CityView Vol-41 No-06 - Derry City vs Sligo Rovers - Tuesday 22nd April

DERRY CITY F.C. v SLIGO ROVERS F.C. LEAGUE OF IRELAND MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION TUESDAY 22ND APRIL 2025 | 7.45pm Vol. 41 - No. 06

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Welcome to...

SLIGO ROVERS F.C.

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 game against Sligo Rovers.

Welcome also to John Russell as well as his players and staff, and the officials and supporters who have travelled from Sligo Rovers this evening for the North West derby.

Due to print deadlines over Easter, tonight’s programme was edited and completed before Friday’s game against Galway, so hopefully we’re going into tonight’s game off the back of an away win!

Tonight though, we see the first visit of Sligo Rovers to the Brandywell since October last season, when the sides played out a 1-1 draw.

It’s been almost five years since Sligo Rovers won at the Brandywell. Ronan Coughlin and Kyle Callan-McFadden scored the goals that night.

Both players are now plying their trade in England. Stephen Mallon was in the Derry City starting lineup that night, and is now lining out for Sligo.

Other former Candystripes in the Bit o’ Red squad are Cian Kavanagh, Will Fitzgerald, as well as former CIty player Anthony Elding’s son Owen Elding.

Hopefully we can recover from our last home game against Drogheda and get the Brandywell rocking again tonight.

Enjoy the game!

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: ________________

Assistant 1: ______________ |Assistant 2: _______________ Fourth Official: _______________

TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR:

Skeoge Industrial Estate, Derry www.fasttechnologies.com | Phone: 028 7135 7740 PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR SPONSORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

I’d like to welcome you all to the Brandywell for this evening’s game and hope that you’ve been enjoying your Easter break.

We’re starting the second round of fixtures against our North West neighbours tonight, so I want to extend a particular welcome to John Russell and the players, staff and supporters of Sligo Rovers.

It’s fair to suggest that neither side has made the start to the season we had hoped for, but it’s a very long and a very competitive campaign ahead and there will be many twists and turns still to come.

Unfortunately our programne deadlines have dictated that I’ve had to write this piece ahead of the weekend’s game in Galway, so you’ll have to forgive the slightly generic feel to my notes.

I don’t however want to gloss over the frustration of our most recent home game against Drogheda the previous weekend.

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Not for the first time this season we were left licking our wounds and having made a good start, we found ourselves on the wrong end of a gamechanging red card.

It’s obviously something we’ve discussed in detail during the week and in an unforgiving league, we just cannot afford to concede that kind of advantage to any team.

The determination among the players however remains as strong as ever and with a very busy schedule of matches coming up, we are happy to have an opportunity to put that behind us after a

first defeat in five.

Sligo will be a tough nut to crack as always. They will also feel they’ve been worth more points that they’ve got so far, but obviously we can only focus on ourselves.

And hopefully we can give you a performance and a result to send you home happy tonight.

Enjoy the game!

Tiernan Lynch, Manager

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DERRY CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE 1989 Steve Coppell brought his recently promoted English First Division Crystal Palace side to the Brandywell for an early season friendly on Wednesday 30th August 1989. An entertaining contest was to be rated the best friendly played at the ground since Derry’s return to senior football.

City, with Alex Krstic back from Saarbrucken, took the lead when Felix Healy – easily the most impressive midfielder on view in the first half – crossed from the right side, Paul Curran’s header was blocked but he rifled the rebound into the net which gave the Candystripes a half time lead.

The visiting Eagles were resurgent in the second period however and the withdrawal of Healy from the fray close to the hour mark resulted in the fluency in Derry’s play being lost. Liam Coyle and Krstic had threatened before a penalty,

By Francie McCauley converted by Geoff Thomas, was awarded when Jack Keay was adjudged to have impeded Mark Bright to level the scores.

A minute later Ian Wright pulled the ball back for Alan Pardew who had time and space to put Palace in front. In the sixty fifth minute Bright sprinted from the half way line, swept a pass across to Thomas who stroked the ball home to extend the visitors’ lead.

Bright hit Palace’s fourth goal of the evening when he headed home a cross from Eddie Mc Goldrick.

