CityView Vol-41 No-05 - Derry City vs Drogheda United - Friday 11th April

DERRY CITY F.C. v DROGHEDA UNITED F.C. LEAGUE OF IRELAND MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION FRIDAY 11TH APRIL 2025 | 7.45pm Vol. 41 - No. 05

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Welcome to...

DROGHEDA UNITED

DERRY CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Formed:

1928

Ground:

Brandywell Stadium

Manager:

Tiernan Lynch

Asst Manager:

Seamus Lynch

Coach:

Andy Mitchell

Co-Ordinator: GK Coach:

Patrick McEleney Michael Dougherty

Development:

Mark McChrystal

Head Analyst:

Rory Scott

S&D Coach

Danny Doherty

Physio:

Leah McCreadie

Kit Man:

Georgie Harkin

Kit Man:

Gerry Sheppard

Doctor:

Dr. Noel Boyle

Podiatrist:

Patrick McGill

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 Event Images and Maiden City 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 tonight’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division game against Drogheda United.

Welcome also to Kevin Doherty as well as his players and staff, and the officials and supporters who have travelled from Drogheda this evening.

Of course, the last time the two sides met was at the Aviva Stadium when Drogheda came out on top with a 2-0 win, but we don’t talk about that!

To focus on something more positive, the last time Drogheda visited the Brandywell, Derry came away with the three points after a 5-1 win!

Goals from Cameron Dummigan, Will Patching, Daniel Kelly, Pat Hoban, and CIaran

Coll sealed the win on that night, which incidently was the 12th April 2024. Almost exactly 1 year ago to date!

We’ll take that as a good omen!

This season, Drogheda have gone full time and currently sit high in the league with European football to look forward to.

It’s going to be a tough game, that’s for sure, but let’s get behind the team and get the three points here tonight!

Enjoy the game!

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: ROBERT HARVEY

Assistant 1: Darragh Keegan |Assistant 2: Niall McLoughlin Fourth Official: Alan Patchell

TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR:

21/23 Clarendon Street Tel: +44 (0) 28 7126 1020 | E: city@mooreni.co.uk PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR SPONSORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

It’s a pleasure to welcome Kevin Doherty and his players and staff to the Brandywell tonight as we complete the first round of fixtures in this season’s league campaign.

Our visitors have made a really impressive start with just one defeat so far, and the fact that they have only conceded four goals in their first eight games shows just how tough they have been to play against.

That said, we’ve been pleased with our own form of late and I think that last Friday’s win over Cork, and our second half showing in particular, suggested we’re continuing in the right direction.

It’s a very long season and we’ve said from the start that the rebuild will take time, but I have every faith in the quality we have in this squad.

We really benefitted from that last weekend as the players who came off the bench made an immedi-

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ate impact on the game and helped us keep the pressure on the Cork defence.

The players definitely fed off the energy coming from the new stand as well, and given that it was only half full for the first night, we feel that together we can make this a very difficult venue for visiting teams going forward.

These are hopefully going to be exciting times over the next few seasons with a lot of hard work happening both on the field and off it.

As a group, we do of

course realise the importance of performances and results right now and as I’ve said many times before, the players continue to give everything we ask of them every single day.

Obviously we’ll be looking to continue that trend this evening and we will do everything in our power to try to ensure that you enjoy your night.

Tiernan Lynch, Manager

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DERRY CITY VS FINN HARPS 1999 On Sunday 13th June 1999 Derry made another trip into County Donegal for what was billed as a Challenge Match against Finn Harps to mark the opening of St. Egney’s Park in Desertegney. The pitch would be for the use of the Desertegney Youth Club and Dunree United FC. It was to be a busy afternoon with Shay Given performing the Official Opening Ceremony followed by the Blessing of the Pitch by Fr. Joseph Carolan and Canon Sam Barton. Dunree Ladies then took on Cockhill Ladies and the City Harps game rounded off the day.

