Its just like watching McCourt
Albion fans have been promised promised a dash of 'South American' flair from incoming winger Paddy McCourt - by the manager who is selling him.
Albion fans have been promised promised a dash of 'South American' flair from incoming winger Paddy McCourt - by the manager who is selling him.
The Northern Ireland winger is expected in the West Midlands for a medical later this week, before signing a three-year contract at The Hawthorns in a £150,000 deal.
Stephen Kenny, his manager at Derry City, believes Baggies fans will be excited by their new signing.
He said: "When I was given the opportunity to return to manage Derry City at the start of the season, despite an offer to remain in Scotland and indeed manage elsewhere in the Eircom League, one of the main attractions for me was returning to the group of young players which I had left."
"In fact, at the time we played Gothenburg and Gretna in the UEFA Cup, my midfield five were all aged 20 or 21.
"I knew those players would get better as they got older.
"Paddy McCourt was in that group and, while he may have been injured for both the games in Sweden and in Scotland, I was fully aware that he was probably the one with the exceptional talent.
"Without a doubt, we was the most creative player we had in the squad.
"That's a great thing for him personally and a huge thing for the city.
"On the park he is so different, he boasts an almost South American style as he plays at a different tempo, glides past opposing players and is very artistic.
"I suppose there was always an inevitability about him leaving and, now that a Premiership club has come in for him, I have to be realistic.
"I accept that the move to West Brom presents him with a great opportunity and I think everyone in Derry will hope he does well there.
"At the start of the season, my objective was to play Paddy in a central, free role having previously deployed him on the right and left wings.
"The reality is that, this season, due to injury and, indeed, interest from West Brom, we have been hindered.
"I think he has played a total of five games in the league so far, therefore, we have got to put things into perspective."
The deal could eventually earn Derry City close to £200,000, with the 'Candy Stripes' to receive an initial payment of £75,000, followed by three £25,000 payments dependent on appearances.
Three Premier League appearances would trigger the first £25,000 payment, the second will be due after six appearances and the third after 10 games.
