Goalkeeper Maher ready for another big season at Derry

Goalkeeper Brian Maher insisted if the likes of Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic and Co take Derry City lightly next season, then that’s their choice.

The 24-year-old, who signed a two-year-deal with the Brandywell men, acknowledges that last season wasn’t good enough, but he’s excited about the future under Tiernan Lynch’s stewardship.

“If they want to, that's fine,” he insisted. “We didn’t listen too much when people thought we were the favourites for the league and we won’t be listening to outside noise again.

“It’s about what’s inside the changing room and we can only control what we do, so we’ll just see where it takes us and I suppose we’ll re-evaluate half-way through the season and see where we’re at.”

The Dubliner, who has made over 120 appearances for the Foylesiders, knows it’s going to be another big year for the club and listening to Lynch’s ideas was a big factor for him remaining at the club and continuing to gain more valuable first team experience and also getting the chance to continue to work with goalkeeping coach Michael Dougherty.

“It’s hard to put my finger on one thing, I think it’s no secret that everyone knows that I like it in Derry.

“I had really good discussions with the manager and you know he swayed my decision a little bit I suppose, he probably turned me back a little bit and I was just excited with what he said.

“We just talked about his plans, what he’s going to put in place in terms of the day-to-day stuff and it sounds like it’s going to be a proper professional environment and just other things that needed to be done.

“Hopefully we’ll have a base and the manager is talking about other things, which he seems he’s willing to do and those are the things that probably changed my mind a little bit in terms of deciding to come back.

“Also playing first team football, which has been so great for me here,” he stated. I’ve played probably 130 games for the club, well near or around that anyway and as I’ve always said I’ve always liked it here, it’s a great relationship with the fans and working with who I think is the best goalkeeping coach in the country and that was another big reason why I’m still here.

“Now it’s just about every player coming back from the off-season firing and raring to go and then let the manager do his part.

The City supporters turned out in their numbers to Maher’s meet and greet at the club’s merchandise shop in Foyleside last Thursday evening and he admitted he was shocked by the turnout.

Derry City players spending time with young fans during the club’s annual Christmas visit to the Children’s Ward at Altnagelvin Hospital. Picture by Event Images. 

“There were a fair few fans there for a few hours on Thursday night, but it was nice to see,” he added.

“We know as a team the following we have so it’s nice as well to give a little bit back I suppose.”

“It’s going to be another big season for us but I think at the moment it's just about getting everybody fit and obviously the new manager is trying to assemble the squad,” he explained.

“Look, all we can do is focus on ourselves and make sure we’re in the best place that we can be at the start of the season.”