The Challenge Match turned out to be an enjoyable encounter in front of an impressive attendance. Harps, who depend-

By Francie McCauley ed mainly on their reserve team panel, started brightly and Shields went close after five minutes but Derry responded almost immediately when a superb Paul Hegarty twenty-five-yard effort sailed agonisingly wide of the post.

End to end football became the order of the day and City’s keeper David Platt denied Bradley on eighteen minutes. After some excellent approach work from the Candystripes the lively Darren Mc Caul was denied a goal by Harps keeper Cullen but Mc Caul then squandered a glorious opportunity when he failed to get the all-important touch to Eamon Doherty’s accurate right wing cross.

In the second half Derry began to control matters but Harps broke the deadlock completely against the run of play on sixtyfive minutes, Coyle set up Mc Hugh and he hammered the ball high into the net giving Platt no chance.

City bounced back eight minutes later when Joe Harkin got his head to a corner to find the net for a deserved equaliser.

Liam Coyle showed his class when he entered the fray. Having controlled the ball and leaving two defenders in his wake he let fly with a shot on the turn from twenty yards which, unfortunately, clipped the crossbar before going out of play.

For the event Desertegney Youth Club, which had been established in 1993, produced a

mammoth A4 format seventysix-page Souvenir Programme (half of which was adverts). It was on sale for £3. It opened with a message from Seamus Brogan, Club Chairman. As you would expect for such an occasion there were messages of congratulations from various bodies and representatives including the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation and numerous football organisations - the FAI, the Inishowen Junior League and the Ulster Football Association.

Four pages charted the origins of the Youth Club. A series of photos followed the construction of the pitch and there were various photos of teams which had represented the Youth Club. There were comprehensive histories of both the Derry City and Finn Harps clubs and detailed Player Profiles of both squads. Three pages were dedicated to Shay Given.

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IMPORTS Over the years many footballers from the “mainland” ventured across the Irish Sea to play for teams in both the Irish League & the League of Ireland. First up in this recollection come 2 imports from Scotland and England to the Brandywell. The arrival in January 1954 of former Falkirk, Celtic , Manchester United & Scottish international - Jimmy Delaney (who cost City £1500) and was the holder of more than 30 international and inter league cups as well as picking up English & Scottish Cup Medals. So the anticipation was palpable as Jimmy lined out against Ards on 16th January. What a start he had bagging a hat trick ! The following month he scored the only goal in the 1st round of the Cup against Ballymena.

In the semi final the Candystripes beat Linfield 3-2 in a replay and met old rivals Glentoran in a Windsor Park Final.

A record crowd of 35,000 witnessed a 2-2 draw with Jimmy equalising an early goal from the Glens. The replay attracted 30,000 with the result a scoreless draw. The third match watched by 28,000 ended 1-0 for City and Jimmy went on to pick up his 3rd Cup Final medal. Sadly the 4th Medal eluded him as he was on the losing side as Cork Athletic lost 3-2 to Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup Final in 1956.

The second arrival came from England 34 years after Dela-

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By Sean McGillan

ney and he too had an FA cup medal to his credit -Alan Sunderland won it in spectacular style in the Wembley show case in 1979. Playing for Arsenal against Manchester United his team was 2-0 up with only 5 minutes left on clock.

Then in a 3 minute spell the Red Devils scored twice with extra time looming. However the Gunnners launched a final assault and “our new signing” was at the end of a cross from Graham Rix to convert at the far post ! Alan arrived in Derry in January 1987 via Ipswich and he made 4 appearances for City scoring on his debut v Shelbourne . He was on a weekly contract for as long as his new club stayed in the cup but another medal eluded him & he retired shortly after his sojourn here. The final player to get a mention in this

article was also a FA cup medal winner who came to play in the League of Ireland for Sligo Rovers in 1939 ! Dixie Dean was described as one of the greatest players of all time, a veritable football icon. It was reported at the time hundreds of fans turned up at the railway station to welcome him to Ireland. His goal scoring record with Everton was phenomenal- 349 goals in 399 games. In his 7 appearances for “ the bit of red” he scored 10 times. He helped Rovers make it to the Cup Final only to end up on the losing side in a replay against Shelbourne after a drawn first game in which he scored. The story is told of a local councillor who admitted his home had 3 framed pictures on a wall - one of the Sacred Heart, one of St. Patrick & one of Dixie Dean!

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE

2025 LEAGUE TABLE: Pld Pts Drogheda Utd

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St. Pat’s Athletic

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Galway United

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Shelbourne

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Last Round’s Results:

This Round’s Fixtures:

Shamrock Rvrs

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DERRY CITY

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Bohemians

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Waterford

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Cork City

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FRIDAY 4th APRIL DERRY CITY 2-1 Cork City St Pat’s Athletic 0-0 Shelbourne Galway Utd 0-1 Shamrock Rvrs Drogheda United 2-0 Waterford Bohemian 4-2 Sligo Rovers

FRIDAY 11th APRIL DERRY CITY v Drogheda Utd Cork City v St Pat’s Athletic Shelbourne v Bohemian Shamrock Rovers v Waterford Sligo Rovers v Galway United

Sligo Rovers

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NEXT GAME:

Derry City vs Sligo Rovers Tuesday 22nd April, 7.45pm

NI SCHOOLS CUP WINNERS: ST JOSEPH’S BOYS Derry City First Team Manager ‘Surprise’ Visit to St. Joseph’s Boys School to Congratulate U18 team on NI Schools Cup Success Congratulating the students, he spoke of the tremendous footballing talent that exists within the city and district and how tuned in young footballers were to the modern game.

He went on to explain how hard work and diligence pays dividends in sport but also stressed the importance of education and getting good grades were to success in life generally.

Congratulations again to the team and school from all at Derry City FC on the success.

Photos: St. Joseph’s Boys School, Derry

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LAST FRIDAY NIGHT’S GAME...

DERRY CITY 2 - 1 CORK CITY: Derry City came from behind last Friday night to produce a win and seal all three points. Kitt Nelson will be the future quiz question of who scored the first goal in front of the New North Stand when he scored the opener for Cork.

DERRY CITY 1 - 0 CORK CITY: It was in front of the new North Stand again in the second half that Ronan Boyce scored the equaliser with an overhead kick before Michael Duffy sealed the win 9mins later to get City’s second home win of the season.

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C IS FOR CHILDHOOD...

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

KEVIN HOLT

Queen Of The South. They were my local club, so I used to love going along to watch them.

them both to tick off the bucket list still!

I IS FOR IDOL...

Which footballer did you idolise as a boy?

David Beckham

D IS FOR DRESS SENSE...

Which Derry City team mate has the worst fashion sense?

Mark Connolly! Actually, I’d like to wish him luck on the PGA tour this year!

E IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT...

A IS FOR ANNOYING...

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

Dom Thomas! He snores all the way down!

B IS FOR BOX...

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

I enjoy a few different shows, but I’d say Prison Break has to be the all time favourite.

It’s your turn to choose the music and the film for the team bus for the boys. What are your choices?

I like a shuffle on the music, a little bit of everything.

For the film, I’ll go for The Waterboy!

F IS FOR FUNNY...

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

Declan Gallagher trying to run!

G IS FOR GOAL...

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

I’ve got a couple of crackers to choose from! I’d probably say my volley for Queen Of The South against Dumbarton.

H IS FOR HOLIDAY...

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

I’ve always wanted to go to Japan and New York. I’ve got

J IS FOR JOKER...

Who is the biggest practical joker in the team?

Wini! As hard as he is for me to understand sometimes!

K IS FOR KIT...

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

I had the white and gold reversible Man United strip when I was a young boy. Use to love it!

L IS FOR LIFE AFTER PLAYING...

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

I’d love to help the youth boys coming through and I’d like to do something to help with that transition into professional men’s football from kids

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clubs and that kind of thing.

M IS FOR MEMENTO...

