Derry City miss out on ex-Ayr United captain Ben Dempsey who opts for Partick Thistle move
DERRY City has been pipped to the signature of English midfielder Ben Dempsey by Scottish Championship outfit Partick Thistle.
It’s understood Derry boss Tiernan Lynch wanted to bring the former Ayr United captain to Brandywell during the upcoming summer transfer window and discussions were at an advanced stage with the player.
However, the 26 year-old has opted to remain in Scotland and signed a two-year deal with the Scottish Championship runners-up Partick subject to clearance.
Dempsey spent four and a half seasons at Somerset Park, during which time he played 158 games and scored 21 goals for the Honest Men, contributing to two top four finishes.
He was offered a contract to remain at Ayr and despite meeting with Derry City club officials this week, he preferred to make the switch to Partick who fell short in the Scottish Premiership promotion play-off final against St Mirren last month.
Thistle Head Coach Mark Wilson said: “We’ve obviously seen Ben up close on a number of occasions when we’ve played against Ayr United and I’ve repeatedly been impressed with the way he operates in the middle of the park.
“He reads the game exceptionally well and has the ability to pick the sort of line breaking pass that a lot of players might not be able to see, never mind execute.
“The midfield is always going to be important, especially for a team who play the way we do, and I’m excited about the qualities that Ben will bring to ours.”