DEFENDER Mark Connolly admitted Ruaidhri Higgins's desire and commitment, made his mind up to sign for Derry City.
The 30-year-old, who signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Candystripes, met Higgins and assistant manager Alan Reynolds along with his wife Rosa in Scotland on Monday evening and after that the switch was completed very quickly.
Connolly, who shone while on-loan at Dundalk for the first six months of the season, picked up the SSE Airtricity League June Player of the Month, but was recalled with SPL side Dundee United, however manager Jack Ross confirmed he wasn't part of his plans and City made the move to get their man.
"I've been in England and Scotland my whole career and probably could've stayed over there," said Connolly, "But I wanted to come back home closer to my family.
"How Derry City treated us, in terms of flying over, they didn't need to do that. They showed a keenness and willingness to sign me which shows how much they wanted me. I'm delighted to be here and can't wait to get started.
"When I spoke to Ruaidhri and he told me about his ambitions for the club and when himself and Alan flew over to meet myself and my wife, I haven't had that in my career with managers. I've had a lot of managers speak over the phone but not fly over and also speak to my wife."
Connolly, who may make his debut tomorrow against Oliver Bond Celtic as Derry begin their FAI Cup campaign, feels that the City changing room has the talent to bring silverware to Foyleside.
"This is a very talented group and I think everyone in the League of Ireland is aware of the talent in Derry," he stated.
"I want to come here and win leagues. I want to win cups, I want to make history and I want to play in Europe. I want to win stuff.
"This club is going in the right direction. It might take time but I'm sure this club will be successful."
As for Higgins he was thrilled to get his man before the League of Ireland transfer window closed.
"Mark will be the first to tell you this has happened very, very quickly. Friday night it became public knowledge that his loan had come to an end at Dundalk and with Eoin [Toal] leaving, we were in the market for a centre-back and it would have been foolish if we hadn’t explored the option, and that’s what we’ve done and we have managed to secure his signature," insisted the Derry boss.
"I’ve gone on record as saying that unless you’re from Derry, I probably wouldn’t consider signing someone who is over 26 years old, but that changed instantly after one conversation. Actually, during that period when we were struggling to win a game, that maybe changed my mindset slightly in that I felt we lacked another experienced player, but we’ve managed to bring him in and we’re thrilled to be honest.
"I think he will bring so much to the club on and off the pitch and our young players will learn so much. He’s a born leader, a natural leader and we’re absolutely delighted to secure his signature."
