LOI transfers: Derry bring in Robbie Benson and Carl Winchester

Derry City have further bolstered their squad for the new season with the double signing of experienced midfielders Robbie Benson and Carl Winchester.

Benson, 32, arrives from Dundalk with over 300 League of Ireland appearances under his belt. He has won three titles and two FAI Cups in a fine career.

Winchester, 31, spent time with Cheltenham, Forest Green Rovers and Sunderland in England before arriving at Shrewsbury on loan for the 2022/23 season. He joined the Shrews permanently ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, and was voted the club's Player of the Season.

Candystripes boss Tiernan Lynch expressed his satisfaction at bringing in two more seasoned operators having already added Northern Ireland internationals Liam Boyce, Gavin Whyte and Shane Ferguson to his squad over the off-season.

"Robbie is going to be an unbelievable asset to this club and probably might not get the attention of others, but I think he's one with a vast amount of experience in the League of Ireland, has league/cup medals already in his pocket and has played in major games," said Lynch.

"We've been very, very fortunate with the players we’ve been able to bring in and the experience will be invaluable to us.

"When I met with Carl, he was in a situation where he wasn't sure what he wanted to do. He was captain of Shrewsbury in League One and we got the chance to tell him all about our vision for Derry City, where we want to go and what we want to do. We’re obviously very ambitious and he bought right into the plan."

Meanwhile Sligo Rovers have brought in full-back Harvey Lintott (above) on a half-season loan deal from League One side Northampton Town.

Lintott, 21, will stay at the Showgrounds until the end of June.

The Englishman made his professional debut