With seven minutes remaining Krstic rounded off the scoring in a match to be remembered when he got a touch to Mick Neville’s free kick and the ball eluded Perry Suckling in the visitors’ goal.

The 50p match programme comprised twenty-four pages, five of adverts. In an Editorial Paddy Doherty explained that with attendances settling down the print run for City View was 2,000 per game. Derry Good outlined how Crystal Palace had returned to the First Division via the play-offs. Two pages were given over to Pen Pictures of the Palace squad.

There was a photo of Mick Neville receiving his Player Of The Year Award from the Lord Mayor in the Mansion House in Dublin

and a brief reference to Con Hilley, City’s first captain in 1929 who had also played for Palace.

There was a Letter to the Editor from Gerry Desmond in Cork referring to the previous season’s FAI Cup final. The middle pages had photos from Derry’s League Cup quarter final game against Galway United.

Steve Coppell featured in A Rare Breed of Footballer and Other Cross-Channel Friendlies took up two pages followed by a match report from the friendly played against an Institute Select at Drumahoe.

Damien Mc Kenna wrote about the Stripes Supporters’ Club and Bits & Pieces featured Crystal Palace Snippets.

We had the usual Crossword and Half Time Quiz with the Team Line- ups taking up the back page.

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STRANGE BUT TRUE It was the late Jimmy Greaves, I think, who coined the phrase “it’s a funny old game.” So tonight’s article contains some stories about the beautiful game that brings a bit of levity to it. Back in 2008 as Burnley hosted Ipswich at Turf Moor the match ball was being delivered by “air mail” by a parachutist! However his delivery was far from perfect as he landed on the roof of the stand causing the kick off being delayed for an hour. Moving on to the Midlands of England the Hawthorns has been home to West Bromwich Albion for over 124 years. At over 550 feet above sea level it is the highest ground in Britain. Apart from hosting several international games & 2 FA Cup semi finals it was the venue in the late 1970s of a cricket match between India and Pakistan! Higher up again a football nearly made it to the moon in 1969 when Neil Armstrong wanted to kick one there but his plan was thwarted

by NASA who said it would be un-American!

Up across the border in Scotland the city of Dundee holds

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By Sean McGillan

the record for having the closest grounds of 2 clubs - only 0.2 of a mile apart. Another strange fact about Dundee United (known as the Tangerines) is that they hold the world record of having been unbeaten by mighty Barcelona winning 4 times against them. Staying in Scotland the famous old Hampden Park boasted that it had 149,866 spectators at a game between Scotland and England in 1937. (Not sure if they all paid to get in!) It also hosted the 1960 European Cup Final with Real Madrid beating Frankfurt 7-3 in what has been described as the greatest Final in European Cup history. The late ,great Ferenc Puskas bagged 4 of the winner’s goals (worth viewing highlights on You Tube.)

Travelling south east to Wales a strange tale emerges when Mark Hughes (ex-Manchester United & Chelsea) moved from Barcelona to Bayern Munich back in 1987. His new boss wanted him to hit the ground running by turning out for his new club in a mid week cup

match. However this clashed with his international duties against Czechoslovakia on the same day. Not to be outdone Mark was asked by the gaffer at what time was the game being played & learning it was around lunchtime he decreed he could still make it to Germany for the evening kick off ! He actually flew back over the stadium & managed to play in the second half! Finally another tale of a player, Alvin Martin who scored a hat trick for his club, West Ham against 3 different keepers from Newcastle United ! His first after 4 minutes was against their regular keeper, Martin Thomas who was unable to continue after half time and with no back up net minder he was replaced by midfielder Chris Hadfield. Martin got a second before keeper No 2 had to move outfield again after he fell awkwardly and damaged his shoulder. His replacement Peter Beardsley conceded 3 before Martin completed his hat trick in the 84th minute with the Magpies losing 8-1.