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

I’ve kept all the medals from the competitions I’ve won.

N IS FOR NEXT BIG THING...

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

It’s Mickey Duffy’s world and we’re just living in it!

team?

I’ll go for Dom Thomas. Even though when I played against him they never worked against me!

T IS FOR TEAM MATES...

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

Greg Stewart at Dundee. He was a wizard!

Q IS FOR QUIZ...

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

Danny Mullen! Anything but a maths quiz and he’s useless!

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

Paddy Roberts when he was at Celtic. Wow!

Y IS FOR YOUTH...

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

I started at Queen Of The South, and I was always a centre midfielder.

Which result meant the most to you in your career?

We beat Partick Thistle (who were my previous club) on the last day of the season last year 23/24 to win the Scottish Championship at Dundee United.

Who has the best skills in the

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

Just films and chats with the boys.

U IS FOR UNPARALLELED...

R IS FOR RESULT...

S IS FOR SKILLS...

THE TIME...

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

My mate from school Connor Syme plays golf professionally.

Chases the sun!

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

I’m looking forward to Shamrock Rovers away because the pitch and stadium are meant to be very good.

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

I love to play golf

W IS FOR WHILE AWAY

X IS FOR EXCHANGE...

O IS FOR OPPOSITION...

P IS FOR PASSTIME...

what would you drive if you were in the Premiership?

I’d probably get a Tesla or something.

Z IS FOR ZERO CHANCE...

V IS FOR VEHICLE...

What car do you drive now, and

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

I’ll say Stranraer! Big rivals!

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FANZONE: MEET THE FANS Supporting Derry City for 40 years, tonight’s entrant into the Fanzone is Keith O’Hare. Keith shares his thoughts and ideas on all things Derry City. Enjoy reading his Fanzone entry and thanks for taking part Keith..

seen play?

Ronaldinho. In terms of the League of Ireland it’d be Jack Byrne.

Why? Played his first match for Barcelona in the Brandywell and went on to win the Balon d’Or. I’ve seen Byrne instrumental to beating us too much.

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

Dalymount or Tallaght What goal sticks out in your mind?

Felix Healy scoring from a corner (back in the day lol)

Name: Keith O’Hare How long have you been supporting Derry City?

Supporting the Candystripes since 1985 Where do you sit in the Brandywell?

Originally stood in the Jungle, now Block D Southend Stand Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

Jonathan Speak Why? He was always in the box and assisted a lot. Because of his small height he was fast and tricky but always fought for the team.

Best opposition player you’ve

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Why? He scored directly from a corner, granted it was quite windy.

They all count.

Name your best Derry City team (you can pick from any era) One to Eleven with Three subs

GK Gerard Doherty LB Ciaran Coll CB Stuart Gauld CB Ryan McBride RB Pascal Vaudequin CM Adam O’Reilly CM James McClean LM Michael Duffy RM Paddy McCourt FW Jonathan Speak FW Mark Farren Subs: Storky Carlyle Paul Doolin Paul Curran Best manager you’ve seen at Derry City?

Stephen Kenny Favourite half time snack?

Curry chip with tomato sauce and two battered sausages What one thing would you introduce that you feel would improve the match day experience?

Bring back the scoreboard/ screen and clock

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TONIGHT’S SQUADS DERRY CITY F.C.

DROGHEDA UNITED

1 - BRIAN MAHER 2 - RONAN BOYCE 3 - SHANE FERGUSON 4 - CIARON HARKIN 6 - MARK CONNOLLY 7 - MICHAEL DUFFY 8 - ADAM O’REILLY 9 - PATRICK HOBAN 10 - PAUL MCMULLAN 11 - GAVIN WHYTE 13 - ROBBIE BENSON 14 - BEN DOHERTY 15 - SADOU DIALLO 17 - DOM THOMAS 20 - CARL WINCHESTER 21 - DANNY MULLEN 22 - KEVIN HOLT 23 - CAMERON DUMMIGAN 24 - SAM TODD 26 - ARLO DOHERTY 27 - LIAM BOYCE 32 - SEAN PATTON 34 - CALLUM DOHERTY 35 - GLENN MCCOURT

