DERRY CITY BOSS Kenny Shiels has identified Nathan Gartside as the club’s long-term number one after the young goalkeeper put pen-to-paper on a deal with the League of Ireland club.
The 20-year-old, who joined Watford’s academy in 2013, was released by the English outfit in June and had been training with Derry in recent weeks, before agreeing a deal up until 2020.
Gartside spent the second half of last season on loan at National League South side Chelmsford City but has limited first-team experience, and said he is ‘looking forward to playing football again as soon as possible’ after moving to Derry.
“I have been around the squad for the past few weeks and they’ve made me feel really welcome,” he commented.
The Northern Ireland ‘keeper will provide competition for Derry captain Ger Doherty, who turns 37 later this month, while Eric Grimes is also on the books at the Brandywell.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
