CityView Vol-40 No-14 - Derry City vs FC Bruno's Magpies - Thursday 18th July

DERRY CITY F.C. v F.C. BRUNO’S MAGPIES UEFA EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE 1ST QUALIFIER THURSDAY 18th JULY 2024 | 7.45pm Vol. 40 - No. 14

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Welcome to...

F.C. BRUNO’S MAGPIES

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 and a first time welcome as well to all supporters travelling from Gibraltar this evening!

Tonight we welcome F.C. Bruno’s Magpies to the Brandywell, so welcome to Nathan Rooney, his staff, players, officials, and supporters who have made the long journey from Gibraltar. A lot of our fans know what that journey is like from last week!

And for those fans that did travel, thanks for making that journey and sorry for bringing that match back up again!

It wasn’t the best performance and definitely not the best result either, so we have it all to do tonight!

We conceded two easy goals last week in a dry, hot, and humid Europa Point Stadium, scored by English-born Welsh youth International Ash Taylor, and club captain Paco Zuniga.

The pressure is on tonight to get that result turned around and we’ll need to score at least 3 to be able to do that.

It should be the polar opposite of last week in terms of conditions though. It’s due to rain today and should be around 12°C come kick off time, so this should work in Derry City’s favour. The pitch will be wet and fast this evening, so let’s hope Derry can get on their game and play like we know they can.

Enjoy the game!

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS:

Referee: ANTOINE PAUL CHIARAMONTI (AND)

Asst 1: Andreu Simarro (AND) |Asst 2: Ainhoa Fernández (AND) Fourth Official: Luis Teixeira (AND)

TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR:

www.mccambridgeduffy.co.uk 028 7137 6888

www.budgetenergy.co.uk 0800 012 177

PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR SPONSORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome the management, players and staff of FC Bruno’s Magpies to the Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium tonight, and hope they enjoy their stay in our city.

It goes without saying that our performance in the first leg in Gibraltar was a long way below the standards we have set, and as a group, we are well aware that tonight is our opportunity to try to put that right.

There was a lot of criticism after Thursday night’s performance and as I said after the game, given the commitment it takes to make a trip like that, fans had a right to expect a lot more.

We don’t take your support for granted, and the commitment needed from supporters at the minute is something we have discussed quite a bit with the players.

We’ve left ourselves a lot of work to do tonight but I believe that this squad has the quality, and just as importantly, the desire, to turn the tie around.

The players were obviously

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hurting this week and it’s at times like that where as a management team, we look for a response from them.

They won’t have needed me to tell them what we need to do to get back into the tie, and they’re certainly ready for this week’s game.

We will look to go on the front foot from the first whistle tonight and I’m also asking you to get right behind the team from the start.

We’ve seen so many times before how much it can lift everyone when this ground is rocking, and hopefully we can generate more of that this evening.

You’ll have heard me say in the past that some of my favourite memories from my playing days involve European nights at this ground and with Derry City in general.

We have a chance tonight to add this one to the list and with the backing of a big home crowd we will do everything we can to send you home happy.

Enjoy the game!

Ruaidhrí Higgins, Manager

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DERRY CITY V LOS PUMAS 1991 On Sunday 11th August 1991 Universiadad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, also referred to as Los Pumas or UNAM, became the first Latin American team to visit the Brandywell. They arrived in Derry as Primera División (now known as Liga MX) champions.

In their squad were five either current or future internationals. The previous Friday evening they had drawn one apiece against Shelbourne in Dublin.

The attendance of 5,000 may have been expecting some Mexican technique and skilful play but instead they were treated to a great all round team performance from the Candystripes who virtually dominated proceedings from start to finish.

In particular winger Gregory Kearney was in devastating form causing the visitors huge problems from the first minute.

He seemed capable of dribbling his way past four Pumas

By Francie McCauley defenders at will. He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet on more than one occasion.

Los Pumas were unable to cope with the harrying and hustling of City and couldn’t handle some of the ‘challenges’ which led to frayed tempers at times.

Stuart Gauld and Paul Mooney were involved in the move which led to Paul Hegarty stabbing home a Jonathan Speak right wing cross into the net to open the scoring on fourteen minutes.

Mexican international David Patino wasted a chance to equalise five minutes from half time but he did find the back of the net when, in the 54th minute, John Coady lost possession and Patino was able to hold off two defenders before putting the ball past Derry keeper Dermot O’Neill.

On seventy minutes having, himself, taken a corner the ball was cleared back out to Gauld and from his cross Speak blasted the ball past Aquilar to put City back into what was to be a winning lead.

The twenty-page (six of adverts) match programme had no price on the cover. Roy Coyle who had recently taken over from Jim Mc Laughlin penned a ‘Manager’s Message’. Charlie Stuart of the Irish Press had an

article about the new manager entitled ‘Born To Be Winner’.

There was no information on Los Pumas but Kenneth Mc Clintock did write a detailed item called ‘Aztec Gold’ about the 1970 World Cup Finals which had been held in Mexico.

The middle pages had a few photos from Derry’s earlier preseason matches. Kieran Page gave the background to Ardfoyle FC which was accompanied by a group photo. This was followed, somewhat bizarrely, by an article about Gary Lineker approaching fifty goals for England.

‘Where Are They Now?’ was an interesting piece featuring Calvin Plummer who had been signed by Jim Mc Laughlin in the lead up to – and who played in - the 1988 FAI Cup Final. We finished with a ‘Half Time Quiz’ and the team line ups on the back page.

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EUROS 2024: PART 2 Last Sunday in the sold out Olympiastadion, Berlin 71,000 witnessed the culmination of this year’s Euros with Spain lifting the coveted Henri Delaunay trophy for a record 4th time.So ended a veritable feast of football with some great games, some mediocre ones but plenty of drama and with the emergence of a new generation of great young players from the Iberian peninsula. Some interesting statistics emerging from the 51 games played over the last month - In the Group Stage Albania’s Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal 23 seconds into the game against Italy. In the same game Luka Modric at 38 & 289 days became the oldest ever scorer. Germany became the first team to score 5 in the opening game (v Scotland) since the very first match in the competition away back in 1960 when the former Yugoslavia edged France out 5-4 ! The German coach, Julian

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By Sean McGillan

Nagelsmann was the youngest ever coach at 36 + 327days.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal made history as the youngest player to take part in the games at 16 and 338 days. He also was the youngest to score. A unenviable record was witnessed in the group stage game between the Czech Republic and Turkey with the Romanian referee dishing out 16 yellow cards and 2 reds. The other other red was in the opening game between Germany & Scotland where Ryan Porteous got his marching orders. Another record was in the Portugal v Slovenia game when the penalty shoot out consisted of just 6 efforts with Portugal winning 3-0 as keeper Diego Costa saved all 3 efforts. Overall the spectators at the games witnessed 117 goals. There were penalty shoot outs in 3 games with 19 goals. 80% of the available tickets (2.7 million) were allocated to the public and the competing

teams with the latest indication is that all the games were sold out. The cheapest admission charge was £76 going up to the higher range of £253 - £ 844. Black market prices were no doubt “off the Richter scale ! “ The total prize money was €331 euros and the winners and runners up were rewarded with 40 gold & 40 silver medals ! A new rule was introduced in the tournament with only the captains allowed to query decisions with the referee. UEFA have extended this now to all competitions. A very small consolation for England was their captain Harry Kane sharing the Golden Boot Award with Dani Olmo (Spain) Georges Mihautadze ( Georgia) Cody Gakpo (The Netherlands) Ivan Schranz (Slovakia) & Jamal Musiala ( Germany) Incidentally in my earlier article in May I quoted the bookies having England favourites at 100/30 with Spain at 8/1. On this occasion they got it wrong !

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FANZONE: MEET THE FANS European nights are always special here at the Brandywell and so it’s only fitting that we have an equally special Fanzone page for the occasion.

Tonight’s Derry City fan has been supporting the Candystripes for an incredible 79 years! That, I’m sure you’ll agree, is an outstanding record. Not only that but he is well known in the City as a teacher, musician and stalwart of the Derry Feis. So, with great pleasure, we welcome into the Fanzone none other than Giles Doherty, with some fascinating answers to the usual questions.

Name: Giles Doherty How long have you been supporting Derry City?

I went to my first match in 1945 and have been hooked ever since! I have a lot of fond memories of our time in the Irish League but believe we’ve found our natural home in the League of Ireland.

Where do you sit in the Brandywell?

I sit in Southend Park Stand right on the halfway line, along with my son, who is also called Giles and his friend Éamon.

Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

Very difficult decision but I am going to choose Jimmy Delaney.

Why? He was sheer quality even though he was in the latter

stages of his career when he signed for us. You can imagine the excitement generated when Derry City signed a former Celtic and Man Utd player.

The 1954 Irish Cup winning team will always be very special to me.

Best opposition player you’ve seen play?

Isaac McDowell Why? I admit it’s an unusual choice! But I remember him being a really tricky forward from Scotland who played for Linfield. I seem to remember him always playing well against Derry and he was a player I dreaded to see running at our defence.

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

It’s maybe not the best ground, but I always like visiting Oriel Park in Dundalk. One of my favourite nights was being there when we won the League Cup in the 88/89 season. We absolutely hammered Dundalk 4-0 in their backyard and laid down a marker for what was to come later that season.

What goal sticks out in your mind?

It has to be Jimbo Crossan’s legendary long-range goal in the Brandywell against FK Lyn Oslo Why?

Jimbo was a defender and nobody was expecting him to shoot from there! It was such a great finish. Apart from that, it was a really important moment in the 2nd leg that saw us make history by being the first Irish team to win a European tie.

Name your best Derry City team (you can pick from any era) One to Eleven with Three subs Goalkeeper – Charlie Heffron Right Back – Eunan Blake Centre Half – Ryan McBride Centre Half – Willie Curran Left Back – Billy Cathcart Right Wing – Jimmy Delaney Centre Midfield – Felix Healy Centre Midfield – Paul Doolin Left Wing – Jimmy Kelly Centre Forward – Liam Coyle Centre Forward - Fay Coyle Sub1: James McClean Sub2: Owen Da Gama Sub3: Johnny McKenzie Best manager you’ve seen at

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FANZONE: MEET THE FANS continued...

Derry City?

Jim Mc Laughlin Favourite half time snack?

Pepsi Max & Wispa! I also have my pre-match snack of battered sausages before the game as we arrive at the ground quite early. There’s nothing wrong with my appetite!

What one thing would you introduce that you feel would improve the match day experience?

I really feel the cold at my age, so I’m going to suggest introducing Central Heating under the seats!

Thanks to all the Candystripes who travelled to Gibraltar last week on another Derry City European Adventure! Here’s just a few of you!

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C IS FOR CHILDHOOD...

Who were your favourite team as a boy and what got you into them?

PAT HOBAN

Which footballer did you idolise as a boy?

Roy Keane & George Best

I grew up supporting Manchester United cause of my friends and family. Now I just love watching any football no matter who plays.

D IS FOR DRESS SENSE...

Which Derry City team mate has the worst fashion sense?

Adam O’Reilly! Those over sized shoe laces are a big no no!

A IS FOR ANNOYING...

Which team mate would you hate to sit beside on the bus all the way to Cork and why?

Sadou Diallo! Because he doesn’t shut up about Kylian Mbappe being the best player in the world!

B IS FOR BOX...

What is your favourite TV show? Either at the minute or of all time.

Peaky Blinders is the best of all time. What a show

E IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT...

What music and film would you play on the team bus for the lads if it was your choice?

I would listen to R’n’B and bit of Elvis. And a bit of Irish trad.

F IS FOR FUNNY...

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen happen in your time in football?

Georgie Kelly heading the crossbar in training. I have video evidence

G IS FOR GOAL...

What’s been the best goal you’ve ever scored?

Every single one of them. They all count the same.

H IS FOR HOLIDAY...

What is your favourite holiday destination? Or where would you like to go no expense spared?

I like Tenerife, but I’d like to go on Safari though if I had the chance.

I IS FOR IDOL...

J IS FOR JOKER...

Who is the biggest practical joker in the team?

