'I'd love to play for Lisahally' - Former player Adam Hamilton

Following in the footsteps of his father Drew Macrory, Adam Hamilton began his football career as a goalkeeper and showed tremendous promise in his early years.

He was a member of a 'Golden Age' of football in Strathfoyle, which saw youth teams led by Lawrence Mullan and Raymond Whoriskey flourish locally and nationally, and he made his debut for Lisahally at the age of 16.

"Big Mark Doherty was centre half when I first played for Lisahally," recalls Hamilton. "That's about all I can remember, it was that long ago."

He has since decided to leave the gloves behind him and is now plying his trade as a full back for IFA North West Junior League side Churchill United, but having made a brief cameo appearance for Lisahally last year, Hamilton is keen to re-join his local team.

"I'd love to play for Lisahally now that I don't work on Sundays," he told the Listener. "I'd say I'm good enough to be a squad player, but it'd be tough to push for a starting position because they're a great side.

"I'm playing well enough for Churchill at the minute and I've been working on ironing out my silly mistakes, so we'll see what happens."

Indeed, the Stradowen native has attracted considerable attention in recent weeks, with his ability to play in a number of positions considered an asset and several clubs are monitoring his availability.

"I had an offer from Ballymoore there, but I'd rather play for my local team," he said. "Maybe (Lisahally manager) Stroker will send a scout to the next few Churchill games and hopefully I'll get a chance to be a 'wee dog' again," concluded Hamilton.

Lisahally will face Culmore at the Strathfoyle Arena on Sunday December 3. Kick off 11:30am. Supporters are advised to bring a flask of tea and a bag of Mega Meanies (for Kieran McGlinchey).

'We can win the league within two years' - Lisahally captain Jai White

Lisahally captain Jai White believes that the Strathfoyle Men can win the Derry and District Premier Division in the future, but warned that the team must remain consistent in their efforts.

A no-nonsense footballer, lion-hearted White has been an integral cog in the club's recent successes and it is no surprise that he has been awarded the captain's armband after Noel O'Donnell made the decision to hang up his boots.

His commitment to Lisahally is unquestionable, as he demonstrates each week by always endeavouring to make himself available to play for his local team, despite overtures from League of Ireland side St Patrick's Athletic.

"There's no truth to the rumour that I'm on my way to Richmond Park," White told the Listener. "I am 100 per cent committed to Lisahally."

White refused to be drawn on his recent scathing criticism of players not turning up on Sundays but when asked about how he felt the season had gone thus far, White said that it was fairly 'up and down'.

"We got off to a slow start again this year due to players having Gaelic football commitments - which is understandable," he said. "But with young Ryan Twist and Paul McIvor added to the squad the future is looking bright."

He continued: "In terms of results, we've been a bit 'Jekyll and Hyde' - we just don't know which Lisahally is going to turn up.

"Our results have improved on last season's, so that's a bonus and (manager) Stroker has us well drilled. He believes that we can win the league within the next two years and I believe we can."

Ever the professional, White also had a special word of praise for the Lisahally fans. He said: "I want to say a word of thanks to the fans who show up in their numbers week in, week out, rain, hail or snow.

"It's onwards and upwards for Lisahally," he declares.

Lisahally will play Culmore at Strathfoyle Pitch on Sunday December 3. Kick off 11:30 AM.