2 - ELICHA AHUI 3 - CONOR KANE 4 - ANDREW QUINN 5 - AARON HARPER-BAILEY 6 - PAUL DOYLE 7 - DARRAGH MARKEY 9 - JOSH THOMAS 10 - DOUGLAS JAMES-TAYLOR 11 - THOMAS OLUWA 15 - GEORGE COOPER 16 - ZISHIM BAWA 17 - SHANE FARRELL 18 - JAMES BOLGER 19 - RYAN BRENNAN 21 - LUKE HEENEY 22 - CONOR KEELEY 23 - OWEN LAMBE 24 - WARREN DAVIS 25 - BRIDEL BOSAKANI 27 - JACK BRADY 28 - SCOTT BRADY 29 - SEÁN MCCARTHY 31 - KIERAN CRUISE 33 - CONALL CRONIN 34 - DARE KAREEM 45 - LUKE DENNISON

Manager: TIERNAN LYNCH

Manager: KEVIN DOHERTY

Tonight’s Match Sponsors: 21/23 Clarendon Street Tel: +44 (0) 28 7126 1020 E: city@mooreni.co.uk

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More Powerful Together 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: Dom Thomas (17) + Shane Ferguson (3) - Ciaron Harkin (4) = Hayden Cann (16) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) Sligo player’s left leg has disappeared; 2) Ball has disappeared; 3) Sponsor board has changed on the left; 4) Sligo crest has disappeared; 5) Number 49 has changed to 9

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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

SPURS. MONEY. DISAPPOINTMENT. As a Spurs supporter, disappointment is a staple food you are often forced to eat, regularly.

Despite having a new stadium and the ability to spend large sums of money, the trophy return is dire. Their last success in a final was in the League Cup Final in 2008, when they beat Chelsea.

When Spurs played Leicester City in January past, there were a number of banners raised in protest at the chairman, Daniel Levy.

They read - “Our game is about glory, Levy’s game is about greed” - “24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy - time for change”.

Despite being at the helm of the club that has the best stadium in British sport and having provided a lot of funds to the many managers he has employed; fans remain unhappy at the fact they only have one League Cup to show as a return from his tenure.

By Martin Holmes

Fan anger has again been aimed at chairman Daniel Levy - vocalised in persistent ‘Levy out’ calls from supporters both home and away. Club sources told BBC Sport the protests are “hurting” Levy, who attends almost every game and sits quietly through the criticism.

Tottenham were one of the busiest clubs in the January transfer window, but that has not satisfied some fans who criticise a recruitment policy mainly fo-

cused on under-21 players with potential resale value, and who regularly accuse Levy of acting too slowly in the market and putting profits above success on the pitch.

The main fan group connected to the club, Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) - released five core principles they want to hold Levy to account on.

Among those principles were demands to “commit to winning” with investment; “attract

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SPURS. MONEY. DISAPPOINTMENT continued... and retain talent” with competitive wages; “develop elite youth talent”; “lead with integrity” to be “financially sustainable” while “keeping tickets affordable”; and engage with fans.

Sources who have worked with Levy say he does not communicate well enough and suggest the executive team are too similar, hence occasional “own goals” on policies. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire says any discussion of Levy’s tenure must be framed by Tottenham becoming the “most profitable club in Premier League history” because of the money their new stadium generates, a historically lower wage structure and a “degree of caution” on transfer spending. He describes Spurs as a “superb cash-making machine” who have “outperformed any other club in England”.

Tottenham fans pay among the highest season ticket prices and matchday prices in the top flight. Levy has the highest chief executive pay of Premier League clubs that declare such data. In 2023, the most recent figures available, Spurs’ highest-paid director - unnamed but assumed to be Levy - earned £6.6m.

