‘Moving to Derry has given me the best experiences’
WHEN Cameron McJannet pitched up in Derry City in August 2020, little did he think that approaching the fourth anniversary of his signing, he’d still be there.
Not only that, but along the way, apart from 128 appearances, McJannet has been a two-goal FAI Cup final hero while also helping the Candystripes qualify for Europe for the past three seasons.
Did the versatile defender imagine all that would unfold when he first came over, having previously been with Stoke City Under 21s? ‘I didn’t know that was going to happen, no,’ he admitted.
So what’s kept the 25-year-old from Leighton Buzzard in the Maiden City?
‘I’ve enjoyed every minute of the football. Since I’ve come in, the gaffer (Rúaidhrí Higgins) has the club going in the right direction.
‘You’re competing every week to be champions. Playing in Europe is an unreal experience. The Cup (final) was one of the best experiences I’ve had, so all that stuff.
‘That’s what you want to be doing in football. You want to be fighting for trophies.’
After a four-point haul at home to St Patrick’s Athletic (2-1) and away to Shamrock Rovers (2-2) last weekend, the Foylesiders are set to challenge for honours in 2024 with supporters dreaming of that first league title since 1997.
‘I think it makes Friday’s game against Waterford bigger for us. If we win we can look back and think “Seven points from nine, that’s a good week’s work”.’
Unlike other clubs, Derry kept the bulk of their squad together and added Pat Hoban and Daniel Kelly from Dundalk.
‘Pat has been there, he’s done it. He knows what it takes to win things and he sets standards.’
Modest McJannet sets a decent standard himself.