I’ll go for Ciaran Coll. One funny man and good craic!

K IS FOR KIT...

What has been your favourite football kit that you’ve ever played in or owned?

Uniteds 98/99 kit

L IS FOR LIFE AFTER PLAYING...

Do you see yourself staying in football when your playing career is over?

I’m not sure yet. I love football and I have my UEFA B licence so we will see what happens.

M IS FOR MEMENTO...

What is the one football memento you own that you’ll never give away?

I tend to give a lot away to raise money for charity but I’ll keep all my medals that I have

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W IS FOR WHILE AWAY

won so far

N IS FOR NEXT BIG

THE TIME...

THING...

How do you keep yourself entertained during away trips or overnights?

Just chill out and play cards with the lads

Which Derry City player do you think could be the next to make a move overseas?

There is a lot of young talent in the group. If they keep the head down and work hard they will all have a chance.

X IS FOR EXCHANGE...

If you could change places with someone in another sport for a day, who would it be?

Ronnie O Sullivan

O IS FOR OPPOSITION...

Which opposition do you look forward to playing the most either this year or every year?

I like playing against all of them but I’d say Shamrock Rovers

P IS FOR PASSTIME...

Outside of football, do you have any hobbies in your spare time?

I love a few frames of snooker when I have time.

U IS FOR UNPARALLELED...

Who is the best player you’ve ever played against?

I played against Virgil Van Dijk and he never had to leave 2nd gear!

Q IS FOR QUIZ...

Which Derry City team mate would you definitely not want in your team if you were to do a quiz?

Dinky Kelly! He’s miles off it!

R IS FOR RESULT...

Y IS FOR YOUTH...

Which result meant the most to you in your career?

All of them mean so much but the last game of the season in 2014 was huge

S IS FOR SKILLS...

Who has the best skills in the team?

Will Patching

T IS FOR TEAM MATES...

Who is the best player you’ve ever played with?

I could name a few to be fair, but I’ll go for Patrick McEleney.

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V IS FOR VEHICLE...

What car do you drive now, and what would you drive if you were in the Premiership?

I drive an Audi A4 at the minute, and if anyone wants to buy it, hit me up! In the Premiership, I don’t know. A Kia Sportage!

Where did you start your youth career, and did you always play in the same position?

I first started playing for my local home town club Lakeside Celtic when I was very young before I went to Mervue United, but I started off in centre midfield!

Z IS FOR ZERO CHANCE...

What club would there be no chance of you ever playing for or supporting?

I have a few! But to stay on the safe side I’ll just say Liverpool!

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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 19 - JACOB DAVENPORT 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

F.C. BRUNO’S MAGPIES 1 - MARCOS ZAPPACOSTA 3 - ASHTON TAYLOR 4 - RUBÉN DÍAZ 5 - FRANCISCO ZÚÑIGA 6 - ÁLEX CARRASCAL 7 - JUAN ARGUEZ 8 - CARLOS GARCÍA 9 - JACK STORER 10 - EDU SALLES 11 - JAVI FORJÁN 13 - CHRISTIAN FRAIZ 15 - LEE COOMBES 16 - EVAN DE HARO 19 - FEDERICO VILLAR 22 - CHRISTIAN VALLE 23 - DAYLE COLEING 31 - JULIAN DEL RIO 32 - KEVAGN RONCO 33 - HAN STEVENS 44 - ANTHONY HERNANDEZ 77 - OLATUNDE BAYODE

Manager: NATHAN ROONEY

Tonight’s Match Sponsors:

www.mccambridgeduffy.co.uk | 028 7137 6888

www.budgetenergy.co.uk | 0800 012 177

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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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Can you do the maths with the shirt numbers to find 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: Pat Hoban (9) + Ciaron Harkin (4) - Brian Maher (1) = Paul McMullan (12) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) Ball has disappeared; 2) Extra window has appeared on the left; 3) Defender’s arm has disappeared; 4) Pitch line has disappeared; 5) Defender’s socks have changed to black

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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

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LANDMARKS: PREVIOUS GAMES IN EUROPE This is the 17th season that Derry City has represented the League of Ireland in European competition.