Club insiders describe Levy, 63, as “shy, quiet and hard-working” - and a man who loves the club and is affected by fan criticism.

Multiple sources who know him have expressed respect for Tottenham’s progress under his leadership.

One source with knowledge of the inner workings of the club, who wished to remain anonymous, said Levy can be “very ruthless” but “genuinely wants the best for Spurs”. They claimed some of the “own goals” - such

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as using the government furlough scheme during Covid in 2020 and more recently phasing out senior concession tickets - are partly because Levy does not “surround himself with the best people”.

They described the executive leadership and club board, which includes operations and finance director Matthew Collecott and executive director Donna-Maria Cullen, as “people too similar to him” who will “sit with their heads in their phones”, rather than “people who make up for [Levy’s] weaknesses”.

The source said Levy does not successfully deliver his messages about caring for the club because he is not a strong public speaker and chooses to avoid it, adding: “One interview or being visible once a year is not a lot.”

While Tottenham’s football structure has changed frequently, including technical directors, managing directors and heads of football operations, sources say the club rigidly sticks to “Levy’s philosophy and recruitment policy - to buy young players with promise who can add value”.

Another source who has worked with Levy in the Spurs hierarchy,

also speaking anonymously, backed his passion for the club and said the idea the chairman does not care because he rarely shows emotion is “nonsense”.

They added that Levy is unrelenting - working “crazy” hours which can be tough and tiring for colleagues - and always wants more, something which can grate with people who do not like that style of leadership.

Sources at the club believe Levy will step aside when he feels it is right for Tottenham. They say he would not be motivated by vanity to stay on if there was an outright takeover - and the club remains open to investment with all future ownership structures on the table.

While Levy may be the focal point of protests, it was stressed that he is a minority shareholder of the club through his own family trust - and ENIC, the company behind Spurs, itself mostly owned by businessman, Joe Lewis, who remains the majority owner.

That means any change or purchase would need approval from the Lewis family, and there are other minority shareholders with a say.

Other sources agreed the only realistic way in which Levy would leave Spurs would be on his own terms. He is the Premier League’s highest-paid chief executive - earning an estimated £50m-plus over his 25 years in charge.

One source added that Levy - a renowned negotiator famously described by Sir Alex Ferguson as “more painful [to deal with] than a hip replacement” - will demand a high price for Spurs given their elite facilities, brand,

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SPURS. MONEY. DISAPPOINTMENT continued...

London premium and the revenue the club now generates.

Various reports in recent years have valued Tottenham at between £3.5bn and £4bn.

The period when Tottenham were building their new £1.2bn stadium, between 2017 and 2019, meant Levy was “all-consumed” and the board “left everyone to do their jobs”.

Spurs secured Champions League football under Mauricio Pochettino for four successive seasons to 2018-19 - and were beaten in the 2019 final by Liverpool.

That source suggested Levy’s approach - namely “open to conversations but set in his ways” - has meant a lot of people with off-field expertise have left Spurs over the years for more influential jobs.

Paul Barber was an executive director between 2005-2010 and is now Brighton chief executive; Michael Edwards was Spurs’ chief analyst from 2009-2011 before leaving for Liverpool; FA technical director John McDermott was Tottenham’s head of academy and player development until 2020; while EFL chief executive Trevor Birch was - very briefly - Tottenham’s director of football operations, from September 2020 to January 2021.

It could be argued that many of these highly-rated executives enjoyed good careers at Tottenham before simply moving on but the source claims they “left the building far too easily”.

Another source to have worked closely with Levy at Spurs, again speaking anonymously, pointed out he has delivered “a core infrastructure that is probably the best in the world” and suggest-

ed that would give the club “an incredible foundation for future success - probably after Daniel’s time”.

They said it had taken Arsenal 10 to 15 years to get back to competing for titles and regularly qualifying for Champions League football after they rebuilt their infrastructure, with Levy having inherited a dilapidated stadium, old training ground and ageing squad.