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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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Shamrock Rvrs

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Galway United

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Last Round’s Results:

Shelbourne

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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 18th APRIL Galway Utd _-_ DERRY CITY Drogheda Utd _-_ Shelbourne Bohemians _-_ Cork City Waterford _-_ Sligo Rovers St Pat’s Athl _-_ Shamrock Rvrs

Sligo Rovers

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NEXT GAME:

This Round’s Fixtures:

MONDAY 21st APRIL Shamrock Rvrs v Bohemians Cork City v Waterford Shelbourne v Galway Drogheda Utd v St Pat’s Athletic TUESDAY 22nd APRIL DERRY CITY v Sligo Rovers

Derry City vs Shelbourne Friday 2nd May, 7.45pm

(League Table & Scores correct up until Thursday 16th April due to print deadlines over the Easter holiday)

NORTH STAND SEASON TICKETS

Season tickets for the new North Stand at the Ryan McBride Brandywell went on sale last Thursday. Find out more info at derrycityfc.net

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LANDMARKS: MAHER ON TRACK FOR RECORD In recent games of the season, we have seen a few milestones for both the club and some players.

Firstly, in the Waterford game, goalkeeper, Brian Maher made his 100th consecutive league appearance. Brian is just the third player to reach a century of consecutive league games for the club, following two other goalkeepers – Dermot O’Neill in September 1994 and Gerard Doherty in October 2013.

Our current number 1 then went on to bypass Gerard’s record of 105 when he started against Drogheda the week before last to make 106, and could go on to set a new record if he starts against St Pat’s here at the Brandywell in May. Dermot O’Neill holds the current record of consecutive league appearances at 110, so Brian Maher is on track to beat that.

Just for the record, Waterford’s second goal was the 100th that Brian Maher has conced-

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By Brian Dunleavy

ed in a Derry City shirt.

Also in the Waterford game, Kevin Holt made his Derry City debut, while Hayden Cann played his first City game at home against Galway United, becoming the sixth and seventh players to have made their debut for the club this season, following Shane Ferguson, Dom Thomas, Carl Winchester, Liam Boyce, and Gavin Whyte. This brings to 474, the number of players to have represented the club in our 40 years in League of Ire-

land Football with Kevin and Hayden becoming the 473rd and 474th.

Meanwhile, the 2-1 home victory over Cork City, was our 450th home victory.

Our first home victory came in our very first game on Sept 8th 1985, when we beat Home Farm 3-1.

We have had home victories over 55 different sides over the past 40 years, with most home wins coming against Bohemians, Finn Harps and St Patrick’s Athletic, all of who we have beaten 33 times, followed by Drogheda United and Sligo Rovers, who we have overcome on 28 occasions each.

Also in the Cork City game, Mickey Duffy captained the side for the first time, becoming the 48th player to lead the side out.

One minor stat from the Cork game, was that it was the 600th time we have conceded one goal in a game.

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C IS FOR CHILDHOOD...

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

HAYDEN CANN

I grew up as a Liverpool fan. It was my Dad that got me into them.

I IS FOR IDOL...

Which footballer did you idolise as a boy?

I always loved watching Steven Gerrard when I was growing up!

D IS FOR DRESS SENSE...

Which Derry City team mate has the worst fashion sense?

Arlo Doherty again! Arlo has some rascal gear!... Shocking!

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?

That would definitely be Arlo Doherty! He doesn’t stop talking!

B IS FOR BOX...

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

I have a few that I could name that I enjoyed, but I’ll maybe go for Sons Of Anarchy.

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

For the film choice anyway I’m going to go for Step Brothers.

And for the music I’m going to say some kind of country music!

F IS FOR FUNNY...

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

Initiation songs are class! I’ve never seen one that wasn’t hilarious!

G IS FOR GOAL...

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

I scored one in an away game againt South Shields when I was with Peterborough Sports that was probably my best.

H IS FOR HOLIDAY...

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

Ibiza and... Ibiza!! I love heading there!

J IS FOR JOKER...

Who is the biggest practical joker in the team?

There’s a few jokers to be fair, but I’d have to give that one to Carl Winchester!

K IS FOR KIT...

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

I don’t really have a favourite, so I’ll just say the Derry kit!!

L IS FOR LIFE AFTER PLAYING...

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

Yeah, 100%! Not sure what yet though, but I just love the game so I’d like to keep my hand in in some way anyway.

We’ll see!

M IS FOR MEMENTO...

What is the one football memento you own that you’ll

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never give away?

I don’t have much, but maybe something like my Adidas UCL Predator boots!

ever played with?

Brennan Johnson when I was at Lincoln. He’s with Spurs now.

He’ll go on to bigger things.

