Derry City in good hands with Nathan Gartside: says Peter Cherrie

PETER Cherrie believes Derry City Football Club is in good hands with current Northern Ireland U21 keeper, Nathan Gartside.
Peter Cherrie warms up with Nathan Gartside and Jack Lemoignan.Peter Cherrie warms up with Nathan Gartside and Jack Lemoignan.
Peter Cherrie warms up with Nathan Gartside and Jack Lemoignan.

The Scotsman, who was disappointed not to be offered a new contract by Derry, believes Gartside will learn quickly if he’s handed the No. 1 jersey next season.

The former Watford ‘keeper signed a two year extension earlier this year which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2022 season.

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Cherrie revealed Declan Devine plans on building a largely locally based squad next season and Maydown native, Gartside is highly rated by the former City goalkeeper.

And former Cliftonville and Dundalk stopper, Cherrie believes Gartside will improve when given more game-time.

“Declan obviously has high hopes for him and he’s been there for the past couple of years and I think he’s another year after next year.

“Nathan is a good goalkeeper, he definitely is but it’s just a shame over the last couple of years he hasn’t had a lot of game-time.

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“Who says he can’t go and do a job? Of course he can. There’s another young lad there, Jack Lemoignan, he’s only 21 years of age and he’s been in training. If he’s in there training every day he will be very, very good as will Nathan.

“It’s not easy being thrown into the deep end but he’s got to start somewhere so why not throw him in?”

So what’s the future hold in store for Cherrie?

Well, despite this set-back, the experienced stopper is determined to continue his career at the top level in Ireland.

He believes he still has plenty to offer and is hopeful he can find a club soon.

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“The only thought I’ve had is I’m going to keep playing regardless.

“I have had no contact from anybody yet but hopefully soon. I’ll keep playing, it doesn’t really bother me where.

“As long as I’m playing I’m not really bothered. People always go on about age but if your body’s telling you to keep going then there’s no reason why you can’t.

“To be honest I feel great. Even now I haven’t stopped. I’m in the gym everyday and doing some sort of exercise everyday, I don’t stop.

“I will continue to play as long as my body keeps going and as I say, I feel great,” added the goalkeeper.

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