Keeper Arlo Doherty pens long-term Derry City deal

Derry City goalkeeper Arlo Doherty is excited ahead of the 2025 season, after settling into life on Foyleside over the last few months.

The 21-year-old net-minder, who has been training with the first team squad and played for City’s U20’s in the summer, has signed a long term deal with the Brandywell men.

“I'm delighted everything is sorted out,” insisted Doherty. “Obviously I’ve been around the lads since September.

“I have gained experience and trained with the first team since then, so I’ve got to know everyone and I’ve got to know Derry, the city, itself and now come December/January that I’m ready for pre-season, so I can’t wait to get started.”

The former Leicester City youngster is ready for the challenges ahead at the Brandywell.

“I have a very good CV to my name,” he explained. “I started off my career at Norwich City, then moved to Man City and then left Leicester last season and I have had the honour of representing my country Ireland between U16 and U19, so hopefully with me being at Derry City now it will kick-start my career.

“A massive aim for me is to get into the Ireland U21 squad, so I’ve met a lot of people and worked with a lot of very good coaches at some top clubs, so I’m ready now to push myself even further.”

City’s goalkeeping coach Dougherty, who played a big role in bringing the ex-Ireland U19 international to the club, is pleased to strengthen the club’s goalkeeping department.

“I’m absolutely delighted to officially introduce Arlo, as the newest member of our first team goalkeeper group,” stated Dougherty. “Arlo is someone we identified midway through last season and after discussions we managed to get him here toward the back end of 2024 to spend some time with us as a group and a club.

“He’s been exceptional since he arrived, very quiet and unassuming off the pitch but brings a real quality and work ethic to improve on it.

“His goalkeeping education is impressive, previously with Norwich, Manchester City and Leicester City, three clubs that put a lot of development time into him and allowed him to kick start his international career with Ireland.

“He’s a young, talented and ambitious goalkeeper. And that’s exactly what we want here.

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“There’s been a spotlight around Derry City’s goalkeepers the past few years, mainly down to Brian Maher’s outstanding performances and also our young academy goalkeepers progressing into international football and transferring to English clubs.

“It’s something we are proud of, giving young goalkeepers the chance to progress. Arlo is now a big part of this project and we are delighted to have him.”