Derry City sign James Akintunde as former fans' favourite Junior Uzokwe joins rivals Sligo Rovers

The City boss has completed his second signing in as many days with the acquisition of 24 year-old English striker, James Akintunde.

The Londoner played the last couple of seasons at Maidenhead United in the National League and joins the Brandywell club until the end of the season.

Akintunde impressed during a recent trial with the Candy Stripes and Devine believes he will add some much needed firepower to his attacking line-up.

“He’s the type of player we’ve been after- strong and direct and he has looked good since coming in.

“He can play anywhere across the front three and he will give us good options in attack.

“He’s here until the end of the season initially but if things go well over the next few weeks I’d be hopeful he’ll be here longer.

“I think he’s another player that our supporters will enjoy watching.”

Meanwhile last season's Airtricity Premier Division top goalscorer, ex-Candy Stripe, Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe has made a shock return to the League of Ireland.

The Londoner, who netted 14 goals to help guide Derry into Europe joined the Bit O'Red for the rest of the season from Israeli Premier League club, Hapoel Hadera, pending a work permit and international clearance.

“I’m very happy to be back in the League of Ireland,"said Junior. "I really liked the league here and I’m excited by the challenge of coming to Sligo Rovers.

"I know they haven’t picked up the results wanted at the start of the season and there’s only 14 games to play. I’m looking to take it step by step and win a few games as soon as we can.

“It has been a frustrating year for me. I left Israel when the league was stopped due to Covid-19 and I just wanted to be closer to home. When the offer came in to be back in the League of Ireland, it appealed to me.

“I remember Sligo were tough opponents. My time at Derry was great, getting to Europe and there is good football played in Ireland.

"This spell I hope to get more goals and help Sligo get up the table for the next months. I’m very keen to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.”