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New striker for Derry City as Dipo Akinyemi joins from York

Dipo Akinyemi has joined Derry City
Dipo Akinyemi has joined Derry City

Derry City have signed striker Dipo Akinyemi from York City, subject to international clearance.

The 28-year old has joined the Brandywell club on a multi-year deal as Tiernan Lynch looks for more goals from his side.

Akinyemi has found particularly strong form in the last few years of his career, having previously been regularly on the move in the lower leagues of England.

He began his league career with Stevenage, before having seven loan moves and eventually departing the club.

Akinyemi hit 45 goals during spells with Dulwich Hamlet and Welling United in non-league in England, earning a move to Ayr United in the Scottish Championship.

He went to hit the net 24 times in 45 appearances in all competitions during the 2022–23 Scottish season, finishing the campaign as the league's top goalscorer and earning the overall player of the year award.

Akinyemi was transferred to York in 2023 and was key to the club's survival in the National League, scoring 15 goals in 40 league matches.

Injuries hampered his last campaign, with York accepting Derry's offer for the striker this week.

City have risen to second in the table on Lynch's watch and are determined to build on a positive start under their new boss.

Paul McMullan departed the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium last month, while injury-struck Pat Hoban has been out of favour.

It's led to a new addition for the Derry boss.

Lynch said: "To be honest we've been very keen on Dipo for a while and I’m delighted he wanted to come here.

"His goalscoring record speaks for itself, but that’s only a part of what he gives you.

"He has excellent numbers when it comes to assists and has a very strong work ethic.

"When you’re looking at players to strengthen the group, you’re also very much looking at character as well.

"I have no doubt that Derry City fans will enjoy watching Dipo over the next number of seasons."


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