Derry City title challenge 'not out of sight' just yet - says Carl Winchester

​The former Shrewsbury Town captain gave Tiernan Lynch a much-needed lift this week when agreeing a two-year extension to his contract which will keep him at Brandywell until at least the end of the 2028 season.

He's been a revelation since arriving in January 2025, making 45 appearances for the Candy Stripes and playing an integral role in Derry's second place finish last season.

Winchester, who made over 500 senior appearances during a hugely successful campaign in the English leagues, admits he didn't expect to enjoy League of Ireland football as much as he has over the past 12 months.

The Belfast man has become a fans' favourite on Foyleside and was delighted to commit his immediate future to the club, which he believes has untapped potential.

"To be honest I thought I would've disliked coming home from England in general because I was so used to being away for so long but I couldn't have joined a better club with great people," said the former Sunderland and Oldham man.

"Everyone associated with the club has been brilliant for me and my family. Derry is the place, I see my future here and I want the club to achieve so much and be successful going forward.

"I'm delighted, I'm absolutely buzzing," said Winchester. "I came here to Derry City, new to the League of Ireland, the football, Derry, and the whole place. But once I joined I've been made so welcome, and my family has enjoyed it.

"Everyone made that transition, coming over from England, so much easier. It's been brilliant. Last season, I know we didn't win anything but we finished second and got into Europe and there was such a buzz around the place.

"Just seeing those packed nights at the Brandywell, there's just something special about it.

"So when the chance came to sign a new deal and commit my future to Derry City it was a no-brainer."

At 33 years of age one would expect this to be one of his final major contracts, but Winchester doesn't think so. He's got plenty more to come.

"Fingers crossed it's not because I want to keep playing at as high a standard as possible and for as long as my body lets me.

"As long as I keep looking after myself. Most seasons in England I would've knocked out 40 plus games. So I look after myself and do everything right to get my body as best as it can be for a game or for training or whatever that might be. I'm hoping to be here for a lot longer than another two years."

And he hasn't given up the ghost of challenging for the league title in 2026 despite being 12 points behind serial winners Shamrock Rovers after 15 games. He insists the title is 'by no means out of sight!'

"Rovers usually when they get themselves in front it's difficult. They go about their business quietly and fair play to them; they're a good side. We have to take each game as it comes, and then we'll see where we are. Obviously, we have the European games and cup games to come. But in terms of the league, by no means is it out of sight but it will obviously be a tough ask.”

"The players we have in there can go on a run. We just need those back-to-back wins. It is going to be a tough ask but we have the players capable of going on those runs.

"I came here to win trophies. The likes of Michael Duffy, Brian Maher, Cameron Dummigan, they told me when they went down to the FAI Cup Final [2022] the whole atmosphere around the city was unreal and bringing 20,000 down to the Aviva - that's the days you dream of.

"If you won the league with Derry City these lads can go down in the history books and that's what you have to strive for. It's not easy.

"No way is it easy to go and win leagues when you have the likes of Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, St Pats - all these big clubs. They want to achieve the same but I personally believe the players we have in this squad – why can't we go and win a league, win a cup, be successful and win silverware over the next couple of years and bring that back to the city to have those big days for everyone. The fans here deserve that."

If Derry is to reignite any title hopes this term, they can't afford to let slip any further points when they travel to Drogheda United on Friday night with the Boynesiders just three points behind them in the table with a game in hand and currently sit in eighth spot.

Winchester isn't expecting Kevin Doherty's men to roll over - they never do - but he's prepared to do the donkey work to give Derry the best possible chance of returning to winning ways.

"I like doing all the dirty stuff, I don't mind coming out and saying that and letting the players in the front areas go and do their thing.

"I'm in the team to do what I'm good at. I know what I'm good at and that's doing all the nitty gritty, the dirty work, tackling; giving it simple and let the forward players go and excel. I'm happy enough to do that and so far it's stood me in good stead. It has helped the lads in the last couple of games.

"I had a setback with injury and I don't like missing games but I'm able to be back on the pitch and my experience helps," added Winchester who is nursing a hamstring injury.

"I've played a lot of games at all different types of levels so I can help the younger lads when they are going through bad patches or during bad spells in games."

When he's on the teamsheet Derry fans know what they're going to get from him and Winchester reckons it's 'the least you can do'.

"The fans pay their hard earned money to come and watch Derry City so the least you can do is give your all. When you do that they will appreciate you and you get your rewards: a new contract and more years at a club like Derry - a massive club.

"I believe there's real potential in this squad and the potential around the club and the plans are exciting."