STRIKER Rory Patterson has returned to Derry City after spending a year away from the club.
The ex-Northern Ireland international has signed a one-year deal with the Candystripes and boss Kenny Shiels believes the Strabane man is exactly what he has been looking for since his appointment a few months ago.
Shiels, who made his first two signings of the season last week with Jordan Allan and Harry Monaghan both joining, feels Patterson's knowledge of the league will boost his side: "Rory adds experience and know-how and hopefully goals," he said.
"He's only 31, so there's plenty of life in him yet. He really loves Derry City and he wants to play for them. All of our meetings were positive. We're starting to put the squad together, but we've lost so many players. We lost three big hitters in [Patrick] McEleney, [Mark] Timlin and [Philip] Lowry and you can't lose that quality without replacing it. We still have more work to do. We're hopeful of getting one more in over Christmas, but we'll see how that goes."
Shiels also believes that the ex-Linfield front man Patterson's standards will rub off on his team-mates and anything which may have gone on in the past should stay there: "The dynamic of the team is vital and we meet that spirit," he added.
"Rory is a good trainer and he works hard and he sets standards. We have to step up to the plate. I like players who set standards and place demands on themselves and I'm confident we can manage all the players at the club.
"We spoke about everything and we focused more on what he can bring to the table. I don't think it's fair to go over old stuff. It's a new chapter for Rory at a club that he's familiar with. He brings a different dynamic to what we have. The team comes first for everyone. We need that togetherness and the correct chemistry in the squad."
