Northern exposure sees Cameron McJannet feeling right at home in Derry 

The Englishman has become a key member of the Candystripes set-up. 

Derry City’s Cameron McJannet celebrates his side's second goal of the game against Shamrock Rovers earlier this week. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Most imports from England use the League of Ireland as a springboard to return home but Cameron McJannet is now an adopted Derryman.

He’s unassuming enough to see the funny side of an Englishman being embraced on the Bogside of a city with a troubled past but his brace in the FAI Cup final victory of 2022 guaranteed that.

Cup success is one thing but ending their 27-year wait for the league title is what ranks as the motivation for City’s loyal fanbase.

Local billionaire Philip O’Doherty has injected a seven-figure sum into the playing budget both to recruit and, in McJannet’s case, retain their best talent.

He’d arrived from Stoke City in the midst of the first covid-19 lockdown and shown his defensive versatility to develop into a mainstay of a team that has taken an early initiative in the title race.

Only for the concession of a late equaliser at Shamrock Rovers on Monday night, they’d be top heading into tonight’s meeting with Waterford but they’ll tolerate second spot after four games.

“I’m over three years at Derry, everyone has made me feel so welcome and I’m not looking to go anywhere else,” says the 25-year-old, originally from Leighton Buzzard, near Milton Keynes.

“I didn’t know that was going to happen when I first came here and I'm subject to quite a bit of banter with the city's history.

“The football has been brilliant. You’re competing every week to be champions of the country, the FAI Cup final was one of the best experiences and I’ll have another experience in European competition this summer.” 

Inconsistency cost them mounting a real shot at dislodging Rovers last year but the additions of league winners Pat Hoban and Daniel Kelly from Dundalk have added nous.

“We only signed two players but they’re two great signings,” he said of the experienced duo.

“Pat has scored three goals already and Daniel has played his part, so we’re in a better position this year to challenge.” 

Next, they must overcome a familiar face. Alan Reynolds will flank Blues boss Keith Long in the Waterford dugout despite a welter of speculation in the off-season about him returning to Derry as the sidekick of Ruaidhrí Higgins.

“When Rennie was here for those few years, he was such a knowledgeable presence for us,” explained McJannet.

“He knew when to pick boys up and when to set standards. I look forward to seeing him.” 

Shelbourne are the side who’ve shot to the summit – a first since the heady days of 2006 – and Damien Duff’s side will be hosted by a Bohemians team that have a win, defeat and draw from their opening three matches.

“Shelbourne have had an outstanding start to the season and have already had some big wins,” noted Bohs boss Declan Devine, who has injury doubts over Paddy Kirk and Declan McDaid. 

“They have performed very well and have strengthened their squad very well as well.” 

Elsewhere, both St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk need a result but only one can get it from their meeting at Richmond Park, while Galway United aim to recover from Monday’s defeat against Shelbourne when they host Drogheda United.