The new Derry City manager Declan Devine says he would ‘love’ to have Barry McNamee back in the Candystripes next season.
Cork City boss John Caulfield announced in recent days that McNamee will leave Leeside after a year at the club.
Devine – who gave McNamee his breakthrough at Derry in 2012 – has confirmed that he has already met with the Ramelton man, who he wants back on board at the Brandywell.
“I love Barry, I love him as a person,” Devine said.
Caulfield indicated that he expected McNamee to join a club ‘closer to home’ and Devine has wasted no time in sitting down with the attacker.
McNamee featured over 150 times for Derry before joining Cork last year.
Devine – who was unveiled as the new Derry manager last evening – is a big admirer.
Declan Devine is unveiled as the Derry City manager. Picture by Joe Boland, North West News Pix
The Creggan man is back for a second term as Derry boss.
He said: “It’s very early on in terms of players.
“We’re happy coming into the environment. We have to get the players that suit this football club and, more importantly, the players that want to play for this football club.
“It’s a huge challenge. You don’t expect anything less when you’re working with one of the top clubs on the island of Ireland.”
Tags: