Additional funding for Brandywell Stadium redevelopment ‘100% guaranteed': McGuinness

Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Martin McGuinness has said he "can guarantee millions of pounds" in extra funding for the future redevelopment of Brandywell Stadium.

Mr McGuinness, the Deputy First Minister, said an announcement on funding for the second phase of redevelopment of the Lone Moor Road ground would be made early next year.

He was speaking after the signing of contracts for the first phase of the project which will see the grass pitch replaced with a synthetic surface, new stand, changing room and the relocation of the greyhound track to the adjacent Showgrounds.

Mr McGuinness told BBC Radio Foyle Derry City would qualify for more funding to finance the second phase of redevelopment through Stormont's Sub Regional Stadia Strategy.

He said: "I would expect an announcement early in the new year.

"It's not just Derry City, there are clubs like Glentoran and others in the Irish League very anxiously awaiting this."

Mr McGuinness said the funding was "100% guaranteed".

Photo shows Mr McGuinness with Mayor Alderman Hilary McClintock and Dominic Teague, from contractors McAleer and Teague, at the official signing of the contracts for the redevelopment of Brandywell Stadium.