Adam Frizell excited to prove himself at Derry City

Adam Frizzell has said his ambition to challenge himself at a higher level was the key reason behind his move to Derry City.

The 27-year-old ex-Airdrie captain has signed an 18-month contract at the Brandywell, and will be available for selection when the July transfer window opens, with his debut likely to come against Waterford at the Brandywell in just over a week’s time.

The midfielder scored 17 goals in 169 appearances during his four years at the Scottish Championship club but he is now keen to try something new, with the prospect of challenging for silverware and European football in a brand-new league the motivating factor behind his decision.

“I’m coming into what everyone says are your prime years,” he said. “I had some injuries when I was young and I’ve managed to stay injury free for four years now; I’ve played pretty much every game, so it was time for me to come and make the step up and I’m looking forward to seeing how I fare out.”

“I got a very small taste of (European football) at Kilmarnock when I was very young, when we actually went out in the first round to a Welsh team. That’s what you dream of when you’re young so it was a real selling point. Not only that, I don’t think I’m being disrespectful in saying that this is probably a step up in general. It’s a really tough league now, with a lot of good players in it, so it was time for me to come over and challenge myself and I’m looking forward to doing that.”

Frizell has watched his new team mates dig out two impressive wins in Dublin in recent days and he is hoping he can help continue that improvement to help make the second half of the season a memorable one for Derry City supporters.

“Hopefully, I’m coming in at the right time and I can help the boys push on,” he continued. “They’re obviously in good form now having won the last two, so hopefully we can keep that going and if and when I can get involved, hopefully I can have a positive impact. I’s a bit of a unique situation because the boys are mid-season, and I’m coming in off the off-season, so I have a week or so to get myself back to where I want to be in terms of match fitness, which is only going to come with game time, but I’m excited to get out there and pitch in and hopefully have a positive impact.”

Frizell will see some familiar faces in the City squad, having crossed paths with a few in his career, most notably captain Mark Connolly. Frizell also played alongside Derry-born striker Ben Wison at Airdrie last season, and admits he was encouraged to join the Brandywell side.

“I’ve had a few friends who have been here previously and they really talked it up, so I’m excited to get in and get a few sessions under my belt,” he explained.

“I’m quite good friends with Dom Thomas, so I’m passing him on the way out. Although he was leaving, he spoke very highly of the club. I’ve also played against the boys a couple of times, and Mark Connolly was actually my captain when I was coming through, so I know a few of the boys and it seems to be a really good group, so it’s exciting.”

Frizell will have to sit out tomorrow’s game against Drogheda United, but he is eager to get going as soon as possible, insisting anything can happen in the remaining months of the season.  

“When I first looked at the league table after agreeing to sign, Shamrock Rovers were well out in front, but you can see what happens if you get a couple of results going your way,” he stated. “If the boys can win their games in hand, hopefully I can come in and have a real push, so it will be an exciting end to the season and I’m looking forward to being involved.”

It is a brand new challenge for Frizzell on and off the pitch, having just got married, making his chapter of his life and career as important as it is exciting.

“When I spoke to the gaffer and I heard all about the club, it was a no-brainer for me,” he said. “You want to challenge yourself. The league has really improved over here in recent years I feel and it’s a really good standard here and I’m looking forward to coming here and challenging myself.”