Jennings Set To Sign For City

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Jennings Set To Sign For City Jan 30 2004

DERRY CITY are on the brink of bringing former Northern Ireland under-21 international, Pat Jennings - son of the Northern Ireland goalkeeping legend - to the Brandywell.

Jennings looks set to join new arrival, Ciaran Kelly, in the battle for the coveted number one spot at the Brandywell.'

Brandywell boss Gavin Dykes confirmed last night that the move was close to completion and that Jennings had only to "put pen to paper" to become a Derry City player.

"The deal is done with terms agreed, it's now just a matter of getting his name on the form," said the Sligo man.

"Pat is a very good goalkeeperwho has impressed me greatly.He did very well for UCD last year and I have to admit I've been chasing him for while now.

"With Ciaran Kelly coming in as well, there'll be good competition for the place and that is really good or the club," he added.

Dykes also acknowledged that goalkeeper, Alan Gough, is on his way out of the Brandywell and is currently "talking to another club".

Jennings, who joined UCD in January 2001 on a Sports Management Soccer Scholarship, also had stints in Britain with Tottenham, Wimbledon, and Cardiff City.

Meanwhile, as Dykes refused to comment on the possible move of St. Patrick's Athletic defender, Clive Delaney, to the Brandywell', the 'Journal' has been told that the move could be rubber-stamped as early as this evening.

According to a well-placed source, a number of "complications" have arose regarding Derry's discussions with the Dublin club over the towering defender.

It's understood that Derry City has made every effort to bring the towering centre half to the Brandywell and that the player is very interested in joining the 'Candy Stripes'.

The source said: "Derry are very keen to sign Delaney and he's very interested in playing for the club but, at the minute, things are very, very complicated."

And Dykes himself has made no secret of the fact that he is an ardent admirer of the 6' 6" former West Ham United defender who has a remarkable goal scoring record from set piece situations.

After being told this week that Portadown star striker, Vinny Arkins, is not for sale, the Sligo man is still trawling for a front man with premier league class to inspire the Derry attack next season.

Port's boss, Ronnie McFall, told Dykes that the Dubliner would "be going nowhere" and that he would be seeing out the remainder of the season at Shamrock Park.

"The irons are in the fire for a new striker but we must get it right . . . otherwise it could be a very costly mistake for us," he said.

Meanwhile, the 'Journal' last night learned of the possibility that Derry City Assistant Manager, Hugh Harkin, may be departing from the club.

The 'Journal' can reveal that Harkin, who joined the club as first team coach under Kevin Mahon, may leave the club as part of a restructuring of the back room set up by the Derry manager ahead of the new season.