Barry McNamee has made a return to Derry City on a one-year contract, the Brandywell club confirmed on Monday.
The 26-year-old spent last season at 2017 double winners Cork City following a switch from the Candy Stripes.
The moves puts an end to weeks of speculation with Premier Division sides’ Finn Harps and Sligo Rovers understood to have taken an interest in signing the player.
McNamee made his breakthrough for Derry in 2011, having developed in the club’s underage set up and in 2012 became a regular starter and picked up his first goal in the cup.
Declan Devine had taken charge of the club for the 2012 campaign and McNamee found plenty of opportunities under his stewardship. McNamee capped the campaign with his first medal, as part of the side that defeated St. Pat’s to win the FAI Cup that season.
Derry City boss Declan Devine with Barry McNamee on Monday
Speaking on McNamee’s return, Declan Devine said: “Barry McNamee ticks every box for every manager.
“He is a good person, he is an incredible central midfield player, he has got energy, he has got quality, he scores goals, he is a quality, quality player and I think any manager who wouldn’t be interested in signing Barry McNamee would be off their head to be honest.”
Barry McNamee
McNamee returns as very much the elder statesman of a City midfield which will feature both Greg Sloggett and Ciaron Harkin and his experience will be vital as City look to improve on 2017’s disappointing league campaign.
One of the men that McNamee will be battling with for a starting spot will be younger brother Shane McNamee.
Shane was on the scoresheet against Cockhill Celtic in City’s opening friendly on Friday night and was a regular on the bench last season.