Buchanan returns to Derg as ‘Rocket’ joins NFC Kesh

MATTHEW Buchanan is one of a number of new signings completed by recently-appointed Dergview manager Tommy Canning.

Buchanan left Dergview for Ballinamallard United 12 months ago after five seasons at Darragh Park, however the accomplished defender is set to be reaquainted with many of his old team-mates as well as brothers Alan and Adam, who have both committed their future to the north Tyrone club.

Canning insisted bringing Buchanan back into the fold was a no brainer.

“Everyone knows what Mattie brings to a team and every team needs one or two Mattie Buchanans,” said the new Dergview chief.

“It was very simple regarding Mattie. I wanted him back at Dergview and he wanted to come back.”

It’s been a hectic first few weeks for Canning whose first priority was to make sure that most of last year’s squad was back on board.

That process is almost complete but alongside that Canning has been beavering away in bringing in a number of fresh faces and one or two familiar ones. (See full story in today’s Ulster Herald)

Meanwhile veteran striker Ryan Campbell has stepped down from senior football to join Fermanagh and Western Division One side NFC Kesh.

Campbell, who turns 40 next month, told this newspaper during the lockdown that he was considering his future in the senior game.

That has now come to pass and Kesh supporters will be hoping that the Ballinamallard sharpshooter can continue his extraordinary goalscoring exploits in the junior game.