CityView Vol-40 No-10 - Derry City vs Sligo Rovers - Friday 24th May

DERRY CITY F.C. v SLIGO ROVERS F.C. LEAGUE OF IRELAND MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION FRIDAY 24th MAY 2024 | 7.45pm Vol. 40 - No. 10

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Welcome to...

SLIGO ROVERS F.C.

DERRY CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Formed:

1928

Ground:

Brandywell Stadium

Manager:

Ruaidhrí Higgins

Asst Manager:

Paul Hegarty

Coach:

Conor Loughrey

Fitness Coach:

Kevin McCreadie

GK Coach:

Michael Dougherty

Development:

Mark McChrystal

Perfor Analyst:

Seamus McCallion

Opp Analyst:

Gerard Boyle

Physio:

Michael Hegarty

Equipment:

Gerry Sheppard

Kit Man:

Gavin Doherty

Kit Man:

Philip Johnson

Doctor:

Dr. Noel Boyle

CITYVIEW is the Official Match Day Programme of Derry City FC. The views expressed are, however, not necessarily those of the Board Of Directors, or indeed the Programme Committee. Design and Layout by Andrew Cassidy. Photographs courtesy of Maiden City Images, Event Images unless otherwise stated. Cover image

by Ramsey Cardy. Printing by City Print, Springtown Industrial Estate. Please support all of our sponsors. For queries about CityView contact andrew@derrycityfc.net

HONOURS:

League of Ireland Premier Division: 1988–89, 1996–97 FAI Cup: 1988–89, 1994–95, 2002, 2006, 2012, 2022 League of Ireland Cup: 1988–89, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1993–94, 1999–00, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2018 League of Ireland First Division: 1986–87, 2010 League of Ireland First Division Shield: 1985–86 Irish Football League: 1964–65 IFA Cup: 1948–49, 1953–54, 1963–64

Welcome back to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium for the first of two home games in four days again!

We’re back here again on Monday for Drogheda United, but tonight we have the Premier Division north-west derby against Sligo Rovers.

Welcome also to John Russell and his staff, as well as all the officials and supporters who travelled up from Sligo this evening.

The meeting between the two sides back in February ended in a 0-0 draw at the Showgrounds.

The last time Sligo took all three points away from the Brandywell was back in July 2020 when Kyle Callan-McFadden opened the scoring, and Ronan Coughlan converted penalty to seal a 2-0 win for the Bit ‘O’ Red. Both of those players are now plying their trade in England. Callan-McFadden with

Kings Lynn Town, and Ronan Coughlan with Fleetwood Town along with former Derry City player Ryan Graydon, former Bohs striker Promise Omochere, former St Pat’s forward Tom Lonergan, former Waterford stars Phoenix Patterson & Junior Quitirna, and former Cork City goalkeeper David Harrington to name a few of the ex-LOI players at Fleetwood!

City need to get back to winning ways tonight though and extend Sligo’s no-win record at the Brandywell to four years.

Enjoy the game!

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: ROB HENNESSY

Assistant 1: Wayne McDonnell |Assistant 2: Allen Lynch Fourth Official:

TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR:

PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR SPONSORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

I’d like to welcome John Russell and the players, staff and supporters of Sligo Rovers to the Ryan McBride Brandywell for this evening’s game.

We know better than anyone that Sligo are a very difficult opponent regardless of form and I have no doubt they’ll provide a tough challenge tonight, just as they always do.

We’re coming off the back of an up and down week ourselves; the high of winning at St Pats on Friday night was certainly dampened a bit by defeat against Shamrock Rovers on Monday.

It’s been a very busy couple of months as the teams who are in Europe this year try to get a lot of their summer league programme played before the Europa leagues start.

As I said after the game however, we won’t start making excuses because we knew before a ball was kicked that we had two Monday night away games at Tallaght.

We were a bit flat and we’ve had a very honest discussion about it. The only way to put things right is to dust

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ourselves down and make sure we’re absolutely ready to go again tonight.

A look at the league table will show that by and large, teams are taking points off each other on a weekly basis. Anyone who can string a few wins together is going to see the benefit of that, and that’s our focus.

With players continuing to get minutes under their belts after injury, I believe this squad is more than capable of doing that.

Obviously it’s also a North West derby and that adds to the occasion but I trust you will get right behind us as we try to pick up a big three points tonight.

Finally this evening I wish to offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of lifelong Derry City supporter Barry Gallagher who died this week.

