Madden expecting Derry title challenge

Simon Madden has admitted the lure of challenging for trophies made his mind up in opting to sign a one-year deal with Derry City for the 2012 Premier Division season.

"It's a great challenge ahead for me", Madden told Drive105. "Derry will be challenging at the top end of the league which every player wants to be involved in. I think they can push on this year and go for a title and win other cups."

Madden confirmed that he had also spoken to former Derry City manager Stephen Kenny about joing the club while Kenny was in charge.

After Kenny's move to Shamrock Rovers, new City boss Declan Devine was still keep on the defender and moved to secure his services. Madden was also part of the PFAI side that played against a Bohemians XI last month with other out of contract players.

Madden started his career across the water with Leeds United who he joined as a trainee in 2004 before becoming a professional two years later. In April 2008 Madden had an unsuccessful trial with Cheltenham Town, and was released from his contract with Leeds a few days later.

Soon afterwards he put pen to paper on a deal with Shamrock Rovers and made his Hoops debut in a 1-1 draw at Saint Patrick’s Athletic on 21 July 2008. 

He was released by Rovers at the end of 2009 but followed ex-teammate Tadhg Purcell to Darlington in January 2010 when he was signed by Steve Staunton. He made his bow in a 3-0 defeat by Crewe Alexandra, and a poor season for the club ended with them being relegated from the Football League as they finished at the foot of League Two. 

Madden was released along with 13 other Darlington players and in July 2010 he signed for Ian Foster at Dundalk. He made 15 league appearances over the latter half of  2010 and was ever-present in 2011, also captaining the side as Dundalk finished seventh in the Premier Division.