Brom and Republic of Ireland winger, James McClean who said: “Happy retirement Baz, enjoy it pal, was a pleasure to share a dressing room and pitch with you #theengine [sic].

And ex-Drogheda United striker, Declan ‘Fabio’ O’Brien added: “Well done pal, put feet up! Great career and top bloke.”

While former Derry midfielder, Killian Brennan said: “Well said Baz was a pleasure to play alongside you.

Humble and funny guy off the pitch and model pro on it. Wish you well.”