N IS FOR NEXT BIG Which Derry City player do you think could be the next to make a move overseas?

I think Adam O’Reilly is unreal in midfield. He could easily get another big move.

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

Rory McIlroy! Especially after last week!

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

I usually look forward to playing St Pats in Inchicore.

Q IS FOR QUIZ...

THE TIME...

X IS FOR EXCHANGE...

O IS FOR OPPOSITION...

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

Not much really. I like to play a bit of golf just.

W IS FOR WHILE AWAY How do you keep yourself entertained during away trips or overnights?

I just chill out and watch films or something.

THING...

P IS FOR PASSTIME...

McLaren of some sort if I was on big money!

U IS FOR UNPARALLELED...

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

I played against Hannibal Mejbri. He’s another fantastic player that has big things ahead.

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

Glenn McCourt! I’d say he’d be fairly useless to us in a quiz!

R IS FOR RESULT...

Y IS FOR YOUTH...

Which result meant the most to you in your career?

Probably when I scored the winner against Dundalk

S IS FOR SKILLS...

Who has the best skills in the team?

Gavin Whyte loves nutmegging people in training, so I’ll say him!

T IS FOR TEAM MATES...

Who is the best player you’ve

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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 a G wagon at the minute, but I would love maybe a

Where did you start your youth career, and did you always play in the same position? i started at Lincoln City and used to be a central midfielder before I moved to defence.

Z IS FOR ZERO CHANCE...

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

Manchester United!

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LAST HOME GAME...

DERRY CITY 1 - 3 DROGHEDA UNITED: A game to be forgotten on Friday last here at the Brandywell as Drogheda United showed the form that took them to an early lead in the Premier Division table this season. The game came to life in the second half after the sides went in 0-0 at the break. Liam Boyce scored the opener on the 61st minute and was sent off on the 63rd. After that, Conor Keeley grabbed 2 goals in 4mins, and Warren Davis finished the scoring to make it 3-1

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TONIGHT’S SQUADS DERRY CITY F.C.

SLIGO ROVERS F.C.

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 41 - COLE SMYTH

2 - HARVEY LINTOTT 3 - REECE HUTCHINSON 6 - MATTY WOLFE 7 - WILLIAM FITZGERALD 8 - JAD HAKIKI 9 - WILSON WAWERU 10 - STEPHEN MALLON 11 - CIAN KAVANAGH 12 - RONAN MANNING 14 - OSKAR VAN HATTUM 15 - OLIVER DENHAM 19 - FRANCELY LOMBOTO 21 - JOHN MAHON 23 - KYLE MCDONAGH 27 - CONNOR MALLEY 29 - SAM SARGEANT 30 - RICHARD BRUSH 31 - CONOR WALSH 37 - CONOR CAMPBELL 38 - DAVID JONATHAN 46 - CONOR REYNOLDS 47 - OWEN ELDING 49 - JAKE DOYLE-HAYES 52 - GARETH MCELROY 56 - KYLE GABBIDON 67 - SHEA MALONE 71 - DAIRE PATTON

Manager: TIERNAN LYNCH

Manager: JOHN RUSSELL

Tonight’s Match Sponsors:

Skeoge Industrial Estate, Derry www.fasttechnologies.com Phone: 028 7135 7740 21

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: Mark Connolly (6) + Ben Doherty (14) - Ciaron Harkin (4) = Hayden Cann (16) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) Linesman has disappeared; 2) Ball has disappeared; 3) Danny Mullen’s number has changed to 27; 4) Liam Boyce’s right leg has disappeared; 5) Drogheda player Keeley’s name has disappeared

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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 In the Fanzone tonight is Derry City Supporter for some 28 years, Matthew Bradley. Matthew has some very interesting views and his team selection should encourage plenty of debate. Thanks for taking part Matthew.

down to earth lad off the pitch.

Best opposition player you’ve seen play?

Ronaldinho Why? He was sensational against Derry in the summer of 2003 friendly What’s the best ground, apart from the Brandywell, that you’ve seen Derry play in?

Has to be the Aviva Stadium What goal sticks out in your mind?

Kevin Derry’s free kick against Gretna

Name: Matthew Bradley How long have you been supporting Derry City?