However, the source suggested Levy has not yet got the “formula right” by employing the right head coach with the right players at the same time. One criticism some fans have consistently aimed at Levy and Tottenham’s executive board is a lack of understanding of what it takes to succeed on the pitch.

Levy, Collecott and Cullen have worked together for a quarter of a century.

They are supported at the top level by director of football administration and governance Rebecca Caplehorn and non-executive director Jonathan Turner. The source said that in their experience at Tottenham there was no block on outside or different views, but it can be hard for newcomers especially those

without an affinity to Spurs.

They added that Levy, Collecott, 56, and Cullen, 61 are “probably an unbreakable group” given their longevity and close relationships, but did stress they will not be at Tottenham forever.

Sources inside the club accepted the various backgrounds of people on Tottenham’s board mean they know more about business than football, but pointed out that another sixperson board - which includes chief football officer Scott Munn and technical director Johan Lange - sits underneath to advise on all football decisions.

They will have a major say on any managerial appointments, while transfers are led by Lange and only finalised by Levy - with Munn running the rest of the football operation.

It is also felt that raising profits to record levels is the only way Tottenham can compete with teams like Man City and Newcastle and their ownership models. Spurs sources feel they have been close to winning more trophies than just one trophy in the ENIC/Levy era - having reached 15 semi-finals and six finals - and the five other clubs in the ‘traditional top six’ are either richer or bigger.

“We don’t make any apologies that we are trying to increase our revenue base to invest more in our teams if that means raising money through concerts to invest in the teams then I don’t apologise at all,” Levy said at September’s fan forum.

The former Spurs captain, Danny Blanchflower, said the game was about glory. For Levy, it always just seems to be about the money.

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CANDYSTRIPES AND DROGS: PLAYERS WHO PLAYED FOR BOTH

By Pól O’Hare

ÉAMON ZAYED Al-Shabab in the Asian Champions League. Zayed returned to Ireland with Shamrock Rovers in 2013, scoring 4 goals before being loaned to Sligo Rovers.

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 was the Head Coach and Technical Director of American side Northern Colorado Hailstorm between 2021 and 2024.

Born in Dublin, Zayed played youth football for Leicester City before signing for Bray Wanderers in 2002, where he scored 54 goals in 105 games. The striker joined Drogheda United in 2006, bagging 47 times in 71 outings on his way to becoming the top scorer in their 2007 Premier Division winning squad.

The Libyan forward scored in the Europa League for Drogheda against IK Start, AC Libertas and Helsingborgs IF. After a spell at Sporting Fingal, Zayed joined Derry City in 2011, scoring 23 times in 36 appearances as the Candystripes went on to lift the League Cup. He also won the PFAI Players’ Player of the Year award that season. He left Derry for Iranian side Persepolis in 2012, scoring a hat-trick as a substitute on his debut in the Tehran Derby to earn legendary status as his side overturned a 2-0 deficit to beat Esteghlal 3-2. He scored another hat-trick a month later, against

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HAYDEN CANN

Announced on the opening day of the 2025 season, English defender Hayden Cann joined City after a successful trial period. The 21 year old came through the ranks at Lincoln City, making his debut at 17 in the EFL Trophy in 2020.

After loan spells at Gainsborough Trinity, Lincoln United and Peterborough Sports, he joined Drogheda United onloan alongside Derry-man

and fellow Lincoln teammate Oisin Gallagher in 2024. After half-a-season at Drogheda, he joined Louth rivals Dundalk for the second half of the season, just two months after netting a 94th minute winner against them. He made nine appearances for Dundalk, who were relegated at the end of the 2024 campaign. The centre back recently made his first start of the Candystripes in the 1-1 draw at home with Galway United in March.

