Martyn staying at Derry City

Derry City midfielder Ciaran Martyn is remaining at the Brandywell following an announcement by manager Gavin Dykes at a club meeting last night.

Martyn, who weighed in with six goals in a difficult last campaign, had signed a pre-contract agreement with 2003 champions Shelbourne two weeks ago, and boss Pat Fenlon was reiterating that fact only last Monday when asked to confirm Martyn’s transfer to Tolka Park.

Martyn would have been Fenlon’s third signing of the close season following the purchases of Shamrock Rovers striker Glen Fitzpatrick and midfielder Alan Cawley from UCD.

Martyn scored the goal in Derry’s 1-0 final day win over Waterford that saw them through to the promotion/relegation play-offs, and after hitting a stumbling block in relation to his career as an accountant last year, a move to a full-time Dublin club was being touted.

However, having returned from a UK scouting mission, Dykes confirmed that the Sligo-born player had in fact signed a new two-year deal with City on Tuesday.

"Ciaran was unhappy with us for a while last season but he turned things around with some displays in ensuring our stay in the Premier Division," explained Dykes.

"He has decided to stay on after considering the support and back-up he has received here in 2003. He’s a great asset to the club."

Second choice Derry keeper Wayne Russell, on loan from Kildare County, was not considered for a new contract this term following doubts over his fitness after injury.

Dykes also confirmed talks with ex-Manchester United midfielder Ben Thornley and wants to see the 28-year-old go through a medical before making any decisions.

Derry will return to training in mid-February with a week’s tour of Scotland expected.