Derry City: Molloy relishing move to Crusaders

Midfielder Barry Molloy admits he’s looking forward to his new challenge at Crusaders.
Barry Molloy, is disappointed to be leaving the Brandywell, but cant wait to get started at Crusaders. Picture by Margaret McLaughlinBarry Molloy, is disappointed to be leaving the Brandywell, but cant wait to get started at Crusaders. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Barry Molloy, is disappointed to be leaving the Brandywell, but cant wait to get started at Crusaders. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

The former Derry City man has signed a two and a half year deal with Stephen Baxter’s side after rejecting a new contract at the Brandywell.

“It’s going to be an interesting move for myself and I’m excited to get started with them,” he stated.

““I’m looking forward to working under Stephen Baxter, a man who I have a lot of respect for and I’m going to be going into a team looking to challenge for the league title.

“Obviously, I’m not guaranteed a place but hopefully I can bring that wee bit of experience to help the side push up the league, towards the top two spots.”

Although Molloy has just celebrated 10 years with his home town club, he is already looking forward to getting back into action with the Shore Road men.

“I know I have just finished with the League of Ireland season with Derry, but things are starting to hot up in the Irish League in terms of the title race and the Irish Cup starting soon,” he added.

“I think Crusaders have done well in cup competitions already this year and I’m sure they’ll be looking to keep that run going.

“At the end of the day I’m signing for Crusaders because I feel they are a side who will be challenging for honours and I want to do what I have already achieved with Derry City and hopefully we can do that, even starting this season.”

The 31-year-old admits he’s disappointed about leaving the Candystripes but he does concede that it was a case of looking after himself and his family and accepting an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“To be honest I never really seen myself leaving the club,” stated Molloy.

“When you have spent 10 years with one club, especially your home town club and you have given everything and had a good relationship with everyone connected with the club, it’s difficult to leave.

“But I think it’s a good opportunity with what I’m being offered at Crusaders and the fact that I’m a wee bit older now and I can now get a wee bit more flexible with my work and stuff then I think the move will suit me.

“I also believe having less training and stuff like that will suit my body, so as I said I’m looking forward to getting started and I’m looking forward to this new challenge.

“Going to the Irish League is a new league for me and Crusaders is a new club for me to go and prove myself as well, which hopefully will be a good thing for me.”