I know Barry has been following the club since the Irish League days and despite his impending illhealth, he was in his Southend Stand seat for games earlier this season.

My sympathies to his entire family circle.

Ruaidhrí Higgins, Manager

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DERRY CITY VS D&D SELECT 1987 Derry City rounded off their preparations for their first season in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland with a friendly against a Derry and District Select at the Brandywell on Tuesday 18th August 1987. Admission prices were £1-50 and 50p.

The D & D selectors had chosen a strong team of youth and experience with nine clubs represented in the panel. Noel King gave a run out to a few younger players.

In what was an entertaining encounter it was the Select team who proved to be the more cohesive and inventive during the first half but the superior fitness of the professionals began to tell after the break.

In goals for the D & D was Joe Mc Brearty and he made two great saves, firstly from a flying Alex Krstic header and then from a scorching Felix Healy

By Francie McCauley free kick.

The D & D took the lead just before the interval when a ball across City’s goalmouth caught centre half Jack Keay and keeper Stuart Roberts in two minds and their hesitation allowed Paul Curran to nip in to score.

There was also a slice of luck about Derry’s equaliser in the second half. Mc Brearty seemed to have Krstic’s shot covered but it took a deflection, deceiving him and ending up in the back of the net. Paul Hegarty was the pick of the Candystripes.

The usual match programme of twenty-four pages was available for 50p but only 100 had been printed. It began with a Message from the D & D (the League had been formed in 1922) Chairman who was former Derry City player and manager Jim Crossan. He had hoped, unsuccessfully, to bring Dennis Tueart back to the Brandywell to play in the game.

Two pages were devoted to Pen Pictures of the Select squad and the D & D Committee. There were also photos of the Committees from seasons 1927/28, 1945/46 and 1974. The line up from the last Brandywell D & D representative team which had played at the Brandywell in June 1970 against

Mayfield United from the North Lancashire League was included along with a photo of the two captains (Seamus Doherty for the D & D). The twelve trophies competed for in the D & D were listed.

There was a page of City Pen Pictures. An Obituary to Hubert Dunnion from Strabane who had supported the Candystripes for over thirty years in the Irish League was also included.

There were the usual Crossword, Half Time Quiz and Bits & Pieces by “Foyleman”. Fan Focus featured Martin Harkin of the Foyle No 1 Supporters’ club. There was a list of the ballboys who were the sons of the Derry City Stewards. The two squads took up the back page.

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A NIGHT IN MAY 40 years ago yesterday I had the good fortune to be in London to attend the second leg of the UEFA Cup Final between Tottenham Hotspur and the Belgian side, Anderlecht who were holders of the trophy from the previous year after beating Benfica. Both teams entered the game on level pegging after their Brussels clash ended in a 1-1 draw. The home game at the old White Hart Lane ground was “crammed to the rafters” with a crowd of just over 46,000. To get to this final hurdle both teams played 10 matches with Spurs beating Drogheda 14-0 over the 2 first round legs; then winning 6-2 against Feyenoord & 2-1 v Bayern Munich; in the quarter final they triumphed 4-2 over Austria Memphis before losing in the semifinal away 2-1 against Hajduk Split & then going through on away goals with a l-0 victory at home. In

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Sean McGillan

the Final Spurs fielded 8 English players , a Scot & 2 Irishmen - Tony Galvin & Chris Houghton. The question of everyone’s lips was “could Spurs won the Cup for a second time ? “ The game itself was a tight one and it looked like it was going down to the wire when the visitors in a quick breakaway got in front in the 60th minute only to see Graham Roberts equalise 6 minutes from the final whistle. Extra time ended in stalemate & the dreaded penalty shoot out followed.

Centre half Roberts made no mistake with his attempt. Olsen’s effort was palmed away

by Tony Parks before Falco made it 2-0 for the hosts.

Grun brought it back to 2-1 & then Gary Stevens sent the keeper the wrong way - 3-1.

Scifo did the same to bring it to 3-2. Steve Archibald in his last game before going to Barcelona found the net to make it 4-2. Vercurturen,

the Captain scored to make it 4-3. Danny Thomas was next up but his effort was saved.

Then Gudjohnsen’s shot was tipped away by young Parks and the ground erupted with cries of joy from the crowd in their white tops. Celebrations continued as stand-in Captain Robert’s lifted the trophy as the home crowd lauded the young understudy in goal for his heroics that night.

