Tim Clancy admits Adam O’Reilly was one that got away.
But he claims St Pat’s had no intention of meeting 'ridiculous' financial demands and won’t wallow in the loss ahead of tomorrow’s reunion.
O’Reilly was a big hit at the Saints last season while on loan from Preston North End.
But the Championship club told the Corkman he could leave in January ahead of his deal expiring this summer.
St Pat’s were straight onto the all-action midfielder in the hope he would make a permanent return to Richmond Park.
But amid interest from England and Ireland, O’Reilly left his options open before Derry pounced.
O’Reilly was man-of-the-match in the Candystripes’ President’s Cup win over Shamrock Rovers last Friday.
And Derry just happen to be the Saints first opponents in the league when they visit a sold-out Inchicore tomorrow.
Clancy said yesterday: “I was speaking to Adam constantly from last season and he was excellent for us.
“He wanted to stay here and the club put a very good offer on the table but he obviously got a better deal up in Derry.
“He was only looking for a one-year deal off us because he still has aspirations to go back to the UK and the financial package his agent asked for was ridiculous.
“Now, I don't think he's got anything near that in Derry either but he's decided to sign for Derry and, listen, it's a good move for him.
“Derry won the Cup last year, they're an excellent team, they look like a team with their trajectory going up.
“I wish Adam well because he was brilliant for us last year which was the reason we offered a contract to try and keep him.
“In fairness to our chairman and the club, they put a very, very good offer on the table but if they get a better offer elsewhere, that's the job we’re in.”
Much is made of Derry City’s financial clout after owner Philip O’Doherty became a billionaire after selling his business in late 2021.
But the Saints boss doesn’t think the Candystripes are at the point just yet of blowing teams out of the water with offers to players.
He continued: “We’ve recruited good players as well. It's not a case of Derry coming in and saying 'no, there you go'. It's Adam and where he was at this stage.
“It is what it is. We've signed players that turned down other clubs, other players have turned down us.
“It's part of the industry so you can't dwell on anything because the next player comes and goes as quick as can be.”
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