'I was so excited to be joining Derry City I couldn't sleep'

Pat Hoban admits that he was so excited at the thought of becoming a Derry City player that he couldn't sleep.

The 32-year-old has signed a two-year deal at the Brandywell and is looking forward to a brand new chapter in his career after years of success with Dundalk. 

"I was just delighted to get it done between the two clubs," he said. "It was obviously something that was going on there for a while, but I’m buzzing just to be here. I was so excited I couldn’t even sleep the night before, so I’m delighted to get it done and I’m delighted to be here."

Hoban has watched Derry City grow into title challengers in the past two years and he admitted he wanted to be a part of that under Ruaidhri Higgins. 

"I’ve seen what Ruaidhri has done over the last two years," he continued. "They finished second and won the FAI Cup as well so they have been building the whole time, and the quality in the squad is phenomenal and once I knew the gaffer wanted me, that’s why I’m here. I have played with the gaffer and he was involved with the coaching staff at my old club and that’s why I’m here, because of him."

Hoban has scored 11 times against Derry City over the years, and he is now looking forward to putting the ball in the net for his new club. 

"I had a good time playing against Derry over the years, not so much I’d say last year, but now I’m a Derry City football player and there’s nothing weird about it," he explained. "This is football and I’m here to win football matches and help win a league and I’m just absolutely delighted to be here. I have a lot of friends here already which will make everything easier too. I’ve played with the gaffer and I’m just delighted he brought me again so I can go and prove myself all over again."