Many years later it emerged that Anderlecht’s Chairman had bribed the referee in the other semi final against Nottingham Forest where a dubious penalty was awarded while a Forest goal was disallowed. Incidentally in the Spurs away game against Split a spectator carried a live rooster( Spurs club symbol is a cockerel) onto the pitch and killed it by snapping its neck!

The club were fined and ordered to play their next home European fixture 300 kilometres away.

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OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S LEAGUES

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE

2024 LEAGUE TABLE: Pld Pts Shelbourne

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DERRY CITY

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Shamrock Rvrs

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Galway United

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Bohemians

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Waterford

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St. Pat’s Athletic

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Sligo Rovers

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Drogheda Utd

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Dundalk

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Last Round’s Results:

This Round’s Fixtures: THURSDAY 23rd MAY Waterford v Drogheda United

MONDAY 20th MAY Shamrock Rvrs 1-0 DERRY CITY St Pat’s Athletic 1-2 Shelbourne

NEXT HOME GAME:

FRIDAY 24th MAY Shamrock Rvrs v Shelbourne DERRY CITY v Sligo Rovers Galway United v Dundalk Bohemian v St Pat’s Athletic

Derry City vs Waterford Monday 3rd June, 7.45pm

#CITYVIEW AVAILABLE ONLINE!!

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MONDAY NIGHT’S GAME...

SHAMROCK ROVERS 1 - 0 DERRY CITY: A first defeat for Derry City since early April, and both occasions were at the hands of Shamrock Rovers. The hosts had an early chance cleared off the line in the second minute by Adam O’Reilly

SHAMROCK ROVERS 1 - 0 DERRY CITY: Johnny Kenny then got the game’s only goal on the 7th minute. The disasterous start continued for Derry on the 20th minute when Cameron McJannet conceded a penalty, but City’s Brian Maher made the save to keep it 1-0.

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Not many on this team would be much use to be honest! I’d go with my brother on this one! Safe bet!

SHANE MCELENEY

E IS FOR EXCESS

BAGGAGE...

Which team mate takes more stuff than they need to on an away trip or overnight?

Sam Todd on this one! The man brings his own protein tubs and cooked chicken! Well organized in fairness!

F IS FOR FUTURE MANAGER...

A IS FOR ANGRY...

Which team mate has anger issues on the pitch?

Adam O’Reilly! He’s an angry wee man! Needs to get off those monster energy drinks!

Which team mate is the most likely to become a future football manager?

I’d go with Fats here! I think he’s got the qualities to be a good manager.

B IS FOR BOOTS...

D IS FOR DESERT ISLAND...

Which team mate would be the most use to you on a desert island?

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far?

Tough question. I’d say my father would have been a big influence growing up and was always there coaching and giving tips. A few of them have stood me in good stead..

J IS FOR JOB...

If football hadn’t worked out, what other career might you have followed?

I haven’t a clue I always liked the thought of being a fireman, maybe it’s something I’ll try after football.

Which team mate has the most annoying or specific requests for the kit man?

We have a low maintenance group I think, but I’d say Brian Maher would have to have everything sitting perfect.

Under Armor etc, or his head would fall off!

C IS FOR COLD...

Paul McMullan! When we were doing pre-season I’ve never seen a man with as many layers! All you could see was his eyes!

I IS FOR INFLUENCE...

K IS FOR KIT MAN...

Which team mate has the worst boots?

Ben Doherty has the worst boots because he’s got 65 pairs! it’s nuts! He changes them every week!

Which team mate is always complaining about being cold?

Which team mate is the most likely to get annoyed if their hair fell out of place during a match?

I’d say Cameron Dummigan!

He loves keeping on top of his hair. It’s always slick.

IS FOR LADIES MAN...

G IS FOR GOALKEEPER... L Which team mate thinks Which outfield player would you choose to go in nets if the goalkeeper is sent off and all subs have been used?

Ciaran Coll would go in nets!

That man can play anywhere!

I’d say he’d be good as well!

H IS FOR HAIR...

they’re the biggest hit with the girls?

I’d go with Will Patching he’s chilled!

M IS FOR MUSIC...

Which team mate has the worst taste in music?

Easily Ronan Boyce! Donegal

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country tunes is all he plays!

iel Kelly maybe.

N IS FOR NUMBER...

R IS FOR RADIO/READ...

What was your first ever squad number, and do you have a preferred squad number?

26 was my first squad number I’m sure. 16 is my favorite now

O IS FOR OPPOSITION...

Which opposition in the world would you love to play against that you’ve never had the chance?

