Patterson finalises move to Derry City
DERRY BOUND: Rory Patterson
RORY Patterson has ended his loan spell with Linfield after signing a three-year contract with Derry City.
Patterson joined the Blues on a season-long deal last summer from Plymouth Argyle.
But with five months remaining on his Windsor Park term the Northern Ireland striker has made the move to League of Ireland outfit Derry.
Last night Linfield manager David Jeffrey aired his “deep disappointment” at losing the former Coleraine star – who scored nine goals in 22 appearances for the champions this season.
“I fully understand Rory’s position and his reasoning. Given the contract he was offered and taking into account the sheer practicalities of a lot less travelling, it probably makes sense from Rory’s point of view to sign for a team closer to his home,” Jeffrey said.
“He leaves with our full support and our best wishes. Throughout this process, he has been most professional, open and honest.
“He has conducted himself in an exemplary manner.”
Patterson added: “It was a hard call today having to ring David Jeffrey to tell him that I’d decided to ask if I could be allowed to join Derry.
“I tried to make the call a few times before I finally found the strength to make the call.”
p COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney has agreed a new three-and-a-half-year deal with the Showgrounds club.
Kearney – who replaced David Platt in February last year – has guided the club to the final of the IRN-BRU League Cup this season and cemented their place in the top six in the Carling Premiership.
“I am delighted to have agreed the deal,” he said.
“I joined the club with a lot to prove, and in many respects I still do. But we are heading in the right direction.
“I have a great team behind me and I am loving every minute. I am close to Coleraine so I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
p LOCAL FOOTBALL ON P60-61
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
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