Eugene Ferry at the Brandywell yesterday. Credit: INPHO/Donall Farmer
SUNDERLAND ARE SET to hire a former team-mate and close friend of James McClean in order to keep him out of trouble.
The 23-year-old winger left his hometown club for the Black Cats 14 months ago in a deal worth €430,000 and has since become a regular fixture under Martin O’Neill.
He burst onto the scene last December and went on to score six goals — adding three more this term.
McClean, who switched allegiance to the Republic having played several times for Northern Ireland’s U21s, made his senior debut in February and also featured as a late substitute against Spain at Euro 2012.
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Despite his meteoric rise, the Mackems are believed to be concerned about the player, who flies back to Derry regularly due to homesickness.
McClean has also brought negative attention to himself with a couple of outspoken tweets over the past year.
In a bid to tackle the problem, they have invited Candystripes second-choice goalkeeper Eugene Ferry to make the switch to the north-east of England and move in with his mate.
Ferry has been close with McClean’s for a number of years and looks likely to link up with his former team-mate after meeting with Sunderland representatives earlier this week.
The role will not involve a playing contract, but as well as being a “minder” of sorts for McClean, college graduate Ferry will work at the club, although the job has not yet been specified.
I was over with him (McClean) recently and his agents called around,” Ferry told TheScore last night. “They asked me would I come over to Sunderland and try and settle him down. Then yesterday (Tuesday), I met a player liaison officer, who is going to help me to earn a few bob.”
All going according to plan, he will relocate within the next three weeks with his girlfriend possibly following suit. And Derry boss Declan Devine has given the player his blessing.
“That’s the sort of person he (Devine) is. He said I’ll wish you all the best and told me life is short so I should take the opportunity.”
Ferry added that while he has been frustrated at finding himself behind Ger Doherty, he believes the Derry No.1 is the best goalkeeper in the country and is looking forward to the FAI Cup final – although he will be watching from the bench.
James McClean in the green of Ireland. INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Meanwhile, Derry are confident of selling the 6,600 tickets they have been allocated for the meeting with St Patrick’s Athletic next Sunday (November 4).
“We’d like to think so,” said vice president Sean Barrett. “We’ve already filled 80 buses, which is 4,000, plus those who will drive to Dublin so we are quite confident.
“There has been a great buzz around the club the past few weeks.”
One thought from me,Liverpool are becoming a very good side and things are starting to shape up nicely for Rodgers…The club is going in the right direction
Playing well and not winning, as they’ve done twice this week, is not a good sign, playing poorly and winning is. Liverpool won’t be Champions league for 4/5 years yet. Average side with 1 or two good players.
United aren’t playing well at all, but its a sign of champions to still get the results. 9 points us a great lead and hopefully after the derby it’ll be 12. I’d love to see Everton get 4th if not 3rd, Moyes is a fantastic manager and is doing wonders with his small resources. Perfect end to the season will see Arsenal miss out on the Champions League
i hate it when you Cant even put up an argument to defend your team. only ever one team in the premier league can have the worst goal difference. doesnt take a genius to figure out where that Will leave you in the table?? the honey monster in a wheelchair would be an improvement. desperate times desperate measures!!! come on villa make doubting Thomas believe again!!
Are those the same pansys that are 9 points clear in the league. My god people latch on to peoples comments and dont let go. If you dupport your own team more than you try and put down united you will enjoy the whole football experience more. Try it…..
On a separate note Villas 3rd doal is one for goal of the season.
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Its Uniteds Title to lose.
Man United “Champions” elect !
One thought from me,Liverpool are becoming a very good side and things are starting to shape up nicely for Rodgers…The club is going in the right direction
indeed, was impressed by them today, shame they couldnt win
Playing well and not winning, as they’ve done twice this week, is not a good sign, playing poorly and winning is. Liverpool won’t be Champions league for 4/5 years yet. Average side with 1 or two good players.
United aren’t playing well at all, but its a sign of champions to still get the results. 9 points us a great lead and hopefully after the derby it’ll be 12. I’d love to see Everton get 4th if not 3rd, Moyes is a fantastic manager and is doing wonders with his small resources. Perfect end to the season will see Arsenal miss out on the Champions League
*9 points is a great lead
Bad season for villa, the championship beckons :(
i hate it when you Cant even put up an argument to defend your team. only ever one team in the premier league can have the worst goal difference. doesnt take a genius to figure out where that Will leave you in the table?? the honey monster in a wheelchair would be an improvement. desperate times desperate measures!!! come on villa make doubting Thomas believe again!!
Hey ba got a bad kick in the nose. He coulda been killed this week o no wait thats just pansy utd players that risk their lives every week..
Are those the same pansys that are 9 points clear in the league. My god people latch on to peoples comments and dont let go. If you dupport your own team more than you try and put down united you will enjoy the whole football experience more. Try it…..
On a separate note Villas 3rd doal is one for goal of the season.
*if you support
Chelsea Liverpool fu**ed up my football coupon my only thoughts :(