Ferry docks back in Derry City

Regarded as a cult hero among the Derry City faithful despite his lack of appearances for the club, goalkeeper Eugene Ferry has returned to the Brandywell for his second spell with the club.

Ferry, affectionately known in Derry as ‘Studs’, has signed a contract with Declan Devine’s side to keep him at the Brandywell until the end of the season, along with returning striker David McDaid and former Aberdeen defender Dean Jarvis.

Speaking to extratime.ie, Ferry, a lifelong City fan, expressed his delight at securing a return to the club.

“To be honest, I’m absolutely delighted and I love being back. At the start of the season, I felt I needed a break from football and I decided to take some time away from it. I was fed up, but the longer I was away, the more I missed it”, he said.

The 24 year-old had spent time with Sunderland RCA whilst living with former team-mate and close friend, Sunderland star, James McClean, in England. But he was delighted to re-join the Candystripes for the crucial second half of the season.

Ferry will link up again with Gerard Doherty, and he admits having Doherty as his mentor puts him in a position to learn from the best.

“Gerard is probably the best goalkeeper in the country, and being able to train with him on a regular basis lets me learn things all the time. I try to take on board everything that he passes on to me, and I think he helps me improve the aspects of my game that need a bit of work.”

Returning to a club full of local talent, Ferry is no stranger to the ethos of Derry City in improving players and working with youngsters, something that has been apparent in squads for the last number of years. He also feels that the local nature of the team is imperative, as well as competition for places, going into the business end of the season.

“Obviously, myself and Davy (McDaid) have been with Derry before so we know what the club is all about. Dean (Jarvis) is from the Brandywell area too, so it will take him no time adjusting to the pressures involved with playing for the club.

“It’s good because the young, local players will be hungry to play for the club, and that will only add competition for places and a good spirit in the dressing room. It’s going to be a big run-in for us this season, and this competition can only be good for the squad. Hopefully, it’ll let us kick on”, he said.