Man City! Just to see how good they are up close. I love the way they play the game.

Which team mate hates to do interviews? And who always jumps at the chance?

Dummigan hates it because no one can understand him! Mark Connolly loves them! The man could talk for Ireland!

S IS FOR SIGNING...

Do you remember the story of you signing for Derry City came about?

Yeah, Stephen Kenny gave me my first contract. He called to my house and signed me and my brother. That’s many years ago now!

Who is the most intelligent player in the squad?

We’ve not the brightest group but I’d say Cam McJannet a bright lad.

X IS FOR EXCLUSIVE...

Tell us something about yourself that no one knows!

I once played centre midfield with Jack Wilshere.

Y IS FOR YOUNG...

What is your earliest memory of going to a football match?

With my granda John. He was a season ticket holder, he used to take me and my brother to the matches. It’s a nice memory.

T IS FOR TALENT...

Which team mate has a hidden talent outside of football?

Or can you show us something yourself?

We have a few good golfers in our team. Mark Connolly, McJannet, Mickey Duffy. The standard is always pretty high.

U IS FOR UNRIVALLED...

P IS FOR PHONE...

Which team mate is never off their phone or tablet?

Adam O’Reilly is always on his phone sending Snapchats! He’s addicted to his phone.

Q IS FOR QUICK...

Who’s the fastest player in the squad?

Daniel Kelly or Michael Duffy would be some race! I’d say Dan-

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Outside of Derry City, who do you think is the best player in the league?

The best player in the league for me outside of Derry is Graham Burke. Great player. (Right)

V IS FOR VOICE...

Which team mate is the worst singer? And who might have a chance on X Factor?

The worst singer is easily Sean Patton! He’s young so hopefully he’ll get better! I’d go with Tadhg Ryan for the other. He’d be a hand on X Factor with his guitar.

W IS FOR WISDOM...

Z IS FOR ZONE...

Do you have any pre-match superstitions or rituals to get you in the zone?

No, I’m pretty chilled out before a game. I just like a cuppa tea and I’m happy!

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TONIGHT’S SQUADS DERRY CITY F.C. 1 - BRIAN MAHER 2 - RONAN BOYCE 3 - CIARÁN COLL 4 - CIARON HARKIN 6 - MARK CONNOLLY 7 - MICHAEL DUFFY 8 - WILL PATCHING 9 - PATRICK HOBAN 10 - PATRICK MCELENEY 11 - COLM WHELAN 12 - PAUL MCMULLAN 14 - BEN DOHERTY 15 - SADOU DIALLO 16 - SHANE MCELENEY 17 - CAMERON MCJANNET 21 - DANNY MULLEN 22 - JORDAN MCENEFF 23 - CAMERON DUMMIGAN 24 - SAM TODD 26 - TADHG RYAN 27 - DANIEL KELLY 28 - ADAM O’REILLY 30 - EVAN OVENDALE 31 - TIERNAN MCGINTY 32 - SEAN PATTON 39 - CONOR BARR 40 - CALUM MCCAY 41 - LUKE O’DONNELL Manager: RUAIDHRÍ HIGGINS

SLIGO ROVERS F.C. 1 - ED MCGINTY 2 - JOHN ROSS WILSON 3 - REECE HUTCHINSON 4 - ELLIS CHAPMAN 5 - CHARLIE WIGGETT 7 - WILL FITZGERALD 8 - NIALL MORAHAN 9 - WILSON WAWERU 10 - REIN SMIT 11 - FABRICE HARTMANN 15 - OLIVER DENHAM 18 - STEFAN RADOSAVLJEVIC 21 - JOHN MAHON 25 - SIMON POWER 27 - CONNOR MALLEY 28 - NANDO PIJNAKER 30 - RICHARD BRUSH 34 - KAILIN BARLOW 35 - SEAN MCATEER 39 - KYLE MCDONAGH 46 - CONOR REYNOLDS 47 - OWEN ELDING 71 - DAIRE PATTON

Manager: JOHN RUSSELL

Tonight’s Match Sponsors:

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FIRST FOR SPORT IN THE NORTH-WEST bbc.co.uk/radiofoyle 22

CITY CUBS CORNER Send us in your photos and drawings to citycubs@derrycityfc.net and we’ll get them printed on the City Cubs page in the programme!!

SHIRT NUMBER MATHS CHALLENGE

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One of tonight’s mascots will be 10yr old Maisie Strain. Maisie plays her football with Newbuildings F.C. and is a keen Derry City supporter! Let’s hope you Can you do the maths with the shirt numbers to find bring the lads luck tonight Maisie! out the name of the hidden Derry City player?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you spot the FIVE differences between the two photos?

ANSWERS: SHIRT NUMBER MATHS: Patrick McEleney (10) + Mark Connolly (6) - Ciaron Harkin (4) = Paul McMullan (12) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) Cameron McJannet has disappeared; 2) Extra pole has appeared in the background; 3) Sponsor board is now blank; 4) Bohemians shirt sponsor has disappeared; 5) Bohemains player’s right leg has diappeared

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Home & Away Live Match Commentary From our Match Night Live team on 105.3fm and online at www.drive105.co.uk

Drive105mnl 28

FANZONE: MEET THE FANS Tonight we welcome into the Fanzone, lifelong Derry City supporter Mathew McClafferty who gives us his memories from his time supporting Derry City FC and his best XI that he remembers!

Name: Mathew McCafferty How long have you been supporting Derry City?

I’ve supported Derry City for as long as I can remember.

Where do you sit in the Brandywell?

I sit in the Southend Stand, Block J Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

This is a tough one as there have been so many great players but I’d have to go for Michael Duffy

ground, apart from the Brandywell, that you’ve seen Derry play in?

Torsvollur in the Faroe Islands What goal sticks out in your mind?

Difficult to choose just one from so many but if I was pushed I’d go for Danny Lafferty’s goal against Shamrock Rovers Why? It was just an outstandingly skilful goal and the reaction from the Brandywell crows when it hit the back of the net was a different level!

Name your best Derry City team (you can pick from any era) One to Eleven with Three subs GK - Brian Maher LB - Ben Doherty CB - Ryan McBride CB - Mark Connolly

RB - Ronan Boyce LM - Michael Duffy CM - Ciaron Harkin CM - Paddy McCourt RM - Jamie McDonagh ST - Patrick McEleney ST - Rory Patterson Best manager you’ve seen at Derry City?

The current boss, Ruaidhri Higgins Favourite half time snack?

I must admit I do love a bag of chips What one thing would you introduce that you feel would improve the match day experience?

Maybe a bit of a light show and a smoke machine or something for when the players take to the field and when Derry score.

Why? From his debut to now he has been a superstar. Great skills and technique.

Best opposition player you’ve seen play?

Again, there have been so many but I’d have to say Chris Forster.

Why? He’s just an unbelievably skilful player who always makes a big impact on the pitch What’s

the

best

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AWAY DAYS: DUNDALK FC (FRIDAY 31ST MAY)

By Joseph & Leo McGeehan

Ground: Dundalk FC, Carrickmacross Road, Dundalk, County Louth, A91 KAX0 Directions: Follow the N52 from Ardee. Just before you reach the M1 Roundabout turn left onto the L3168 towards Rath. The road passes under the M1 at the village of Killaly.

At the junction in Rath turn right onto the R171 and follow into the town centre of Dundalk. You will see the floodlights of Oriel Park on the left just as you cross over the railway line. At the big roundabout next to the Police Station take the first turn onto the R178 Carrickmacross Road. You will then pass back over the railway line with the entrance to the railway station on the right. The entrance to Oriel Park is past two petrol stations on the left-hand side.

Parking: There is a small car park under the tree opposite the Main Stand, however, should this be full you should be able to park in Carrickmacross Road or the car park at Dundalk Railway Station, which costs €2.

Visiting Fans: Visiting fans enter the ground on their own turnstiles to the right of the Main Stand and are allocated two separate areas on this side of the ground. The first is the side wing of the Main Stand up against the screen end. The seating here offers an excellent elevated view of the pitch though you may find if you are in the rear rows the side screens block your view of the right-hand goal. The second area is immediately below the floodlight at the Carrickmacross end of the ground. Here you will find a deep rectangular shaped area

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of open terracing which has had a front section converted to seating.

The problem for away supporters at Oriel is that the fans tend to be separated between the two areas, and while the stand is cramped, it offers a better view than the terrace, as well as cover. Most away fans tend to choose the terrace if the weather is dry.

Ticket Prices: Dundalk away tickets must be bought in advance - Ticket prices are as follows: Standing - Adults: €15 - Students & OAP’s: €10 - Kids Under 12: €5 Seated - Adults: €20 - Students & OAP’s: €15 - Kids Under 12: €8 Programmes: Match programmes are on sale from sellers at every game just before you go through the turnstiles.

They are priced at €4.

