Ballymena Utd sign Derry City striker David Parkhouse

David Parkhouse is expected to play a key role for Derry City this season

Parkhouse has departed Derry City for Ballymena United Credit: Clare McCahill (ETPhotos)

NIFL Premiership side Ballymena United have announced the signing of Derry City’s David Parkhouse for an undisclosed fee.

The Northern Ireland Under 21 international has joined the Sky Blues on a three year deal pending international clearance.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be able to announce that we have signed David on a three year deal,” Ballymena manager David Jeffrey said, speaking to the club’s media team.

“Obviously he had time still left on his contract at Derry City, and also had plenty of other admirers, but he saw Ballymena United as an opportunity to play more regularly and a place that he will continue to learn and be well looked after in terms of his own career development.

“However, he is also fully aware of the principle of competition and that you have to earn a place in the team and continue to perform to keep that place.

His ability is reflected in being voted into the League of Ireland team of the year. He is a young man who is very hungry to do well for himself and now for Ballymena, and in the conversations that we had, it was how other players have progressed whilst being here which was a big attraction to him joining.”

The striker was in his second spell with the Candystripes this season, having spent a loan spell with the club in 2019, while contracted to Sheffield United, during which he scored 11 goals.

He has a full season ahead of him after his transfer with Ballymena getting their NIFL Premiership season underway in the coming weeks when they meet Warrenpoint Town on Saturday, 28 August.

    About Paul Corcoran

    Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile