Scoltock thrilled by Brandywell switch

The big centre-back moved to the Candystripes on Monday and is confident his old team-mates can avoid relegation and move up the Carling Premiership table.

"At the end of the day Institute have played a major role in my career," he said.

"Institute has been very good to me and hopefully I repaid that with my commitment both on and off the pitch. I'm confident the squad which John Gregg has will be able to move up the table.

"There is a lot of quality at Institute and as I have already said I think they'll avoid relegation."

One of the Prehen man's last sessions with his old club incredibly was a trip to Lisfannon bench and he concedes although it was different, he was happy to be back out doors and doing some training.

"Over the last few weeks because of the terrible weather we have been training indoors, mostly at the gym and also Bready Cricket Club's indoor facilities, so to get back outside and doing some training was great," he joked.

"However in saying that going to Lisfannon beach this time of year was a bit crazy, but we all enjoyed it and got in a good session."

The 24-year-old believes his experience of playing in the First Division with 'Stute a few years will benefit him this season.

"I remember it was a hard battle in the First Division, because everyone raised their game against us and I'm expecting that this season with Derry, but hopefully we can have a similar outcome and regain promotion back to the Premier Division," he added.

"Although I have loved my time at 'Stute, I'm really excited about going to Derry, because at the end of the day I have been a Derry supporter since I was a wee boy."

The Waterside lad also believes that even though he has only spoken to Stephen Kenny a few times, he has been impressed by the Dubliner's approach.

"I have to admit that everything Stephen has done has been very professional and his plans for the future certainly are exciting.

"I think we start pre-season training on Sunday and I'm already looking forward to it, see what training methods Stephen has and also training and getting to know my new team-mates."

For his old manager John Gregg, he's disappointed that one of his first team regulars has left Drumahoe, but acknowledges the departure will help the club long term.

"I have spoken enough about our budget and what we were trying to do and Stephen Kenny has been in contact with me steady over the last three weeks and Mark knew of the interest," said the 'Stute gaffer.

"Mark's a terrific player and a fantastic lad and all I can do is wish him well. I think Derry City is getting a very good player, I think there's more to come from Mark.

"At the end of the day you have to do the right thing not just for the club, but for the player too and I think we have done that.

"To be fair Mark at no stage pushed for this move, in fact he's made it clear that he has enjoyed his time at 'Stute, but it was a move at this current time which suits both the club and the player.

"I also have to say that Stephen (Kenny) has been totally above board with everything.

"The deal which takes Scoltock to Derry doesn't involve any money, but what we have agreed is that we'll play Derry in their first pre-season friendly of the season at Drumahoe on Wednesday, February 10 and the gate will go to us," concluded Gregg.