Mcbride's Top Five

WHEN it comes to Derry City, the number five will always be associated with Ryan McBride.

- Orlagh Mullan

There are countless memories and tales of Ryan that could be retold about his time in the ‘Candy Stripes’, but it seems only fitting to look back over his top five moments in a City shirt.

From his first game to his last, Ryan showed an unwavering level of commitment and passion, and a result of that is incredible memories for Derry fans and people alike to look back on.

HIS DEBUT

In 2011, Ryan was a local boy who had, like many, dreamed of the bright lights of the Brandywell Stadium, but never knew if it would become a reality. After all, most players who pulled on the jersey either came through a traditional transfer or through the youth system of the club.

At this point the 21-yearold centre-half was enjoying playing local football with his Brandywell teams when Stephen Kenny came knocking. For a while, he dutifully took his place on the substitute bench, patiently waiting for his opportunity to live out his Derry City dream.

On May 20 2011, Ryan rose from the bench to make his first appearance in a team that included James McClean, Daniel Lafferty and Stephen McLaughlin. Two months later against Shamrock Rovers, manager Kenny handed Ryan a starting place in a televised game, and kickstarted the career of one of the greatest of all time.

Kenny now tells a famous tale that Reading manager Brian McDermott came to watch McClean in that game, but afterwards said “We’re not going to sign James, but we’re interested in signing Ryan.” Within a matter of weeks, the eventual captain had won two man-of-the-match awards and penned a new deal – a sign of things to come.

SILVERWARE