Ben Doherty swaps Larne for Derry City

Derry City have announced the signing of midfielder Ben Doherty on a three-year deal from Danske Bank Premiership side Larne.

This is Doherty’s second spell at the Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium, having previously played 59 times for the Candystripes back in 2018.

He left Derry City to go on loan to Glenavon in August 2018 before having a spell with Coleraine and then signing for Larne in July 2021.

Larne manager Tiernan Lynch was full of praise for the departing Doherty, saying he would not have moved on had it not been his hometown club Derry City who came in for him.

“I have nothing but praise for Ben, he has been a top professional during his time at the club,” said Lynch

He added: “The lure of re-joining his home town club was a strong pull for him and one we can understand, especially given the travelling which he has done over the last year and a half.”

The deal between the two clubs also sees Derry City players Joe Thomson and Michael Glynn heading in the opposite direction to Inver Park.

Larne have also recently snapped up the services of former Finn Harps hitman BJ Banda from Ballinamallard United.

When speaking to the Derry City media team, Doherty said: “I really enjoyed my time at Larne FC and want to thank the club and their supporters for making me so welcome.

“Ruaidhri is building something really special here and the whole city is getting behind the club.

“I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Derry City manager Ruadhri Higgins was delighted to bring Doherty back to the Brandywell and he also said: “He’s also in exceptional condition physically and that’s a credit to the hard work he is putting in.

“Ben joins a list of players like Michael Duffy, Shane and Patrick McEleney and Ciaron Harkin who went away and then came back to the club as better players.

“He is very versatile and is a fantastic asset for Derry City.”