Derry City sign midfielder Rory Hale from Galway United

Derry City have captured the signature of midfielder Rory Hale from Galway United on an initial year-long deal.

News of Hale’s signing somewhat softens the blow of losing Barry McNamee to Cork City earlier this week and the return of player of the season Nicky Low to Dundee.

Hale, whose grandfather also played for the Candystripes, signed for Aston Villa when he was 16 and spent four years at the club before being released last summer.

He has represented Northern Ireland up until under-19 level when he decided to make the switch over to the Republic of Ireland.

The youngster cited manager Kenny Shiel’s enthusiasm to bring him in as a major factor in him signing up.

“I met with Kenny last weekend,” he told Drive 105.

“He was very, very keen on signing me. I like a manager who’s very keen on me and wants me in the team. I’m a young player and he’s been playing young players all last season.

“So that was a big boost for me. A manager who’s going to give me confidence and let me play my game is a big factor for me joining Derry.”

James McClean, another former Derry star, also had a bearing on Hale’s decision to come to the League of Ireland when he offered some sage-like advice while Hale was on trial at West Brom.

“At the time I didn’t really have much options from the League of Ireland but when I did have a chat with him it was: jJust get out and wherever you go, it doesn’t matter if it’s League One, League Two or the League of Ireland as long as you’re playing first team football and you’re playing well’.”

That led to Hale signing for Galway United on loan for the tail end of last season, an experience he feels has been of great benefit.

“I only played ten games but in those ten games I learnt a lot. It was a lot more technical than I thought it was. I didn’t think I would have hit the ground running as quick as I did.

He acknowledges the competitive nature of the league and feels that he can make a valuable contribution to Derry right away next season.

“I’m going to offer energy in the team. I can chip in with goals and assists. My energy all around the pitch will benefit the team.”