Up until 2006 our record in Europe had not been impressive, as we had won only one of our previous 14 games and had yet to progress to the second round in any of our previous attempts. However, in 2006 all that changed as we recorded the best ever European result by ant Irish side by beating IFK Gothenburg home and away, and then recording the highest ever away win in Europe by any Irish side by beating Gretna 5-1 at Fir Park in Scotland. (Incredibly, none of our exploits of that season were ever shown on Irish television).

Our first game European game came in Sept 1988, when Cardiff City provided the opposition in a scoreless draw, in the Cup Winners Cup. The visitor’s, included Jimmy Gilligan and former Scotland keeper George Wood. The second leg proved to be a disappointing affair, as a Jimmy Gilligan hat-trick helped the Welsh side to a 4-0 victory.

A year later came the visit of Benfica. The Portuguese side managed by Sven Goran Ericsson, included a litany of stars, including Brazilian captain Santos Aldair. Goals from Jonas Thern and Raimundo Ricardo gave the visitors victory, as Paul Carlyle scored our first European goal. Benfica had a comfortable 4-0 win in the second leg, with goals from Mats Magnusson, Garcia Vata, Raimundo Ricardo and Santos Aldair.

In Sept 1990, a Huub Loeffen

By Brian Dunleavy

strike gave Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem a 1-0 win at Brandywell. The visitor’s side included Raimund Van Der Gouw, who also played here for Manchester United. The second leg at Monnikenhuizen, saw a magnificent City performance as we held our hosts to a scoreless draw.

In our next venture into Europe, two years later, we drew Vitesse again. The first leg at Monnikenhuizen, which was our 300th game, ended in a comfortable 3-0 win for the home side, with two goals from John Van Der Brom and another from Hans Van Arum. The second leg at Brandywell also ended in victory for the Dutch side, despite a superb strike from Paul Mooney. Roberto Straal and Martin Laamers scored for the visitors whose side included Philip Cocu, who played for Barcelona at Brandywell in 2003.

In Aug 1995, we recorded our first European victory as a League of Ireland club, when a Harry McCourt strike was enough to overcome Lokomotiv Sofia at Brandywell in the first leg of the Cup Winners Cup preliminary round. This game

saw the Derry City debuts of Tony O’Dowd, Sandy Fraser and Tom Mohan. The second leg proved to be disappointing, as goals from Ivor Slatchev and Boris Hvoynev saw Sofia through 2-1 on aggregate. Anthony Tohill made his debut, playing in goals following the sending off of City keeper Tony O’Dowd.

In 1997 we were drawn against Maribor Teatanic, in the first qualifying round of the Champions League. The first leg at Brandywell saw Eamon Doherty make his Derry City debut, but he was unable to prevent the visitors winning 2-0, with goals from Gregor Zidan and Damjan Gajser. In the second leg, Oskar Drobne scored the only goal as Maribor qualified on a 3-0 aggregate score.

It was six years before we appeared in Europe again.

In 2003 we drew Cypriot side Apoel Nicosia. The first leg in Cyprus ended in a 1-2 defeat, however, a fabulous display was capped by our first away goal in Europe since football returned in 1985, when Gary Beckett struck just before half time. The second leg proved a

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LANDMARKS: PREVIOUS GAMES IN EUROPE continued... disappointment as the Cypriots won 3-0.

It was another three years before we played in Europe again.

On this occasion we drew IFK Gothenburg and won 1-0 with Sean Hargan scoring, while in the second leg a Stephen O’Flynn penalty saw us repeat the scoreline, as we progressed in Europe for the first time as a League of Ireland side. The second leg proved to be another highlight in the club’s history as we beat Scottish representatives Gretna 5-1 at Motherwell’s Fir Park. The sides played out a 2-2 draw in the second leg.

French giants, Paris St Germain were next at Brandywell as we played a scoreless draw and might have had a penalty when Kevin McHugh was upended.

The second leg saw us eventually lose out as the French side progressed on a 2-0 scoreline.

In 2007, during the reign of John Robertson we were drawn against Armenian side Pyunik

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and again it proved to be disappointing. After a scoreless draw at Brandywell we lost the second leg 0-2 in Armenia.