Food/Drink: There is a variety of food & beverages options in Oriel Park on Friday nights. The ‘Brew Crew’ will be on site providing tea, coffee & minerals, along with other hot food vendors.

Bars: Although there is the Lilywhites Supporters Bar inside the Main Stand this is normally only open to home fans. Right by the ground is Kennedys Bar, which is as you would expect is popular on matchdays. A Dundalk fan informs me; ‘On Ann Street which is less than five minutes’ walk from the ground, is the McGuiness Bar, the Jockey, and my personal favourite the Wee House Bar. Dundalk people are very welcoming and enjoy a chat. If you are a football fan and know your stuff you will be made very welcome. A 20-minute walk away is the Clan Na Gael GAA Club, that serves possibly one of the best pints of Guinness in Ireland. Although a private members club they will normally sign in visitors.’ Otherwise, the town centre is only a five-minute walk away from the ground, where there are plenty of pubs and eating places to be found.

History: For the older generation who believe all football grounds should be close to the town centre, with no maps required, just the sight of four traditional floodlight pylons on full beam appearing over rooftops to guide the visitor to the

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AWAY DAYS: DUNDALK FC (FRIDAY 31ST MAY) continued... match; then Oriel Park is for you!

The ground is located on the west side of Dundalk, and pleasingly is close to both the main line Railway Station and the busy town centre.

Putting old ground sentiments aside however all football clubs need to adapt to survive and possibly the most significant change to happen at the ground was in 2005 when Dundalk became the first Irish club to install an artificial playing surface.

Turning to the Main Stand side of the ground, the Main Stand, originally constructed in the 1960’s, sits proudly on the pitch centre line. The steep seating deck is raised above the club offices and players dressing rooms and has around 1,000 grey plastic seats.

Supporters are shielded from the elements by glazed screen ends which also have the benefit of allowing natural light into the stand. One drawback to the stand is that it has a line of supporting columns along its front which may impede your view of the pitch. A graceful new roof extension covers the paddock area either side of the players tunnel-this was need after a severe storm in 2007 caused damage to the old roof.

One noticeable aspect of how Oriel Park looks today is the large number of seats relative to its overall capacity. The club have been faced with the challenge of installing the minimal 3,000 seats to meet UEFA requirements for playing European games. This has led to the L-shaped shallow open terrace steps between the home turnstiles and the Town End having 9-10 rows of grey plastic seats fitted, whilst at the other end between the away turnstiles and the Carrickmacross End the deep rectangular area of terracing has had the same treatment with the lowest 9-10 terrace steps receiv-

ing seating. Interestingly however the top half of the terrace directly beneath one of Oriel Park’s iconic floodlight pylons has been retained as a terrace with its few remaining crush barriers still in place, presum- Programme contributor Leo McGeehan pictured ably to allow away with Peter Hutton at Oriel in 6 November 2009 supporters the choice to sit or stand and watch vanagh with the goals).

However, we must not forget a game.

In 2005 Dundalk became the first some great games in our club’s Irish League Club to install an arti- history. We can never forget the ficial pitch. This was replaced with legendary 4-0 win in the League Cup Final on a balmy October a new 3G surface in 2016. night in 1988, the first leg of our historic treble. Another memoPositive Features: Oriel Park is another old ground rable night, was an epic 1-0 in with has not changed much since horrific conditions in an FAI Cup our first ever visit in a pre-season Quarter-Final in 1995 where a friendly game back in August Liam Coyle wonder goal from 45 1986. It is a tight, intimate venue yards, gave us the win. and because you are up close to Peter Hutton’s 670th and final the players it does create a good Derry City game was at Oriel Park atmosphere. Despite the venue on 6th November 2009 where we being very dated and in serious won 2-1 thanks to goals from Ganeed of updating combined with reth McGlynn (Penalty) and a late the terrace being open to the el- winner from Clive Delaney. ements, we always bring a good travelling support down here who Negative Features: always create a great atmosphere. Our record here is not great over We have enjoyed a very mixed the years, the tight surroundings, bag of results going back over and the very poor quality of the the years at the venue. Over the artificial surface makes it a very last 14 years, we have only won 4 difficult venue to play at. Shamtimes. Until the league win their rock Rovers have also struggled last season, it has been a long at this venue over the last 4-5 seatime since we came away from sons, including their recent defeat Oriel Park with a league win. We at the venue two weeks ago. have struggled badly on their notorious artificial surface over the Ratings: Atmosphere: 8/10 last 15 years.

Last season, we won in September Accessibility: 8/10 3-1 with 2 goals from Will Patching Parking: 5/10 and another from Ben Doherty), Facilities: 5/10 the earlier game in May had end- Historical Record: 4/10 ed 2-2 (Ben Doherty and Cain Ka- Overall: 5.5/10

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BIT ‘O’ RED & WHITE: PLAYERS WHO HAVE PLAYED FOR BOTH Will Fitzgerald Current Sligo Rovers winger Will Fitzgerald came through the academy at Mervue United before switching to Limerick in 2016. After 42 senior appearances, the young wide player moved to Waterford in the summer window of 2019. With just a single goal under his belt at Waterford, he joined Derry City ahead of the 2021campaign.

A tricky winger, Fitzgerald appeared 36 times during his season on Foyleside before joining Sligo Rovers in 2022. At 24, he features regularly for John Russell’s men and recently scored the opener in a 3-1 loss away to Drogheda United.

Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe English forward Junior OgediUzokwe joined Derry City onloan from Colchester United after impressing on trial in 2019.

He finished the campaign as the Premier Division top scorer, bagging a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Finn Harps on the final day.

Junior left Colchester for Hapoel Hadera in Israel in 2020 but returned to Ireland with Sligo Rovers later that year. After half a season at the Showgrounds, where he netted twice in four-

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By Pól O’Hare

teen games, Junior signed for Dundalk, before rejoining Derry on-loan in the summer of 2021.

Six goals in fifteen on loan at the Brandywell helped City to a higher placed league finish than his parent club. After a spell at Bohemians, where he scored five and assisted six in twenty games in 2022, Junior is now a free agent after last playing under former Derry and Bohs boss Declan Devine at Glentoran, aged 30.

Daniel Lafferty Daniel Lafferty signed for Derry City in 2010 after three years on the books at Celtic and made 12 appearances as the Candystripes won the First Division.

After a further 34 appearances in red and white, Championship side Burnley snapped up the left-back for £150,000 and gave him the number 3 shirt.

He made 40 appearances for the Clarets, also playing for Rotherham United, Oldham Athletic and Sheffield United on loan. Sheffield signed him permanently in 2017 and loaned him to Peterborough United in 2019. He returned to Ireland that summer, signing for Shamrock Rovers. Lafferty won the FAI Cup that November, and the Premier Division title in 2020.

Declan Devine brought him back to Derry ahead of the 2021 season, and Lafferty left for Sligo Rovers in 2023 after winning the FAI Cup with his hometown club. The left back scored the opener in a 2-1 defeat for the

Bit’O’Red last July in the Brandywell. Aged 35, the former Northern Ireland international plays in Institute’s midfield and scored a wonder goal in the first leg of the Promotion/Relegation play-off against Ballymena United three weeks ago.

Jamie McDonagh Known best for his work-rate and overlapping runs down the right wing, McDonagh signed for Derry City in 2018 after a spell at Sligo Rovers, where he made seven appearances. Beginning his career at Sheffield United, from where he made loan moves to Matlock Town, Chester and Alfreton Town, McDonagh made twenty-five appearances for Greenock Morton before moving back to Ireland in 2017. After playing more than 60 games for Derry, McDonagh moved to Belfast to join Glentoran in the summer of 2020. A move to Cliftonville followed in 2021 and he now finds himself on loan at Newry City, who recently suffered relegation from the NIFL Premiership.

LIVE FOR IT

For all teamwear enquiries contact: John Murphy e: johnmurphy@oneills.com m: 07870 158211

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Derry Credit Union’s popular

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Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Derry Credit Union Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (FRN574104) Registered address 7-9 Abbey Street, Derry, BT48 9DN. E&OE February 2024.

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CANDYSTRIPES & GYPSIES: PLAYED FOR BOTH continued...

Colm Horgan Colm Horgan came through the youth system at Salthill Devon before signing for Galway United in 2014. After four years the defender moved to Cork City and scored ten minutes into his debut against Bohemians April 2018. Horgan wouldn’t score for Cork City again, but did net an own-goal against Derry City in a 4-0 win for the Candystripes in September 2019. He spent the 2020 season on Foyleside, before moving to Sligo Rovers in 2021. Horgan scored once for Sligo and assisted Aidan Keena’s opener in a 2-1 UECL win over Bala Town. He was part of the Galway United side that won the First Division last year, and has made four appearances in the Premier Division this term.

