I never wanted to leave Finn Park in the first place - Stephen Doherty

Stephen Doherty admits he never wanted to leave Finn Harps in the first place and now that he’s back he’s determined to make the most of the opportunity.

The Illies man is no stranger to Harps supporters having come through the clubs academy structures and been part of the senior setup in from 2019 to 2021 before moving to Dergview where he was a regular under Tommy Canning.

But having returned to Ballybofey in the recent transfer window, Doherty was fired right into the mix alongside six other full debuts in Friday night’s encouraging 0-0 draw with Bray Wanderers.

“We got a clean sheet so it’s a positive,” said Doherty after. “I thought we defended well. They’d chances and we’d chances as well.

“We both hit the bar. It was a very even game that could have gone either way. But I’m just glad to be back playing in front of the Harps fans in Ballybofey”.

Back for a second spell on Navenny Street, the Inishowen man says if he’d his way he’d never have left in the first place.

“I played a few games in the Premier Division with Harps. Obviously I went away and played with Dergview. I loved every minute of that. Championship there is a great and competitive league. I really enjoyed it.

“But I got the shout to come back here and it was something I wanted to do and I’m really glad to be back. It’s a big move. I didn’t really want to leave at the time but I had to go to get games. I just wanted to play football.

“I thought we did well as a unit all over the pitch, With so many new faces in the side I thought we played very well. I think it was very encouraging and it can only get better. That’s the aim - to improve now as we go”.

Harps welcome Cobh Ramblers to Ballybofey on Friday night.