Ciaran Coll insists he is ‘excited’ for his fresh start at Derry City following his move from North-West rivals Finn Harps.
The 27-year-old, who made 270 appearances for the Ballybofey side, has made the move to the Brandywell after 10-years of service for Finn Harps.
The defender, who can play centre-back or left-back, played a huge role in Harps’ promotion charge last year, as Ollie Hogan’s side regained their status in Ireland’s top flight.
However, Coll’s decision to depart for the maiden city comes as a huge blow for Harps’ plans for 2019.
“I am very excited, it is full-time football and I couldn’t be happier to sign for the club,” Coll told Derry Daily.
“I am just very eager now to see who else is coming through the door after us.
“I am finished now, I am signed up, and I just want to see what else we can add to the squad, come together, and have a proper good go at it next season.”
The St Johnston man revealed that Declan Devine and his backroom staff of Kevin Deery, Paddy McCourt and Marty McCann played a ‘massive’ influence on his choice to leave Harps behind for a new test.
When asked why he left Finn Park, Coll revealed: “Well you have Declan Devine here, who contacted me personally, and then you have Paddy McCourt and Kevin Deery, who are both huge influences.
“They were massive, absolutely massive,” he added. “I sat down Declan (Devine) and he told me that Paddy (McCourt) gave him my number and everything.
“I actually played against Kevin (Deery) as well, so the experience and everything that they offer was huge.
“Everything just ticked the boxes for me,” he added. “It is a massive change, but it is what I wanted to do, for myself.”
Ciaran Coll was unveiled at the Brandywell on Wednesday afternoon. (Pic: North West Newspix)
“I am not getting any younger and I want to try and come in here and hopefully bring something to the table because it wasn’t a good season last year.
“As well with other lads, hopefully, we can move the club forward and improve from last season. It is unreal, it is some buzz for me at the minute.”
Unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Coll offers a wealth of experience for Derry City. A former captain of Finn Harps, he insists he is ready for the expectations that lie ahead on the Lone Moor Road.
“I haven’t actually played in the Premier (Divison) a long time, but when I have been up I have learned a lot,” Coll added.
“It is a massive step-up, but again I will give it a go and everyone will work as a team and give it a good go for next season.”
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