In 2009 in the Europa league, we drew Skonto Riga, managed

by English man Paul Ashworth.

The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw with Igors Kovlovs opening the scoring, with Tam McManus equalizing just before half time, while in the second leg at Brandywell, a Kevin Deery strike was enough to give us a 1-0 victory and a second leg against CSKA Sofia in the third qualifying round.

In Bulgaria, we went down 0-1, while in the second leg we could only manage 1-1 draw, with David Scullion scoring for City.

After an absence of four years, we returned to European football in 2013. Having received a bye in the first qualifying round we were paired with Turkish giants, Trabzonspor. We lost the first leg 24, while the Turkish side won 3-0 at Brandywell.

In the first round we overcame Welsh side Aberystwyth Town, winning 4-0 at Brandywell and 5-0 at Park Avenue, to record both the new highest away European victory and the highest aggregate victory by an Irish side.

In 2014, we faced Shakhtyor Saligorsk, losing the first leg 0-1.

In the second leg, Michael Duffy netted early on to level the tie but the visitors scored five to run out easy winners, including a goal from Aleksandre Guruli, who was the 600th player to score against the club.

2017 saw us draw Midtjylland who beat us convincingly in

both games, with our home game being played at Sligo Showgrounds as the Brandywell was being developed with the Mark Farren stand constructed.

In 2018 we lost 0-2 to Dinamo Minsk at Brandywell and then won the second leg away in Minsk, but it wasn’t enough.

In 2020, Covid resulted in European games being reduced to one leg. We ended up in Vilnius in Lithuania, where we lost 2-3 to RK Riteraia after extra time.

Joe Thomson and Eoin Toal scored for City.

2022 was a short-lived European adventure, losing 0-2 in both legs against Riga FC. 2023 saw us go to the Faroe Islands, where we recorded a scoreless draw against Hanvar Boltfelag, before winning 1-0 at Brandywell in the second leg. In round 2, we beat Kups of Finland 2-1 at Brandywell, before getting a 3-3 draw in the away leg, with just 20 Derry City fans able to make the trip. The third round saw us go down 0-1 away to Tobol Kostanay. The home leg had to be played at Tallaght due to facilities at Brandywell not meeting the criteria. We won 1-0, but lost out in a penalty shoot-out.

Our overall record in Europe in played 45, won 11, drew 9 and lost 25. We have scored 41 and conceded 74, while keeping 11 clean sheets.

155 players have played for the club in European competition, with 29 players sharing our 41 goals.

Hopefully this will be the start of a successful European campaign for the club.

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F.C. BRUNO’S MAGPIES: A PROFILE OF TONIGHT’S OPPOSITION Well, it’s that time of the year again folks. It’s July, the sun isn’t out when I’m writing this and it probably won’t be when you’re reading this. I wouldn’t worry about that though, because it’s a European night in the Brandywell. There’s that aspect of the unknown, from leading up to the draw not knowing who we’ll get, to wincing when SkyScanner tells you how dear return flights are to the away leg. All we could ask for was to get an away trip to somewhere hot and when FC Bruno’s Magpies were drawn out of the hat, we got just that. It was more than 30 degrees in Gibraltar last week, so you’ll know who made the trip by looking around you and seeing who’s sunburnt.

Last Thursday’s game was our first time facing a Gibraltarian side in Europe, so I’ve had a look at tonight’s opposition and condensed a bit of history, facts and former players to find out a bit more about FC Bruno’s Magpies.

Who are Bruno’s Magpies?

Bruno’s Magpies were formed in 2013 by Englishman Louis Perry who, with 500 quid, decided to set up a football team from his grandparent’s bar and restaurant. Wearing black and white because their first manager, Nick Embleton, was a huge Newcastle United fan,

By Pól O’Hare

the club finished mid-table in Gibraltar’s second tier in their first two seasons. They were off to a good start. By 2017, they were in the play-offs to get into the Premier Division under the tutelage of former Gibraltar assistant manager Davie Wilson. By the time May 2019 came round, Bruno’s Magpies had won the Second Division title alongside the Second Division Cup. By 202122, Magpies had secured qualification to UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying by finishing runners-up in the Rock Cup. First up for Magpies was a trip to Belfast to face Crusaders in the First Round in July 2022. They almost made it past Crues too – going 2-0 up just after halftime and winning the first leg 2-1 at home before conceding in the 93rd minute to lose 3-1 in Seaview.

