Patrick McEleney quits Derry and joins Dundalk FC on two year deal
PATRICK McEleney has signed for Dundalk FC ending a five year relationship with Derry City.
The midfielder joins from the Candystripes after he failed to agree new terms with manager Kenny Shiels and the board.
He said that he was “basically being offered the same terms as last season” by the club.
Shiels hit back saying he didn’t think the move was right for McEleney but respected his decision.
His departure is being seen as a body blow for Derry as he was there best player last season.
McEleney spent his career to date at the Candystripes having made his debut under current Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny in 2010.
He was part of the victorious Derry City team which picked up the league of Ireland first division and went on to win the EA Sports Cup in 2011.
The 23 year-old was a key member of the team which won the FAI Cup against St. Patrick’s Athletic in 2012 at the AVIVA Stadium.
He has also European experience having lined out for the Candystripes in the Europa League during the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
He made a second FAI Cup final appearance in the same season however ended up on the losing side and in 2015 he played a pivotal role in Derry City preserving their Premier Division status.
The Derry native has put pen to paper and agreed to link up with Kenny and the current SSE Airtricity League champions on a two-year deal.