Barry McNamee returns to Derry City following a year out with Cork
Credit: John-Paul McGinley (ETPhotos)
Derry City have tempted playmaker Barry McNamee back to the Brandywell after a year away with 2017 Premier Division champions Cork City.
The 26-year-old Ramelton native made 33 league appearances for the Rebel Army as John Caulfield’s men finished a distant second to eventual champions Dundalk.
McNamee’s final appearance for City came in the 2-1 FAI Cup Final defeat to the Lilywhites as John Caulfield sprung the creative midfielder from the bench in the 67th minute in search of an equaliser.
McNamee made his debut in 2011 for Derry after rising through the club’s youth ranks, McNamee saw more opportunities present themselves for him in 2012 under the stewardship of Declan Devine.
On his departure, McNamee made over 160 appearances for the club under three different managers with almost 30 goals to his name at the club.
“Barry McNamee ticks every box for every manager,” Devine told the club’s official website.
“He is a good person. He is an incredible central midfield player. He has got energy. He has got quality. He scores goals.
“He is a quality, quality player and I think any manager who wouldn’t be interested in signing Barry McNamee would be off their head, to be honest.”
McNamee’s return will give the Candystripes a fine balance of experience and youth in the engine room with Ciaron Harkin and Greg Sloggett joining recently from Coleraine and UCD respectively.
