ITS official, Ivan Sproule has come out of retirement and no one is more delighted about that than Dergview boss Richard Clarke.
Back in April Sproule announced he was hanging up the boots after a long and distinguished career playing in England and Scotland and more recently with Linfield and Ballinamallard United.
However the opportunity to again play for his hometown club proved too much to resist and following Thursday evening’s John Forsythe Memorial cup game, Derg boss Clarke confirmed that the former Hibs and Bristol City player had agreed to sign for the forthcoming season.
Clarke said having Ivan on board was a massive boost to the club. “It’s brilliant news, a massive boost. “He demands a lot from the players which is good.
“He’s still got it footballing wise and he’s a real character to have in the dressing room.
“In the friendlies he’s played he has been flying. He has shown that he wants to come and help his hometown club win something. It’s brilliant for us that he still has that hunger and desire.
“There’s no doubt he still has the appetite. He had a brilliant career in England and Scotland and Dergview started him off.
“It’s great that he has come back to hopefully help us win something or push us on to the next level. The fact he wants to give something back speaks volumes.
“For me it’s good to have his wealth of experience in the dressing room and on the pitch because there’s only so much you do from the sidelines. He’ll be a brilliant asset to us.”
Reflecting on the inaugural memorial game to honour John Forsythe who died last year following a car accident, Clarke said the large turnout was testament to the club stalwart.
“I’m delighted to see a good turnout tonight because as everybody knows John was a great club man,” he added.
“It was good for his family members to see that it was well supported by both clubs involved. It was a real testament to John.”