Former Derry City midfielder

Philip Lowry started both legs for Crues. Heartbreak for Nathan Rooney’s men, but not a bad start to European life at all.

After finishing third in the league and winning the Rock Cup in 2022-23, Bruno’s Magpies found themselves back in the First Round of the Conference League. Back, again, to Ireland for the team in black and white. They were met by another team wearing black and white – Dundalk FC, who were in the Europa League group stages less than three years prior. Magpies held Dundalk to a goalless draw in the Gibraltar heat, before falling to a 3-1 loss in Oriel Park a week later. The League of Ireland Premier Division top scorer, our very own Pat Hoban, opened the scoring that night, whilst Dan Kelly started on the wing.

If you’re a Magpies fan, it must

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A PROFILE OF TONIGHT’S OPPONENTS continued...

seem like Groundhog Day when you watch a European qualifying draw. Back to Ireland again this year and it’s a big one too – the winner will play FC Copenhagen at home next week before travelling to Parken a week later. Just a reminder that Copenhagen beat Manchester United and Galatasaray, and drew to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last year…

Honours Bruno’s Magpies may only be eleven years old, but they’ve bagged four pieces of silverware, all impressively since 2019. It began with the Second Division Cup in 201819, when Magpies went unbeaten to top their group by

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four points before beating Olympique 13 2-1 in the final.

Two years later, they’d added the GFA Challenge Cup to their collection.

They also received a bye in the next season’s edition of the Rock Cup – Gibraltar’s version of the FAI Cup. Magpies finally got their hands on the Rock Cup in 2022-23, beating Lincoln Red Imps on penalties in the final. They also managed to net the Pepe Reyes Cup that year, a one-off match contested by the Rock Cup and League winners, when they beat Lincoln Red Imps again, this time by one goal to nil.

Ones to watch 32 time Gibraltar international goalkeeper Dayle Coleing has recently joined Bruno’s Magpies after a second spell at Lincoln Red Imps. The 27 year old, who spent two years at Glentoran between 2020-22 when they triggered his £50,000 release clause, has won both the League and Rock Cup on four occasions each – making him one of the most decorated players in the Magpies squad.

Welsh defender Ashton Taylor – who has made over 500 senior appearances across

League One, League Two and the Scottish Premiership was recently announced as a new signing and scored the opener on his debut last week. Centre back Francisco Zúñiga, who also scored last week, could make his 100th appearance at the club this season and spent time in the youth ranks at Mexican giants Pachuca.

Midfielder Alejandro Carrascal is a summer signing from Racing Cartagena in the Spanish fourth tier after coming through the youth systems of Sevilla and Real Valladolid. Another former Sevilla youngster is fellow new signing Cristian Orihuela, who signed from Europa FC. He played at Xerez CD in the fifth tier for a year between 2020 and 2021 – a team who were in LaLiga as recently as 2010.

30 year old number 8 Carlos García made 5 caps for Spains U20s and is certainly one to keep an eye on in the midfield.

He was part of the Real Betis side which won the Segunda Division in 2014-15, for whom he made a singular appearance in LaLiga before leaving in 2016. García spent time at Juventud Torremolinos before moving to Gibraltar last year.

Attacking midfielder Anthony Hernandez has 44 senior caps for Gibraltar and has scored more than 50 goals from the centre of the park since leaving Cadiz to sign for Manchester 62 in Gibraltar in 2014.

English striker Jack Storer made senior appearances for

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A PROFILE OF TONIGHT’S OPPONENTS continued...

