Derry City defender Cotter signs for CSKA Sofia

Derry City defender Barry Cotter has signed for CSKA Sofia, the League of Ireland Premier Division club confirmed on Tuesday.

The Candystripes lost 5-3 on aggregate to the Bulgarian side in the first qualifying round of the Europa League in July.

Their 2-1 home defeat in the second leg was marred by crowd trouble in the stands at the Brandywell Stadium.

CSKA will compete in the league phase of the Uefa Conference League over the coming months, having been eliminated at the play-off stage of the Europa League by Greek side OFI.

"Barry was obviously an important member of our squad, however this is a fantastic opportunity for him, and the club didn't want to stand in his way," interim manager Mark Connolly said.

Cotter, who can operate at right-back or right wing-back, joined Derry in February, having spent the earlier part of last season on loan at League Two side Notts County.

The 27-year-old started his career at Limerick before earning a move to Ipswich Town.

He returned to the Republic of Ireland in 2021 and had a spell with Shamrock Rovers before switching to fellow Dublin side St Patrick's Athletic on loan.

He earned a move to League One Barnsley in January 2023 and made 66 appearances for the club before he was released from his contract.