Derry City continue to bring out the Christmas hits with the news that Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson has joined.
The 33-year-old, who has been without a club since leaving Championship men Rotherham United in May, has signed a one year deal and has an option of extending his stay with his home town club for another year.
Ferguson, who was capped 57 times and scored twice for the Green and White Army, is looking forward to plying his trade with the Candy Stripes.
“I’m 100 per cent looking forward to the challenge,” insisted Ferguson. “I’m really looking forward to the start of the season, I’m delighted to be back home and I just can’t wait for the season to get going.
“Getting a full pre-season behind me was one of the main reasons why I wanted to come home as well. Obviously now I can get a full pre-season under my belt and as I said I’m really looking forward to getting going.” The ex-Millwall winger admitted despite a number of phone calls with City boss Tiernan Lynch, he was sold on the idea of coming home after the first conversion.
“I didn’t need much persuading and once I spoke to Tiernan straight away and to get the chance to be home was massive,” he added.
“I think I spoke with Tiernan a good few times on the phone and the vision he has for the club and where he wants to take the club was exactly what I wanted to hear.” Having played at the highest level against some of the best players in the world the Eglinton native admits playing at the Brandywell is something that excites him.
“I can’t wait to play at the Brandywell, whenever the team is doing well there’s a buzz around the town and as I said I’m really looking forward to getting started.”