DERRY City manager Tiernan Lynch believes new signings Gavin Whyte and Liam Boyce will excite the club’s fans.
Boyce, who has signed a two-year deal, will line up alongside his Northern Ireland international team-mate Whyte, who has penned a three-year contract.
Derry City’s business is expected to continue with former Dundalk and St Patrick’s Athletic midfielder Robbie Benson also close to joining.
Lynch, who took over as manager at the end of last season, is thrilled at the new acquisitions..
“It’s great to get another international footballer into the club and we’re delighted to have Liam at the Brandywell,” insisted Lynch.
“You only have to look at Liam’s record in England and Scotland over the last 10 years to see the quality that he brings. He’s a proven goalscorer and a great addition for us.
“I don’t think I need to say too much about the type of player Gavin is, given that nearly every club in the country was chasing his signature.
“The plans that we put in front of him about what we want to do and where we want to go probably excited him the most.
“He has played at the highest level and is the type of attacking player that gets people excited, which is what playing at the Brandywell is all about.
“Gavin gives you that in abundance and our supporters will no doubt be looking forward to seeing him at the club.”
The Brandywell men travel to Cork on Sunday for a week’s training camp and they will face Mick McDermott’s Cobh Ramblers on Monday night.
“We’re looking forward to our training camp next week and it’ll be an ideal opportunity for Liam and Gavin to get to know the rest of the boys ahead of the new season,” added the Derry boss.
Boyce, who has joined from Hearts is equally delighted by the prospect of playing for Lynch’s side.
“To be honest I think it’s the perfect time to come to Derry and I’ll get pre-season under my belt and that will be a nice wee top-up before the season starts,” explained Boyce.
“There were a few teams in the SPL who wanted me to come, but with my family situation I wanted to know where I was going to be and where I wanted to be.
“I’ve always said throughout my career I wanted to play where I’m wanted and Tiernan was the one that gave me that most and I feel more than welcome here and it was the best decision I could have made.
“I can’t wait to get going and I’m really excited to be getting into my new surroundings and get used to all the boys.”
Whyte conceded that, while talks with the Candystripes have been on-going for a number of weeks, linking up with Lynch again played a major role in his decision.
“It wasn’t a difficult decision to make. I’m just buzzing to get everything sorted and I’m looking forward to getting started,” insisted the 28-year-old.
“I know a load of the boys and they’ve been texting me for a few weeks, so that probably helped me make the decision and it was made even easier with Boycie also signing.
“I’ve known Tiernan for the last 10 years. He coached me for a few years at the academy, I know a lot about him, he’s a great coach and a good man, so it works well.”
Whyte is already looking forward to playing at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in front of the City supporters.
“Hopefully I’ll get the fans off their seats and I’ll be aiming to play as much as I can, but most importantly I’ll do everything to try and help the boys get the three points,” he added.
“I can’t wait to get started. I’ve been out of football for three or four months and I’m busting to get back at it. I can’t wait to go away with the lads for the training camp, which should be good.
“I’m glad I didn’t go anywhere mid-season, it’s good to get a pre-season under your belt, get sharp and get fit and get ready for the start of the season.”
