McCallion bows outat Brandywell

The 33-year-old, who has been at the Brandywell for 15 years, has signed a two year deal with Irish League side Glenavon and he admits if he had been offered a new deal with the Candy Stripes then he would not be leaving.

“They weren’t in a position to offer me a new deal, so I have just had to get on with it,” admitted McCallion.

“It’s not to say that this was a rash decision either going to Glenavon, everyone at Derry knew well in advance that Glenavon offered me a deal, so it was there decision at the end of the day that they weren’t in a position to offer me a new deal; I couldn’t hold on and hope for the best.

“For any player they want to know what they are doing, it was very hard last year not knowing where you stood last year for every player. Who the new manager was going to be, were you in his plans and I don’t think I could go through that again this year.

“Whenever we stop playing in October, us as players can’t start playing again until January and we can’t start earning a wage; although it’s not always about the money but at the end of the day you have bills to pay and a family to support, so you want a bit of security.”

The experienced defender who made over 500 appearance in the first team concedes it will be hard coming through the gates at the Brandywell and walking past the home side’s dressing room.

“It’s not easy leaving because whenever you spend 15 years at a club then it meant leaving wasn’t an easy decision to make.

“It’s going to be hard coming into the Brandywell as a supporter, after being involved for so long, but I think for any player who has spent that much time at one club then it would always be hard.

“Even when you suspended or not involved in a match it is always harder to watch games, because you are still involved in things, so watching the games from the stands will be tough.”

McCallion who claimed a host of honours during his time at the Brandywell, believes the famous UEFA Europa League run six years ago was a special time in his career, while in 2009 the club had terrible financially trouble and were relegated and that was the worst time for McCallion.

“I have had a lot of highs and great moments at the Brandywell,” insisted McCallion.

“The European run in 2006 will always be something that I’ll never forget.

“That season also we won the last FAI Cup Final to be played at the old Lansdowne Road beating St Pat’s 4-3 in a crazy final. I have made a lot of good friendships from within the club so leaving was always going to be tough.

“Unfortunately the biggest down in my time at Derry was when the club had a financial crisis and then we got relegated, but thankfully we were able to get the club back up to where it belonged.

“A few other disappointments was when we lost the league twice on the last day, once on goal difference and the other when we needed a point at Cork City but lost the game and lost the league by a point, it was hard to take then, but to be honest the high moments at Derry certainly out weighs the low points.”

The right-back is now looking forward to the future and hopes his time at Mourneview Park can be the springboard to extend his career.

“You have to weight up a lot of things, I think any player wants to prolong their career and this deal at Glenavon gives me an opportunity to play for another two years, so I think it was a good option for myself.

“It’s a great opportunity for myself, to be offered a two year deal with Glenavon is super and it’s about working hard and giving my all for them.

“I’m looking forward to the new challenge and hopefully it’s the wee shot in the arm to prolong my career for long and hopefully after two years that I’ll still be fit and enjoying it and maybe get another deal.”