Michael Dougherty appointed Derry City FC's Head of Goalkeeping

Derry City continue to work behind the scenes in improving all aspects of the club and this week appointed Michael Dougherty in a new long-term goalkeeping role.

The Belfast native, who replaced Declan McIntyre as goalkeeping coach in 2022, will now oversee all goalkeeping matters at the Brandywell from the first team right down to all the academy net-minders.

Dougherty, who turned down overseas opportunities in the MLS, England and Saudi Arabia to remain with the Candy Stripes, has already started working in his new role.

“I want to make Derry City the place to be if you're a goalkeeper,” stated Dougherty.

“We already have a really exciting group of young goalkeepers at the club between under 14 and under 18. Local boys, die-hard Derry fans who dream of playing for the first team.

“I’ve no doubt the academy to pro pathway we have just implemented which includes a goalkeeper specific development and monitoring system will help them flourish and also show there’s a real opportunity of turning those dreams into a reality.

“I have been working really closely with our academy goalkeeper coaches Eugene Ferry, Aodhán Campbell and Tom McDermott and I can honestly say our academy goalkeepers are in the best hands.

“Those three guys are pivotal in this project and I couldn’t do this job without them. They deserve a massive amount of credit for the time, effort, energy and quality they bring daily as coaches and as people.”

The former Glentoran, Larne and Crusaders goalkeeper really has settled into life on Foyleside and believes things will continue to improve, especially on the goalkeeping front.

“I think it’s clear to everyone I love it here,” he conceded. “From day one, I realised I’m at a special club.

“When you have the trust of a top manager and the backing of the entire football staff to allow you to do your job it’s not like work at all.

“I’m a young coach, I’m ambitious, I want to be the best. But I do know that I'm also very, very lucky.

“Yes the days are long and the sacrifices are huge, but there’s a big prize at the end of it and I honestly wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world right now.”

During pre-season academy graduates Conal McDermott and Dara McCauley have tasted playing in Ruaidhrí Higgins' first team and Dougherty believes Brian Maher and Tadgh Ryan will help them throughout the year.

“Both Conal and Dara have been implemented into first team sessions and both have already played first team minutes over pre-season,” he confirmed. “A fantastic achievement that both should be proud of, but that is only the beginning and shows all of our young goalkeepers at the club there is a pathway in place now from academy to first team.

“The keepers are fully focused and prepared. They give me everything they have day after day. I can’t ask for anything more than that.

“I have a fantastic relationship with them off the field and that makes this job even more fulfilling.

“They are an unbelievable group to work with and make coming into work every day a pleasure.

“Brian Maher loves it here, I think that’s clear given his performances in a Derry jersey and his connection with the fans. He is completely focussed on the challenge ahead.

“Brian quite rightly got a lot of accolades for his stand-out performances last season, but I know if you ask him, he will tell you how instrumental Tadgh Ryan was throughout the campaign. Tadgh has an exceptional work ethic and natural talent.

“Tadgh made one appearance last season and he conducted himself every day like he has been a number one here for years.

“What an example to any young goalkeeper at the club to have two senior pros like Brian and Tadgh as role models.”

Only a few weeks ago, Dougherty, who worked alongside former City boss Declan Devine at Northern Ireland underage international level, used all his knowledge and contacts in City's recent recruit Evan Ovendale.

The Welsh teenager joined the Foylesiders a few weeks ago and Dougherty is confident he’ll fit in perfectly.

“I have signed a really exciting prospect in young Evan who will bring a new dynamic and strengthen an already outstanding group,” he insisted.

“Getting your recruitment right isn’t easy, but I believe we have the right fit with Evan.

“He will be given time, but early signs are he’s already right at home and ready to push the boys.”