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A former Millwall and Newcastle United defender has returned to his home country after a period without a club
Former Millwall and Newcastle United left-back Shane Ferguson has agreed a one-year deal with League of Ireland side Derry City after spending the last number of months without a club.
The 33-year-old from County Londonderry was released by Rotherham United at the end of last season, following the Millers’ relegation to League One. He had spent three years in South Yorkshire, after joining them from Millwall. The defender arguably had the best spell of his career with the Lions as he arrived at the Den in the summer of 2015. He had started his career with Newcastle United and had loan spells with Birmingham City, Rangers and Millwall.
His loan with Millwall started in August 2015 and was initially for 92 days before being extended until January. Before the 2016 winter transfer window closed, he signed for Millwall on an 18-month deal for an undisclosed fee. In total he made 217 appearances for Millwall, scoring 12 goals and providing 23 assists in that time. He was part of the Lions side that won the League One play-off final in 2017 as he came off the bench in the 1-0 win over Bradford City at Wembley. Speaking at the time of his Millwall departure he said: “It was a big decision at that stage to come to Millwall but it’s really paid off. It was really emotional leaving. I never thought I’d be here for six years. I definitely wouldn’t change that for the world. I’ve got so many good memories and met so many good people – it’s always hard saying bye to that.
“It just felt natural [to leave now]. I didn’t play much this season and I want to be playing. I didn’t feel I could do another season of that, it wouldn’t be good for my career at all. I had a good chat with the manager, we were both really honest where we were at with it. I’m looking forward to what happens next, I’ve left that to my agent. I’m away on internationals and I’m focused on that, just keeping myself fit. I’ll see what happens in the coming weeks.”
Derry finished fourth in the League of Ireland last season, eight points behind eventual winners Shelbourne, who are managed by ex-Chelsea and Fulham midfielder Damien Duff.
“I’m delighted to be coming home and once I had spoken with Tiernan [Lynch, manager] and heard his plans for the club, it was a simple decision” said Ferguson of his move, which includes the option for a second season. “I’ve been training hard after a frustrating last season and I’m feeling very strong. I will really benefit now from a full pre-season and be ready to go when the new campaign starts. Derry City is obviously a club I know a bit about and I’m well aware of how passionate that support base is. I’m really looking forward to doing my bit to hopefully bring success to the Brandywell.”
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