Barry Molloy: 'I don't have any regrets over not going to Scotland'

Following a decade’s service at hometown club Derry City and two retirement announcements, Barry Molloy is currently on neighbours Finn Harps’ playing staff.

Speaking to Extratime.ie, the midfielder recounts his career to date.

Signing for Derby County in 1999, a teenage Molloy spent the next five years honing his skills in a professional environment.

“It was a great upbringing, starting at 15. It showed me what was needed to make it at that level.

“The full-time set-up has margins that are so small to make it into the first team and going on to make a name for yourself in England.

“I tried to keep that professionalism when I left Derby ... Looking after your body and keeping yourself fit.”

A loan spell the previous year at Drogheda United, preceded a permanent deal in 2004 for the young Derry native.

“I was lucky because after being told by Derby that they weren’t renewing my contract, I signed for Drogheda within a few days, so just went straight into it.

“Paul Doolin was very professional and wanted the club to go full-time and that suited me. They were a top side and of course, went on to win the league and a few cups.”

Despite enjoying life in Louth, Barry returned home, becoming one of the first recruits for new Derry City manager Stephen Kenny.

In 2006, Molloy could have followed Kenny to Dunfermline Athletic, but declined in a quest for glory closer to home.

“My reason for staying with Derry was to win the Premier Division with them. We were so close previously, but never got over the line.

“I don’t have any regrets about not going to Scotland, even though it was a good opportunity at the time.

“Stephen lost his job within three to four months, so it might have been a blessing in disguise. He returned to Derry about six or seven months later.”

2009 will go down as a dark year for the Candystripes. Not for footballing reasons, but monetary mismanagement.

“I went over to Bristol Rovers on trial because Derry were thrown out of the league because of financial reasons, so we were left in limbo.

“I was there for a few weeks, did quite well, but I wasn’t what they were looking for. They wanted a more attack-minded midfielder and I obviously, wasn’t that.”

Derry’s return to the topflight was swift, with Barry assisting in the club’s capture of the 2010 First Division title.

“It was huge and such a good achievement, as well. I don’t think people realise how tough it was for us because Cork were in the First Division for the same reason.

“You also had good Waterford and Monaghan teams. The major factor was keeping Stephen Kenny and experienced players at the club.

“We were probably deserving winners and kept a lot of players on the basis of going up.”

In Molloy’s decade at the Brandywell, he won seven domestic cups (two FAI Cups and five League of Ireland Cups).

His final appearance for Derry was a 0-2 reverse to St Patrick’s Athletic at the 2014 FAI Cup decider – ironically, the team defeated in both of the Foylesiders’ Blue Riband event successes.

“You never want to lose a major cup final – especially as captain.

“I had a great ten years at Derry and during my last game, I made a mistake for the second goal. It’s not a nice way to end my Derry career.”

Subsequent to that season, Barry was offered reduced terms by Derry, but still found it difficult leaving his hometown side after such a prolonged period.

“Pizza (Peter Hutton) got the job and wanted me to stay on as captain. The contract put forward wasn’t great – nearly half the wages that I was on before.

“I received better proposals elsewhere and for less commitment. I was working in another job as well, so it was more flexible.

“I didn’t want to leave Derry, but the deal Crusaders presented, made it easier for me.”

Joining the Belfast club in late 2014, Molloy spent a year at Seaview, winning the Irish League, but was also unfortunate with injuries.

“I really loved it, but too many injuries probably cost me a few years’ stay at Crusaders. I went to the manager (Stephen Baxter) and told him I didn’t want to be picking up wages if I wasn’t contributing.

“I know I could have done well up there and they were a good bunch of lads, also. The fans and everybody were great to me, but it just didn’t work out because of injuries.”

Barry decided to hang up his boots, but then penned a deal with Finn Harps for the 2016 campaign.

Another injury-plagued season ensued, leading to a second retirement announcement and change of heart, which sees the 33-year old turning out for the Ballybofey outfit again this year.

“Last season I missed about the first eight games. It was frustrating, as I was looking forward to getting stuck in and helping the team – especially as the first fixture was against Derry and there was a bit of a buzz.

“This year the injuries haven’t been too bad, in terms of continuity.”