BARRY MOLLOY

An ever-present in the Derry City midfield for over a decade, Barry Molly made 353 appearances for the Candystripes, netting 13 times along the way. The Derry-born midfielder played youth football with Brandywell Harps and Trojans before being snapped up by Derby County in 1999. He left England to sign for Drogheda United in 2004, where he scored three times

LIVE FOR IT

John Murphy e: johnmurphy@oneills.com m: 07870 158211

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PLAYED FOR BOTH continued... before Stephen Kenny enticed him to join Derry City later that year. A legend at the Brandywell, Molloy went on to win two FAI Cups, five League Cups and the 2010 First Division before leaving for Crusaders in 2015. After nearly two years at Finn Harps, Molloy hung up his boots in August 2017.

Newry City after a stint managing Dundalk’s U20 side.

reer.

JAMES KEDDY

KILLIAN BRENNAN

MARC GRIFFIN

Australian born forward Marc Griffin began his career in Louth with Dundalk, making his senior debut in 2009. After impressing as one of the League of Ireland’s most promising young forwards, Derry City fought off competition to sign Griffin on a two-year deal ahead of the 2013 campaign.

The striker made 29 appearances and scored three times for City before rejoining Dundalk in 2014. After a year at Bohemians, he joined Drogheda United in 2016 and registered eleven goal involvements in eighteen months before signing for Glenavon in July 2017. Griffin retired in July 2020 after two years at Warrenpoint and now, aged 33, is a First Team Coach at

Drogheda native Killian Brennan spent his whole senior career in the League of Ireland.

The wide man learned his trade at Drogheda Boys, Home Farm and Peterborough United during his youth career before moving to Dublin City in 2003.

Brennan was brought to Derry City by Stephen Kenny in 2004, making 114 appearances and scoring nine goals in four seasons. He was part of the City squad which won three League Cups in a row between 2005 and 2007, alongside earning an FAI Cup winners medal in 2006.

Brennan, who could operate on the wing and at full back, had spells at Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers and St. Patrick’s Athletic before joining Drogheda United in 2017. Now 41, he plays for Roc Celtic after being named the PFAI Player’s Player of the Year in 2013, alongside winning the Premier Division on three occasions, the League Cup five times, the FAI Cup twice and the Setanta Cup across his ca-

Dubliner James Keddy came through the ranks at St Mary’s Boys and St Joseph’s Boys before making his senior debut with Home Farm in 1991. After making more than 120 appearances for Home Farm and UCD in the League of Ireland, Keddy signed for Derry City in 1996. He was part of City’s most recent league winning campaign in 1996/97, where he operated on the left flank.

Keddy had a journeyed career in the League of Ireland, lining out for Shelbourne, Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Drogheda United before retiring at the end of his second spell with Shelbourne in 2008. Now 52, Keddy manages Wexford FC in the First Division, after taking assistant manager roles at Bray Wanderers in 2019 and Longford Town in 2021. He most recently took Wexford to the FAI Cup semi-finals in 2024, where his side lost to Drogheda United.

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This week... Derry City fan... KEVIN MCCAULEY 1. Arsenal have two Italians in their squad this season.

Can you name them both?

4.

2. Which Polish player has made the most appearances in the English Premier League?

3. Which Drogheda United player scored their first goal in last year’s FAI Cup Final at eh Aviva Stadium when they beat Derry City?

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

5. Which EPL manager became the first to lose his job

7. in 2025 when he was sacked by West Ham in January?

6. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai are international team mates for which nation?

7. Which LOI club did Drogheda manager Kevin Doherty play most games for during his playing career?

8. Without flicking back to the centre page, how many current Derry City players’ surnames begin with Mc? KEVIN’S ANSWERS: 1) Nope!; 2) No idea!; 3) Quinn?; 4) Looks like Pep?; 5) Pass!; 6) Hungary; 7) This score is going to be terrible!

Drogheda United?; 8) One? Paul McMullan?

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

ANSWERS: 1) Jorginho & Riccardo Calafiori; 2) Lukasz Fabianski (375 games); 3) Andrew Quinn; 4) Pep Guardiola; 5) Julen Lopetegui; 6) Hungary; 7) Shelbourne; 8) 2 (Paul McMullan & Glenn McCourt)

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BE THE CHALLENGER! CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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