Dundalk FC is delighted to announce that Peter Cherrie has signed a new contract with the club for the 2023 season.
The Scottish goalkeeper, who made his professional debut 20 years ago, arrived at Oriel Park in the summer of 2009 and has gone on to make over 250 appearances for the Lilywhites across two spells, winning the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division in 2014.
Due to Nathan Shepperd’s outstanding form, Cherrie was restricted to just three appearances this season, one of them in the 1-0 win over Derry City at the Brandywell on the final day of the campaign, but, speaking to dundalkfc.com, he said he had no complaints and would continue to try and push and develop the young Welshman every day.
“I think the gaffer sees me as someone who can push Nathan and I have no problem with that. If something happens to Nathan, and touch wood it doesn’t, he knows I’ll be good to go. I’m 39 but I feel great and I know I can still do it out on the pitch,” said Cherrie.
“I’d obviously prefer to be playing every week but I know how good Nathan has been performing. I have no gripes with not being in the team but the gaffer knows that if he needs me, I’ll be ready to go.”
Cherrie and Shepperd, along with Mark Byrne and goalkeeping coach Dermot O’Neill, are part of a tight-knit ‘goalkeepers union’ at Oriel Park.
“It’s probably the best goalkeeping group I’ve ever been in,” said Cherrie. “Dermot is like my dad and I’m like Nathan and Mark’s dad! Three generations of goalkeepers,” he laughed.
“We all go for food and spend time together which only ever happened once when Paul Murphy was here about 10 or 11 years ago and that creates a healthy environment.
“We are all together and pushing in the one direction. We all believe we should be playing every week but there’s only one goalkeeper’s jersey and we all support whoever wears it on a Friday night.”
Dundalk FC head coach Stephen O’Donnell played alongside Cherrie for two seasons in 2013 and 2014 and he praised his old colleague’s attitude and work ethic.
“Peter has been brilliant this season,” said O’Donnell. “He trains like a demon every day and is in fantastic shape. Whenever he was called upon, he was exemplary, especially in the last game against Derry City at the Brandywell.
“His attitude has been exceptional and he has been a huge help to Nathan. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that Nathan had such a good first season because he is part of a very good goalkeeping stable and Peter is a big part of that.”
