McCready City bound?

The teenager, who broke into the Waterside men's first team towards the end of last season, is likely to sign a two year contract with the Brandywell men when he returns from his holidays in a few weeks time.

"I was planning to go to Coleraine and sign for them, but then Stephen Kenny rang me and asked would I meet him at the Brandywell, which I did," he said.

"He told me about his plans and offered me a two year contract, which I agreed to but it's now up to both Derry and 'Stute to organise the fee."

The 19-year-old front man, who only a year ago was playing in the Saturday Morning League with Westbank, acknowledges that things have certainly moved on quite quickly for him.

"It's a bit crazy to be honest I was playing in the Saturday Morning around a year and half ago and then 'Stute gave me a chance to play in the Irish League and now I'm looking like signing for Derry City.

"I really enjoyed my time at 'Stute and I can't thank them enough for giving me my big chance."

However Stephen Kenny has aired on the side of caution about any possible move.

"I may have to release some players before I make a move for any possible new signings," said Kenny.

As for John Gregg he's fully aware that although Derry have spoken to his striker he did confirm that Coleraine were the only side who had matched their asking price for the youngster.

"At the minute Coleraine are the only side who we have agreed things with us in regards a fee for Joe, but I do know that Stephen (Kenny) has spoken to Joe, however Derry haven't agreed anything with us," declared Gregg.

The 'Stute gaffer concedes it has been tough going trying to build a squad for next season's Ladbrokes.com Championship assault.

"I'm not going to lie to people it has been difficult not just trying to sign new players, but also trying to renegotiate new deals with last year's squad.

"I was speaking to three players over the weekend, but two of them have decided to sign for Moyola, while the other has signed for Limavady United, because they were getting better terms there.

"Regardless of how small my budget maybe, I still want a team going into the Championship to be competitive and I'm confident if I can keep a core of last year's squad then that can happen.

"We will have a number of youth and junior players from around the area who'll be involved with my first team next season and because of that it will be hard to try and come up first time, but as I have said I'll be looking to be competitive this year."

Gregg also confirmed that well known athletics coach Malcolm McCausland has returned to the club to help in the early stages of pre-season training.

"We started pre-season last week and it's great that we have Malcolm back again. All the players have reported back to training and although some of them over the next few weeks are going on holidays, they have all trained well."

The Coleraine man also stated that midfielder Sean Friars has left the Drumahoe club by mutual consent.