Gerard Doherty

Gerard Doherty (born 24 August 1981) is a Northern Irish footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for League of Ireland Premier Division club Finn Harps.

Club Career

Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, Doherty began his career with his hometown club, Derry City, making his debut as a 16-year-old in a league cup win against Irish side Sligo Rovers. His potential alerted English outfit Derby County and they signed him in February 1999 for a fee of £30,000. After failing to break into the Derby first-team and falling out with goalkeeping coach Eric Steele, Doherty left the club in the summer of 2001 and was offered a trial with La Liga side Valencia. The trial was ultimately unsuccessful, and Doherty returned to the UK in November 2001 when he was signed by the Welsh Premier League team, The New Saints.

In six largely successful seasons at The Saints, Gerard won three league titles, one Welsh Cup, one League Cup, and one FAW Premier Cup, and played in six European ties, most notably against English sides Manchester City and Liverpool. Doherty performed particularly well in the two matches against Liverpool, winning plaudits from manager Rafael Benitez.

Doherty re-signed for Derry City in January 2008. In his second spell at the club, Doherty has won the League of Ireland Cup twice, in 2008 and 2011, and also the League of Ireland First Division in 2010. His great form in 2011 was rewarded when he was named Airtricity/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Goalkeeper of the Year.

On 1st July 2021, Doherty signed for Finn Harps until the end of the 2021 League of Ireland Premier Division season.