There's no other club like Derry City in Ireland claims Brian Maher after agreeing new contract
Brian Maher paid tribute to the unique bond between Derry City and its fanbase after pledging his future to the club with a two year contract extension and stating: "there's no other club like this in Ireland!”
The announcement that the Raheny native would be staying capped an excellent week for the Candystripes who followed up Monday's 1-1 draw with champions Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght with a comfortable 2-0 homecoming victory over Drogheda United on the new £1.3m pitch at Brandywell, a victory that closed the gap on fifth placed Shelbourne to two points.
City's poor first half of the season has left them playing catch-up in the League of Ireland Premier Division but Maher, who joined the Candystripes in 2022 from Bray Wanderers, is closing in on a return to the starting 11 having been out with a broken bone in his wrist since February and his decision to commit to the club until 2028 represents a major boost for Tiernan Lynch and new Director or Football, Mark Connolly.
"The fans are a massive reason as to why I want to be here," revealed Maher who was named on the bench for Friday's game against Drogheda, "There is no club like it in this country, it's as simple as that.
"You walk around the town and it is Derry City tops everywhere. It's not Liverpool, it's not Man United, everybody loves Derry City. We need, as players, staff, Board... everybody; we need to build a team which is going to compete and that's another reason (for staying)... after speaking to Mark (Connolly) and seeing his plans.
"I'm over the moon. I have been speaking to the club for a while. Obviously I’ve been focusing more on getting back fit as well and it probably took a little bit of time but things have moved quite fast over the last week or so and I'm delighted to get it done."
The former Republic of Ireland U21 player has been a firm Brandywell favourite since joining the club under Ruaidhri Higgins and admitted it has been tough to be sidelined during what has proved a difficult season thus far for the club.
"(The fans) are massive; a massive reason why I'm staying," he added, "Even while you are injured you still see the support you have, people reaching out and stuff. And then you see the support every Friday night here (at Brandywell).
"The fans are the most important thing about this club so we need to make sure we keep that connection and build it stronger because for me it's a massive reason for staying. We have to start packing out the Brandywell again. We saw at the start of the year how good it was and it's up to us again to make sure we get the fans back in.
"We have got some serious players in that dressing room and it is hurting; what has gone on this year is hurting. Even as a player who has missed out through injury, it still hurts every week that you don't win so Friday night, back on the new pitch as well, it was a lovely start.
"Just to see the Brandywell back with grass and now being probably the best pitch in the league if you're being honest, that's what it is."
Welcoming Maher's decision, manager Tiernan Lynch described the extension as a superb piece of business for the club, adding he had no doubt that the 25-year-old would be ready to return to his rightful spot very soon.
“Everyone knows how highly we rate Brian and I’m delighted that he has agreed to put pen to paper," explained the Derry City boss.
“I’m on record as saying I believe he’s the top ‘keeper in the country and Derry fans will also be thrilled with this news given his massive popularity. There is plenty more to come from Brian and he’ll be a major part of this squad both this season and in years to come.