‘There was no point of me staying’ – Pat Hoban on move from Dundalk to Derry City

Pat Hoban is a big signing for Derry City.

New Derry City striker Pat Hoban admits he was never going to stay at Dundalk once he was told he was allowed to leave despite having a year remaining on his contract.

The 32-year-old opted not to go into detail about the circumstances surrounding his dramatic departure from the Louth club and declined to say who informed him he was free to leave last October.

Also speaking at Hoban's unveiling at the Brandywell, Derry manager Ruaidhrí Higgins confirmed that the striker will be the club’s final signing of the transfer window.

Dundalk’s all-time record goal-scorer sealed his move to the Candystripes on Wednesday, penning a two-year deal following prolonged negotiations between the two clubs. The Irish Independent reported on Tuesday that an initial fee in the region of €30,000 was agreed.

With a little over five weeks to go until the club’s opening league clash against Drogheda, Hoban’s eyes are now fixed on helping his ex-teammate Higgins achieve a first title since 1997, with the forward pleased the “saga” of the last 11 weeks is now over.

“There was no point of me staying. That's all I'm going to say really. There was no point at all where I was going to be staying at Oriel Park. I was told what I was told 11 weeks ago and that was it. I'm a Derry City footballer now and that's all my focus is on,” said Hoban, when asked if there was any stage at which he thought he may stay at Dundalk in recent weeks.

Asked who told him that he was free to speak to other clubs and leave the Lilywhites last October, Hoban replied “that's something you can ask Dundalk Football Club.”

“What happened at my previous club has happened and as a footballer sometimes a new challenge is what you need.