McBride and Foy sign on for Derry

Derry City have moved quickly to secure the signings of two of their most talented youngsters, with centre-back Ryan McBride and midfielder Raymond Foy both signing on for two more years.

Having seen right-back Simon Madden depart the club after two impressive seasons, the Candystripes’ board took it upon themselves to tie down McBride and Foy, and other members of this year’s squad are expected to follow this week.

McBride joined the club in 2010, having impressed then-manager Stephen Kenny whilst playing against Derry City, and since then, his no-nonsense style of play has earned admirers throughout the Irish game.

Speaking after agreeing terms on a two year deal, McBride was delighted to commit to the Brandywell side.

He said: “I am very happy to have re-signed, because I want to stay at the club for as long as possible.

“I think we had a good season because we managed to qualify for Europe, and finished fourth. Obviously we hit a bad patch during the season, but I think we showed a lot of character to get through that, and finish the season strongly.”

Having made his debut under Stephen Kenny, McBride is full of praise for the current Dundalk boss and former manager Declan Devine, for his rapid development. There is also a level of sympathy for the recently departed Devine, whom McBride won the FAI Cup under in 2012.

He said: “I think playing under Stephen and Declan has allowed me to learn so much more about the game. I think a lot of players will be disappointed to see Declan leave the club, because he is a great coach and manager, and loves the club, but that’s football. Things like that happen all the time.”

With the Brandywell side currently seeking a new manager, McBride hopes to play a key role in the new era as well as working at his game, regardless who takes over.

“All I want to do is keep playing and trying to get better every week and every match. Hopefully, we’ll be in a position to challenge for the title, and with a new manager coming in, I hope he can help teach me more about the game, as well as bringing in a few players to give all involved in the club a boost”, he said.

Donegal native Foy is another one of the club’s upcoming prospects, having impressed since joining the club from Finn Harps in 2010.

He said: “I’m very, very happy and privileged to have signed a two-year deal.

“Obviously I’ve had that year in and around the first team now, and I feel that it’s time to take the next step. Due to college commitments in the last year, I have not done a proper off-season or pre-season, so I feel that getting that this year will give me a good opportunity to get more game time and hopefully become a regular in the team”, he said.

Having been given his debut by Declan Devine, Foy was disappointed to see his former boss leave the club.

“Having won the Ulster Senior League with the reserve side, it was going to take a manager who believed in my ability and was willing to give me the opportunity to train and play with the first team, and Declan done that.

“From the minute I went in he was top class for me and has allowed me to progress my game massively. I think his willingness to play local, young players helped me and even in my first game being in the squad against Finn Harps, he had no problem with putting me in at the end and happily for me, it resulted in scoring the winning penalty”, he said.

Like McBride has done previously, Foy is likely to be competing with several experienced campaigners, including Ruaidhri Higgins, Barry Molloy and Kevin Deery, as well as starlet Barry McNamee, for a place in the City midfield, and this is something he is looking forward to.

“When you sign a contract with one of the biggest clubs in the league, it’s going to come with competition for places and especially in Derry, as the midfield is probably one of the strongest areas of the team and it will be up to myself to put in the work and prove that I can play in there”, he said.