Patrick McEleney linked with sensational Derry City return
The veteran playmaker joined Ballymena United after Derry City's FAI Cup final but local reports suggest he could be returning to the Brandywell in a coaching role
Patrick McEleney has been linked for a quick-fire return to Derry City as Tiernan Lynch's assistant manager - less than a month after he departed the club for a second time.
McEleney, 32, joined NIFL Premiership club Ballymena United in the aftermath of Derry's FAI Cup final loss to Drogheda United. However it is reported locally that the skilful midfielder, who skippered the Foylesiders in the Cup final, is poised to return to the Brandywell in a coaching role.
McEleney is keen to start working as a coach and a return to Derry would facilitate such a move. He has made over 300 appearances for the club over two spells. Away from the Brandywell he has won the Premier Division twice with Dundalk.
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It would represent a coup for new City boss Lynch to bring the playmaker back into the fold but it is also understood that Ballymena United want to hold onto McEleney.
Ballymena boss Jim Ervin hailed McEleney's arrival at the Sky Blues last month, saying: “Signing a player of Patrick’s calibre is an incredible boost for the club. He is a top-class footballer, widely respected across the game.
"His experience and winning mentality will be invaluable as we continue our exciting project. I want to extend my thanks to everyone involved in making this transfer possible.”
The speculation follows confirmation that experienced Northern Ireland defender Shane Ferguson has joined the club, while goalkeeper Brian Maher and midfielder Adam O'Reilly have agreed contract extensions.
Lynch, who joined Derry from Larne as Ruaidhri Higgins' successor last month, is also rumoured to be bringing Andy Mitchell - Larne's technical director - to the club as a first team coach.
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