Molloy declines a return to Derry City

Barry Molloy will not be returning to Derry City.

The former City captain (pictured), who left Crusaders in December, is instead seriously considering complete retirement from the game.

The prospect of the midfielder returning to the club he spent a decade with has been a key topic of discussion amongst Derry City fans in recent weeks, and with Kenny Shiels bringing former favourites Rory Patterson and Gareth McGlynn back to the club, it seemed a move was on the cards.

Molloy was even invited to train with the club in a bid to prove his fitness to Shiels, and the midfielder succeeded, with the City boss offering Molloy a contract to return to his home town club.

However, it is understood while Molloy was delighted to receive the offer, it was ultimately not one he could accept, and he informed Shiels of his decision on Wednesday.

Instead, the 32-year old is now seriously considering bringing his career to an end, although a move to Institute could yet tempt him, with former team mate Kevin Deery, now manager of the Drumahoe club, a known admirer.