Kenny Shiels disappointed with Dooley decision

Derry City can survive the loss of Stephen Dooley.

That is the view of Candy Stripes boss Kenny Shiels as he reacted to news that Dooley had opted to sign for rivals Cork City rather than extend his time at the Brandywell. The winger agreed terms with John Caulfield at the weekend and the move was announced on Cork City's official website this morning.

The news is an undoubted blow to Shiels for his preparations for the new season, but he insisted that the club would cope.

"We’ve lost Mark Timlin, we’ve lost Stephen Dooley, we’ve lost Philip Lowry and we’ve lost Patrick McEleney, who were four of our best players," he acknowledged. "It’s just something we have to deal with. We don’t want to be down about it. We know they are good players but we have to work with what we have and not complain. I would have loved to have kept Stephen. I think I could have worked with him and helped him and obviously I’m disappointed but the boy has made a decision and he has been very honest and truthful with me. He’s met me on three or four occasions and he’s done everything straight.

"I’ll try my best to replace him if I can. Who knows? I might replace him from within as we’ve got some good young players coming through so we’ll see what develops. This club has had to replace players before so we’ll try to do that like for like."