Greacen and McDaid leave Derry

Whilst Roddy Collins continues his search for potential Derry City recruits, two players that will not feature for the new boss are Stewart Greacen and David McDaid.

Greacen has returned to Scotland to sign for Stenhousemuir, who play in the Scottish League One, while McDaid has moved to Irish Premiership side, Coleraine FC.

Scottish defender Greacen joined the Candystripes in 2011 from Greenock Morton, and spent three seasons with the club, as well as a short spell at Glentoran during this period. After an excellent first season at the Brandywell, the 31 year-old’s form suffered as a result of persistent injuries, and he featured only intermittently for the club last season. Highly regarded within League of Ireland circles, the big Scot scored in Derry’s FAI Cup final win in 2012, as well as featuring in the EA Sports Cup winning side in 2011.

Striker McDaid had come up through the ranks at the Brandywell, and after spending half a season with English League Two side York City, he returned to Derry on a short-term contract. Having played over 80 games for the Candystripes, he will be best remembered for his goal against Trabzonspor in this year’s Europa League qualifier. He has put pen to paper with the Bannsiders, and manager Oran Kearney was understandably delighted with the acquisition.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Kearney said: “There's no doubt about it, this is as big a signing I've made since I've come to the club. David is a fantastic acquisition for us. He has a great pedigree, and will bring so much to us. I'm over the moon to have secured his signature.”

Greacen and McDaid now follow Paddy Kavanagh, Michael Rafter and Simon Madden out the door of the Brandywell while it has also been announced that Ruaidhri Higgins has not been offered a contract for 2014.