Peter Cherrie 'shocked' at Derry City departures as club 'go local'

The 37 year-old goalkeeper announced his time on Foyleside had come to an end on social media at the weekend as he thanked everyone at the club for two enjoyable years he says he 'will never forget'.

Cherrie follows Ally Gilchrist, Gerardo Bruna, Walter Figueira, Ibrahim Meite and Conor Clifford who have all officially exited Brandywell Stadium over the past few days.

The Scotsman claims the decision was taken out of his hands as manager Declan Devine contacted him to explain why he wouldn't be offered a third term at the club as the Candy Stripes focus on building a team with a more local flavour.

After 58 appearances with Derry, Cherrie described the city as his 'home away from home' and has no ill feelings towards anyone at the club.

He understands the powers that be at Brandywell wish to take the club in a different direction and it's a decision he accepts.

"To be fair, it wasn't my decision," said the former City No.1. "I kind of heard rumours after the Sligo game (FAI Cup quarter-final) that the club might be going more local next year which is totally fine.

"The manager, Declan said he would be sitting down with the chairman over the next few days and would be in contact with people.

"I got a phone call a few days later to say that there wouldn't be a contract next year as they're looking to go more local. That's totally fine, there's no hard feelings at all, That's just football."

Would he have stayed had he been offered a new contract?

"Of course I would've stayed. I've always said if Declan wants me then all he has to do is pick up the phone and I'd go to speak to them.

"It's just unfortunate it's happened. I loved my time at Derry."

His wife, Justine was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) which affects the central nervous system in 2018 and Cherrie was bowled over by the support she received from everyone at Derry City over the past couple of years.

He's made many lasting friendships at the club which has made his departure a little harder to take.

"It's very frustrating," he added. "It was like a home away from home, it really was. My family loved it there. Everyone made my wife so very very welcome and helped in any way they could with the illness she has.

"Everybody was very understanding and that was great. It was a massive weight taken off my shoulders and I could focus on the football as I knew she was being taken care of.

"That's just the way it goes. It would've been nice to play in front of the fans one last time but you never know."

Does he believe there was a need for another dramatic overhaul at Derry after a bitterly disappointing season where the team narrowly avoided a relegation/promotion play-off on the final day?

"I was shocked to see a few of the names that have left, I was shocked to see them go," he admitted. "I didn't know anything about Gerardo (Bruna) or Ally (Gilchrist) until they wrote into our whatsapp group wishing all the best to the rest of the players.

"All of a sudden Ally signed for Shelbourne which is great for him. I don't know where Gerardo is going. I haven't spoken with him.

"There were a few people I was shocked to leave the club, the likes of Conor Clifford as well. It's going to be interesting.

"I would have liked to have maybe seen the club keep the same group of guys and have a proper crack at it next year.

"Hopefully without all the interruptions with Covid, things could get back to normal and it would've been nice to get a proper go at it.

"All the breaks and not being able to train and travel to games with training was just a mess.

It would be nice to have a normal season and who knows what would've happened."

A league title winner with Dundalk in 2014 Cherrie had genuine hopes Derry could've challenged the league's top sides this season until things took a downward turn.

"Of course we aimed high at the start of the season with the guys the club brought in. I don't see why we couldn't have challenged the top sides.

"Who knows what could've happened if the whole Covid situation didn't kick in but that's the way it was and there's no point in dwelling over it now. What happened happened."

Despite this set-back, Cherrie is determined to continue his career at the top level in Ireland. He believes he still has plenty to offer and is hopeful he can find a club soon.

"The only thought I've had is I'm going to keep playing regardless. I have had no contact from anybody yet but hopefully soon. I'll keep playing, it doesn't really bother me where.

"As long as I'm playing I'm not really bothered. People always go on about age but if your body's telling you to keep going then there's no reason why you can't.

"To be honest I feel great. Even now I haven't stopped. I'm in the gym everyday and doing some sort of exercise everyday I don't stop.

"I will continue to play as long as my body keeps going and as I say, I feel great."