Defender Cameron McJannet set to leave Derry City

Defender Cameron McJannet looks set to leave Derry City to join Grimsby Town.

It is believed that the 25-year-old, who has been at the club for the past four years, has informed manager Ruaidhri Higgins of his desire to leave to return to England and he will visit Blundell Park in the coming days to complete a medical and personal terms.

McJannet, who memorably scored two goals in the 2022 FAI Cup final victory against Shelbourne at the Aviva Stadium, was signed by Declan Devine in the summer of 2020, and has become a mainstay at the club ever since making his debut at Drogheda United in August, 2020.

Made vice-captain by Higgins last year, the versatile defender has played in a variety of roles over the past few seasons, in which he has made 142 appearances in all competitions. He has also chipped in with crucial goals along the way, scoring 11 in total.

McJannet has lost his starting position in recent weeks as the club prepares for life without him. He last started in the defeat to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght on May 20, but has made just two substitute appearances in the five league games since.

Grimsby Town, who finished in 21st place in League Two recently, just seven points above the automatic relegation places, are in prime place to sign the defender, whose contract at the Brandywell expires at the end of the current season. 

Speaking earlier this week ahead of tonight’s game against Bohemians, manager Higgins admitted that there could well be changes in his squad when the summer transfer window opens in July.

“It's a very difficult one to strengthen your squad and you have to look outside the box a wee bit,” he said. “There's nothing imminent that's for sure but you're always looking as a manager and as coaching staff it's our jobs we're always looking to try and improve the squad and if we can do that we'll do it. If we can't we know we've really good players here who are capable of winning a lot of matches.”

The City boss does think there will be a lot of transfer activity around the league this summer with managers such as Stephen Kenny, Alan Reynolds and Jon Daly looking to make their own mark on their new teams.

“I think it will be,” he stated. “I think certain clubs will sign quite a few. You would imagine when you come into a new club you want to bring in your players so you would imagine certain clubs will have a big enough turnover in the window.”