​Nick Twisk: I already feel at home at Derry City

The 23 year-old defensive midfielder made an instant impression as a second half substitute on his Derry debut against CSKA Sofia last Thursday night in Bulgaria and in the return leg at Brandywell. He's settled in well on Foyleside since signing on the dotted line last weekend.

Derry Director of Football Mark Connolly worked around the clock to ensure the Netherlands underage international was registered in time for the Europa League first-round qualifier. While it was his first game in three months, he was delighted to make his European bow with his new club.

Twisk arrived with his girlfriend and young son to visit Derry ahead of the Drogheda United game at the end of June and despite interest from Kilmarnock and other Scottish and English suitors, the first impressions made by the club and the people of Derry sealed the deal.

"I visited about three weeks ago for the game against Drogheda," he explained. "I went with my agent and my girlfriend and the city was great, the people were great. So it was a very good first impression. That's why I chose to sign for Derry City," added Twisk who clocked up 73 appearances in the Dutch Second Division for their reserve team, Jong AZ, captaining them last season.

"That's very important. I have a little son and my girlfriend so every part has to be right. They are very important to me so it's very nice to have them around.

"People are very nice here. The players are good players but maybe even better people. It was very much a warm welcome for me. I already feel at home here," he smiled.

There was no settling in period, as he was thrown into the deep end with his new club as a sub at the Vasil Levski Stadium in the Bulgarian capital but he acquitted himself well and enjoyed the experience.

"It was my first game in three months so I was a little bit exhausted after the game but I think it went pretty well. I really enjoyed it and really enjoyed playing in Europe and to be with a team with a good fanbase. So it was really nice."

Of course he isn't totally up to speed in terms of his fitness but he reckons he's made 'big steps' in a short space of time.

"I think I'm making very big steps in very small moments. I'm obviously not in as good a shape as the other guys but with a bit of time I will be there and be able to play 90 minutes."

His knowledge of League of Ireland football admittedly isn't great but he expects to 'make a difference' in terms of Derry's ability to play the game the right way.

"In the Netherlands we play a lot of football. I don't know the [League of Ireland] very well but I know it's a very physical league and there's a lot of high balls and a lot of physical contact.

"But I think with my style of play, I can give the team more football and make the difference in that way."

An extended run in European competition and a cup run would be the perfect start to his Derry career.

"Every player wants to play in Europe and so hopefully we can get through the next round.

"Also in the cup I've heard it's very important for the people of Derry and the people in Ireland so we have to make sure we continue to the next round."

Twisk was Derry’s fourth summer signing and was followed in the door by Grimsby Town’s Darragh Burns – a marquee signing for the Candy Stripes.

He wasn’t available for last night’s Europa League qualifier against CSKA Sofia but is set to make his debut in the FAI Cup on Sunday.

Lynch hopes the club isn’t finished in the transfer market as he would like additional options in attacking positions.

"We did a little bit of crossing and finishing today and the quality that Darragh brings, he’s a really exciting player.

"One of the things I learned last year during my time here, is the fans want to be excited. They love the Mickey Duffys of this world who will get on the ball and run at people and get them off their seats. I think Darragh brings you that. “I would like another top winger in the building and another two top strikers in the building. I've been fortunate to have a little bit of success previously and it's all built on squads, healthy competition, and players knowing that when they come in every single day they have to be at their very best. “We have to get ourselves to the stage where you should be allowed one bad game playing for Derry but you shouldn’t be allowed two. That will start to bring us success.” “As long as you look over your shoulder and someone is breathing down your neck it keeps you on your toes.”

"I know we're not there but as you look at the signings I think we're getting closer to it.”