Fenlon wastes no time in new role

Pat Fenlon's highly publicised switch to Derry City was cemented yesterday at a press conference on Foyleside. The 37-year-old Dubliner, who led Shelbourne to three Premier Division titles over the last four years, is sure to be tested by Derry's large demanding support.

Having signed a three-year, full-time contract with the Candy Stripes, Fenlon fashioned great laughter when asked if he expected to be cheered onto the Brandywell for his first match in charge. "I've never been cheered at the Brandywell!" he quipped before confirming that his work for the northern club had already started.

Indeed, Fenlon confirmed that he'd already started work on attracting a new goalkeeper to his new club following the defection of David Forde to Cardiff City last week. "Derry have a senior goalkeeper, but he's currently out of contract so it's important that I speak to him and the six other players to find out where they stand," he said.

"That's the immediate priority and I expect to do that over the next 24 hours." He also admitted having spoken to the Derry board of directors in relation to bringing other players to the club but until the out-of-contract personnel had been spoken to, nothing would materialise on that front.

On his return to the north, having represented Linfield during the late 1990s, Fenlon refused to be drawn into any controversy regarding his previous club.

"Shelbourne's difficulties have been well documented and I think I've done as much as I could do at Tolka Park," he claimed.

"For me, it was time to move on and when the opportunity to manage Derry City was put to me, I viewed that as a great personal challenge.

"I've moved to a club which boasts huge potential. Derry have enjoyed two fantastic seasons under Stephen (Kenny) and it's my intention to try and win the league immediately.

"I've always had the same intentions at Tolka Park and while that objective was not always possible, I managed to win three titles over the past four years, therefore, my move to Derry will not see that change.

"The Derry team has developed nicely with a good quality young squad combined with a good blend of senior players. The squad reached very high standards over the season just past and that was there for everbody to see," maintained Fenlon.

Claiming that he had retained a very hungry appetite for success the former midfielder will relocate to Derry almost immediately with his wife and two children following him north next year. And he admitted that it was a big move for his family to relocate to the northern city.

"It's big move for my family, but I've spent time at Linfield in the past and I've no doubt I will settle in Derry," said Fenlon.

"The challenge of managing another big club appeals to me and the fact that the Derry fan base is increasing all the time is another plus factor.

"The club has always been very ambitious and, thankfully, the Board of Directors see me as the man to lead them forward," concluded the Dubliner.

Derry City chairman Hugh McDaid was clearly delighted to have signed Fenlon and he said his board would do everything in its power to assist the new boss, both on and off the park.

"We received a significant response once the manager's job became available but, from the point of view of the board, there was only one man we wanted to succeed Stephen Kenny and I'm delighted that he's sitting here beside me answering your questions," declared the Derry chairman.

"Derry City Football Club wants to achieve. We believe we have put the proper structures in place and it's vital that we continue to operate in the right way.

"We believe that the appointment of Pat Fenlon will help us achieve our aims and, of course, relieve the current pressure which has existed at board level," he laughed.