Walter Figueira Brought to Derry after scoring a brace for Waterford against the Candystripes in the 2019 League Cup semi-final, Walter Figueira was an impressive signing by Declan Devine ahead of the 2020 campaign.

After spending time in Chelsea’s youth academy, Figueira had spells in the English nonleagues, Greek Super League and Portuguese third tier before joining Waterford in 2018. After nineteen appearances he left Derry for Sligo Rovers in 2021, where he scored twice, and currently lines out for Lewes FC in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Patrick McClean A product of Derry City’s academy, Patrick McClean made the move south to Waterford after two years with the Candystripes’

senior team ahead of the 2017 campaign. After just one season with the Blues, where the defender scored twice in 27 games, McClean signed for Sligo Rovers in 2018. A year later the 22 year old returned to Derry for a second spell. With 24 appearances in all in in red and white, McClean switched to Belfast side Glentoran in July 2019.

Now 27, the centre back has made more than 150 appearances for the Glens.

Ally Roy Scottish striker Ally Roy made his league debut for Hearts of Midlothian aged 17 against Raith Rovers in August 2014. After loans in the Scottish League Two, with East Stirlingshire, Scottish League One with Stenhousemuir and Scottish Championship with Dumbarton, Roy was loaned to Sligo Rovers in 2018. An impressive start to the season saw Derry City sign the 21 year old in the summer to replace the departing Ronan Curtis, who had completed a move to Portsmouth worth more than £100k. The striker bagged eight goals in 2018 with the Candystripes, four of which came in a 12-2 FAI Cup win away to Blarney United. Roy also scored and assisted away to Dinamo Minsk

in Europa League qualifiers. He spent time with Partick Thistle, Airdrieoinians and Queen of the South before returning to Ireland with Glentoran in 2022.

Aged 26, Ally Roy is currently on-loan at Alloa Athletic from East Kilbride in the Scottish League One. Éamon Zayed Éamon Zayed played youth football for Leicester City before signing for Bray Wanderers in 2002 and, despite spending the 2004 and 2005 seasons on loan, he scored 54 goals in 105 games for Bray. He joined Drogheda United in 2006, scoring 47 times in 71 outings, and was key to their 2007 Premier Division winning squad. After a spell at Sporting Fingal, Zayed joined Derry City in 2011, scoring 22 times in 36 appearances on his way to winning the PFAI Players’ Player of the Year award. He left Derry for Iranian side Persepolis in 2012, scoring a hat-trick on his debut in the Tehran Derby to earn legendary status as his side overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2.

He scored another hat-trick a month later, against Al-Shabab in the AFC Champions League.

Zayed returned to Ireland with Shamrock Rovers in 2013, scoring 4 goals before being loaned to Sligo Rovers. The forward netted 5 in 11 in Connacht and, after a year in Malaysia, Zayed had spells playing in the NASL and USL in America before retiring. He made 8 appearances for the Libyan national team and is now manager of NASL side Northern Colorado Hailstorm.

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This week... Derry City fan... STEPHEN GALLAGHER 1. Who is the only Scottish player to win the European Cup/Champions League with a club from ouside of the UK?

4.

2. From which club did Arsenal sign Thierry Henry in 1999?

3. Which player scored both of Manchester City’s goals in last year’s FA Cup Final?

4. Can you name the former Chelsea player pictured on the right.

5. Former Sligo Rovers player Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe was

6. at Derry City twice, but only ever on loan. Which two clubs was he on loan from?

6. Manchester United’s Morroccan International Sofyan Amrabat is there on loan from which club?

7. Who was the last player to score a goal here at the Brandywell for Sligo Rovers?

8. Sligo Rovers’ Will Fitzgerald signed for Derry City in 2021 from which club?

STEPHEN’S ANSWERS: 1) Can’t think! Dalgleish didn’t play abroad... Pass!; 2) Monaco; 3) I think it was Gundogan?; 4) I know it but I can’t think! It’s not E’to... Pass again!; 5) Colchester & Dundalk; 6) Haven’t a clue!; 7) Was it last season? Can’t honestly remember!; 8) Waterford

STEPHEN’S SCORE: 3 out of 8! Can you beat it?

ANSWERS: 1) Paul Lambert (Borussia Dortmund1996/97); 2) Juventus 3) İlkay Gündoğan; 4) Gabriel Agbonlahor; 5) Colchester United (2019) & Dundalk (2021); 6) Fiorentina; 7) Danny Lafferty (July 2023); 8) Waterford

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BE THE CHALLENGER! CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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