Boost for Derry as McEleneys sign on

Derry City's McEleney brothers, Shane and Patrick, have both signed new two-year contract extension at the Brandywell.

 

The highly-rated duo have committed to the Candystripes until the end of the 2015 season.

 

They are the first two players to be tied down as City boss Declan Devine begins a process that he hopes will see him hold onto a number of bright prospects at the club.

 

22-year old centre-back Shane has been on the City side since 2010 and has won rave reviews for his polished performances, with the recent European outings reportedly impressing opponents Trabzonspor.

 

20-year old brother Patrick was signed by Sunderland as a youth player, but in 2010 he was snapped up upon his return by then Derry manager Stephen Kenny and has been an integral part since.

 



Patrick has said to have attracted attention since from cross-channel clubs, including Sunderland, Newcastle and Celtic, but the penning of a new deal will mean Derry have greater clout should any come knocking.

 

Patrick, who recently played his 100th game for Derry, tweeted this afternoon:

 

The McEleneys decided last year to switch their international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to Norther Ireland.



 

For now, their aim is to steer Derry over the line in their quest for a first Premier Division title since 1997.

 

City have been a hotbed of late with Paddy McCourt, Niall McGinn, Conor Sammon, James McClean, Danny Lafferty and David McDaid all having been signed by clubs in England and Scotland.

 

The McEleneys, Barry McNamee and Michael Duffy are among the latest batch of prospects City are keen to keep at the club as Devine looks to the future.

 

“Nine of the 13 players involved in the game against UCD are under the age of 24 - that bodes well for the future of this great club if you ask me,” Devine said following last week's win over UCD.

 

“I made a few changes for the UCD game and fair play to all of the players they really got stuck in and deserved the win.

 

"Competition for places is rife here now and we need to make sure that continues."

 

City host Drogheda United at Brandywell tomorrow night.

 

Devine said: "Drogheda have been a menace to us. We don't have a good record against them."

    About Chris McNulty

    Chris McNulty is one of extratime's Northwest correspondents, covering Finn Harps and Derry City. Has worked as a sports writer with the Donegal News since 2007. View Full Profile