Derry City FC in 'advanced talks' for new state-of-the-art training centre

1 year ago 527

A location for a new state of the art training facility for Derry City Football Club should be ready in "18 months to two years", the club's chief executive has said.

Sean Barrett, speaking at a press conference to announce a new contract for former St Pats midfielder Adam O'Reilly, said the Candystripes are in "advanced talks about building" the new centre.

He said it will be a "state-of-the-art facility" once completed, but admitted the "here and now" means the club is still seeking a temporary training base "right away".

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"We're speaking to several talks and we're in advanced talks about building, which is brilliant from our point of view," he told the Derry Journal.

"Obviously, we need something temporary until this happens - it's going to take 18 months to two years.

"It's going to be a state-of-the-art facility. It's going to have three pitches on it, floodlights, it's going to be 3G, it's going to have a gym, six changing rooms, areas up the stairs for eating, canteen facilities, ice baths, everything is going to be there.

"That's all very exciting but the here-and-now is we need something right away.

"From the start of next year we're going to have full-time catering. We have two or three options at the minute."

The club endured a disappointing end to the season when they came within a handful of matches of winning both the FAI League of Ireland and the FAI Cup, but fell short.

The club parted ways with manager Ruaidhrí Higgins and last month announced the appointment of 48-year-old Tiernan Lynch to the managerial hotseat at the Brandywell.

The new manager, who won back-to-back NIFL Premiership titles with the Inver Park side, has come in with "new ideas", according to chief executive Sean Barrett.

"Tiernan has come in with new ideas and we've bought into it big-time," he said.

"We all know what he's done at Larne. I went up to that facility about six or nine months ago and it blew me away to be perfectly honest with you."

He added: "You know, we need to be doing the same - and we will be doing the same."

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