Ben Doherty has bid farewell to Derry City ahead of his impending Coleraine return – saying he’s looking forward to “playing with a smile on my face”.

As reported by the Derry Journal, the News Letter’s sister title, Doherty is set to rejoin the Bannsiders as Ruaidhri Higgins’ latest star recruit.

The 29-year-old spent three years with Coleraine between 2018 and 2021, scoring 35 goals in 92 appearances across all competitions, before signing for Irish League rivals Larne.

Doherty played 59 times in the Premiership for the Inver Reds, netting nine goals, and won a Co Antrim Shield during his time at Inver Park.

placeholder image — Ben Doherty is set to rejoin Coleraine from Derry City. (Photo by INPHO/Brian Little)

The former Northern Ireland U21 international sealed a return to Derry City under Higgins in 2023 and was named in the PFAI Premier Division Team of the Year.

Injuries have limited Doherty’s involvement with the Candystripes in recent seasons – he made 11 league appearances last term and 11 again so far this campaign for Tiernan Lynch’s men – and is now set for an Irish League return.

Although Doherty’s Coleraine move has yet to be announced, the ex-Glenavon loanee confirmed his Brandywell departure on social media.

"After three years the time has come for me to leave Derry City,” he said. “As a local boy growing up supporting the club being given the chance to return to the club three-and-a half-years ago, I couldn't have imagined how it would go.

"From European runs, team of the year and playing in front of a packed Brandywell every week, I'll be forever grateful.

"After working so hard to come back from injury, the last six months without playing regularly haven't been easy.

“I want to thank the Derry fans for their support over the last three years, especially through the tough times both personally and on the pitch.

"Derry fans expect so much and the players want to deliver so badly for them and I hope sometime in the future that can be the case.

“I also want to thank all the players that I have played with in the last three years, some unbelievable memories made and I wish them all the best going forward.

“Thank you also to the chairman and the board for being so co-operative in allowing me to pursue the next chapter in my career. Looking forward to my next challenge and get back to training and playing with a smile on my face.”