Advertisement
Patterson during the 2014 FAI Cup final. Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Parting ways

'I didn't want to go into pre-season not knowing where I'd end it' - Patterson quits Derry

One of the Premier Division’s best goalscorers is a free agent after cutting ties with the Candystripes.

RORY PATTERSON HAS announced his departure from Derry City.

The 30-year-old striker, who has been with the Candystripes since joining from Plymouth Argyle in 2012, scored 61 goals in 92 appearances — including two in the 2012 FAI Cup final win over St Patrick’s Athletic.

Capped five times at international level for Northern Ireland, Patterson was recently put on the transfer list as the club look to cut their wage bill. However, he has decided to part company with the Foylesiders instead of heading into a pre-season of uncertainty.

“Thought I would get this out before the journos made their own take on things,” Patterson said in a statement released on Twitter. “I’ve just come to an agreement to cancel my contract.

“Due to the situation the club finds itself in, I felt it was in my own and the club’s best interest that I ended things as I didn’t want to be going into a new pre-season not knowing where I’d finish it.

And after all the speculation over the past few months of where I’ll be playing, almost all of which were lies, I can now sit back in peace and decide for myself what to do next.

“I would like to thank Sean Barrett for all he has done for me in the past three years. I’d also like to thanks Pearce Lafferety and Mickey Hegarty as well. I’ve met some good lads along the way — they know who they are.

“And lastly for those who suppoerted me through the good and bad times, you also know who you are. Really appreciate it.”

Rory Patterson with the FAI Cup Patterson with the FAI Cup trophy in 2012. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

A short statement on the club’s official site read: “Derry City FC would like to thank Rory Patterson for his commitment and service during his time with the club. As a club we would also like to wish him well in his future whatever he decides to do.”

They may have been relegated, but UCD are on course to qualify for the Europa League

Marvel comics artist picks his Ireland XI for new mural on show in Cork city centre

Your Voice
Readers Comments
1
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.