Birmingham City, Yeovil Town and Partick Thistle before signing for Bruno’s Magpies in 2023. One of those Thistle appearances was a start in a 3-1 defeat against Celtic in the Scottish League Cup in 2018 - he also scored the opener in a win over Greenock Morton in the same competition that year. Storer has recently rejoined Magpies after a year back in England with Stratford Town. Veteran Brazilian forward Edu Salles has had a journeyed career since leaving Brazilian side Atlético Paranaense in 2009 which has seen him enjoy stints in Georgia, Lithuania, Bolivia, England and Spain before joining Magpies this summer.

The more you know…

Former English figure skater, and former chairman of Watford alongside Elton John, Haig Oundijan has been the joint-chairman of Bruno’s Magpies since 2019. Now 75, Oundijan won bronze in the 1971 European Figure Skating Championships in Zürich and competed at the Winter Olympics in 1968 and 1972.

During his time at Watford, the club reached the First Division (now Premier League) in 1981-82, after winning the Fourth Division just four years prior.

Former Derry City midfielder Aaron Splaine spent two years playing in Gibraltar after leaving the Candystripes at the

end of the 2018 season. He signed for Europa Point in August 2019 before signing for Bruno’s Magpies ahead of the 2020 season, where he made 7 appearances. The Scotsman, who was born in Malaga, won the EA Sports Cup at the Brandywell in 2018 as he played 17 times and scored on his debut.

Former Cobh Ramblers left back Eoin O’Donovan spent a few months at Bruno’s Magpies in late 2018 before returning to Cobh ahead of the 2019 League of Ireland First Division campaign. English striker Liam Nash, who played for Bruno’s Magpies in the 202223 campaign but spent most of his career in the National League, spent four months at Cork City in 2019. Midfielder Kye Livingstone, who joined Bruno’s Magpies in 2019, signed for Larne FC’s reserve side, Larne Olympic, in 2021.

After impressing with Larne Olympic, he was awarded with a professional contract in

2023 and has been called up to Gibraltar’s U21 side.

New goalkeeper Dale Coleing is Gibraltar’s number one goalkeeper at the minute.

The 27 year old was between the sticks when France put 14 past his side in Nice last November. Midfielder Evan de Haro also started in the centre of the park. Kylian Mbappé bagged a hat-trick, whilst Kingsley Coman and Olivier Giroud both bagged braces.

A month prior, he started in Gibraltar’s 4-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland. Bruno’s Magpies’ Anthony Hernandez was an unused sub that day, whilst Evan de Haro replaced Roy Alan Chipolina in the second half. Midfielder Kevagn Ronco was on the bench against the French too. Coleing also started for Lincoln Red Imps against Tobol Kostanay, who Derry City faced last season, in the Second Round of Conference League qualifying back in July 2022.

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This week... Derry City fan... PAUL DOHERTY 1. 4 of the Bruno’s Magpies team travelled to Ireland last June on International duty to face Rep Of Ireland in a Euro 2024 Qualifier, but what was the score at the Aviva?

4.

2. In November of the same Euro ‘24 Qualifiers, Magpies ‘keeper Dayle Coleing conceded 14 goals as they lost 14-0 to which nation?

3. Which Spaniard has made the Premier League Appearances?

4. Five players weren’t used by England during the Euros, but who is this one? (pictured on the right) 5. Gibraltar International Louie Annesley played for 5. which League Of Ireland Club in 2003?

6. Magpies defender Ash Taylor joined the club in June after spending a year at which English League Two club?

7. Former Candystripe Aaron Splaine went on to play for the Magpies tow years later, but which Derry City manager signed Aaron Splaine?

8. Magpies finished 3rd in the league last season, but which club won it for the 4th year in a row to qualify for the Champions League?

PAUL’S ANSWERS: 1) Was it 4-0?; 2) Had to be France? They won the group anyway; 3) I think it’s David De Gea; 4) That’s Lewis Dunk; 5) Dundalk; 6) No idea; 7) Kenny Shiels I think; 8) Lincoln Red Imps

PAUL’S SCORE: 6 out of 8! Can you beat it?

ANSWERS: 1) 3-0 to Ireland (Johnston, Ferguson & Idah) , 2) France; 3) David de Gea (415); 4) Lewis Dunk; 5) Dundalk; 6) Bradford City; 7) Kenny Shiels; 8) Lincoln Red Imps

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