Derry City snap up Sheffield United's David Parkhouse

The striker, who netted 19 times in 39 appearances during his season-long loan deal with the Candy Stripes in 2019, joins the Brandywell club on a three year contract.

The move signals the end of a six year association with Sheffield United who signed him from Maiden City Academy at the age of 15.

Parkhouse was named on the Blades' bench for an EFL Cup tie against Hull in 2018 but failed to make a senior appearance for the club.

The Northern Ireland U21 international has had loan spells at Boston United, Tamworth and more recently with Stevenage and Hartlepool.

Derry boss Declan Devine was keen to rekindle his relationship with the player who played a starring role as the Foylesiders qualified for the Europa League in 2019 and the club managed to negotiate a deal with the Premiership outfit.

Devine last week confirmed talks were at an advanced stage and he was delighted to finally get the move rubber stamped this afternoon.

I’m delighted to be bringing David Parkhouse back to this club and I’m especially pleased that the player is happy to commit himself to Derry City for at least the next three years.

“We’ve made no secret of the fact that we want the players who come here to know the club, know the league and be a good fit for Derry City and David brings that in spades.”

“Everybody at this football club knows what ‘Parky’ brings to the team. He has a real energy and tenacity in his approach to the game. He is well got by the players already here and it will be the same with new players coming in.”

“It was clear in our discussions with him that he wants to strive to get better and that is something we intend to do as a whole club.”

“This is where David wants to play his football. He loves the club and we love having him here.

“We now have Nathan Gartside, Danny Lafferty, Ciaran Coll, Jack Malone, Eoin Toal and Ronan Boyce on two year contracts and David on a three year deal. It’s definitely a statement on the direction we’re looking to go.”

Parkhouse himself was delighted to be returning to the Brandywell and said he couldn’t wait to get started again.

“I couldn’t be happier to have finally got it all sorted” he began. “I had a number of offers and things to consider but this is my hometown club. I love the place to bits and was actually devastated to have to leave in 2019.”

“I trust in what Declan and Paddy are looking to do here 100% and I want to be part of that. It’s why I’ve signed for at least 3 years.

“The club is ambitious and wants to move forward and I’m the same. I can’t wait to get out there and get started.”

It’s been a busy few days at the Brandywell but things are certainly looking up for City supporters with the promise of more to come over the next few weeks.

Parkhouse was nominated for the PFAI Young Player of the Year that season alongside Ireland senior international Jack Byrne and Danny Mandroui. He was also selected in the SSE Airtricity League Team of the Year.

Devine has made several attempts to get Parkhouse back at the club since, a player he described as 'the best young player in the league' back in that 2019 campaign.