I’ve been supporting Derry since 1997, so 28 years so far!

Why? Watch it on YouTube and it is self explantory, 25/30 yards out, right in the far top corner.

An absolute rocket! Sensational finish!

Name your best Derry City team (you can pick from any era) One

to Eleven with Three subs I got some help with this one lol Gk- Declan Devine LB - Ben Doherty CB- Ryan McBride CB- Peter Hutton RB- Darren Kelly RM - Kevin Derry LM- Michael Duffy CM- Felix Healy CM - Tommy McCallion ST- Liam Coyle ST- Mark Farren Sub1. Pascal Vaudequin Sub2. Gary Beckett Sub3. Owen da Gama Best manager you’ve seen at Derry City?

Felix Healy Favourite half time snack?

Chips, Cheese and Curry Sauce!

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

A big giant Mascot running around!

Where do you sit in the Brandywell?

I have a season ticket for the Southend Stand Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

Ryan McBride “No. 5 is our captain” Why? He was an extremely talented born and bred Derry man, who had a tremendous love for the club. He was a machine on the pitch and a very humble and

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THE UNWANTED RECORD SIGNING He is Newcastle United’s most expensive goalkeeper ever, but the club didn’t even want him!

Odysseas Vlachodimos is an accomplished keeper, making over 400 senior appearances, 32 in the Champions League and 44 International caps for Greece. Previous clubs include the likes of VfB Stuttgart, Panathinaikos, and Benfica.

Last summer he joined Newcastle United from Nottingham Forest for £20m.

It seems like a reasonable price for such an accomplished ‘keeper, but the transfer raised plenty of eyebrows with Nick Pope the undisputed No. 1 at St James’ Park.

The Greek international appears to be third choice at best under Eddie Howe with Martin Dubravka the immediate back-up to Pope.

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Newcastle also signed experienced goalkeeper John Ruddy on a free transfer last summer, meaning Howe has five first-team ‘keepers with Mark Gillespie also at the club.

Two days before the end of financial year, Newcastle United needed to bring in £60m in sales to avoid a Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) breach and a double-figure point deduction.

The EPL rules say that Premiership clubs cannot make more than £105m losses over a three-year period.

Remember following Newcastle’s takeover in 2021, they invested heavily which led to this financial mess.

Yankuba Minteh soon departed for £33m. That and a few other incomes meant Newcastle were still scram-

bling to get more cash in and needed another £15m or so.

In stepped Nottingham Forest who offered a solution.

They were willing to pay £35m for the young English talent Elliot Anderson if Newcastle would sign their unwanted keeper Vlachodimos for £20m, which could be paid over several years.

Vlachodimos has only made one appearance for Newcastle, coming on as a second half sub in a Carabao Cup game against Wimbledon after ‘Cup goalkeeper’ Martin Dubravka got injured. He did keep a clean sheet in those few minutes that he played though!

Newcastle didn’t want to sell Anderson, or buy Vlakodimos, but ultimately had no choice!

Human pawns in a financial circus!

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H

H

A

H

H

A

H

A

A

H

H

A

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A

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A

H

A

H

A

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A

H

A

05.05.25

09.05.25

16.05.25

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04.07.25

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01.08.25

08.08.25

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29.08.25

12.09.25

19.09.25

26.09.25

03.10.25

17.10.25

24.10.25

01.11.25

11.04.25

02.05.25

H

04.04.25

A

H

28.03.25

25.04.25

A

15.03.25

A

A

07.03.25

H

H

03.03.25

21.04.25

A

28.02.25

18.04.25

H

21.02.25

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

CORK

ROVERS

WATERFORD

SLIGO

DROGHEDA

SHELS

BOHS

PATS

GALWAY

CORK

ROVERS

BOHS

SLIGO

WATERFORD

DROGHEDA

PATS

SHELS

GALWAY

BOHS

ROVERS

DROGHEDA

CORK

PATS

SHELS

WATERFORD

SLIGO

GALWAY

DROGHEDA

CORK

ROVERS

SLIGO

GALWAY

PATS

WATERFORD

BOHS

SHELS

1--3

2--1

0--0

1--0

1--1

0--2

1--2

1--0

1--3

A

H

14.02.25

SCORE

DATE

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

1

R BOYCE

O’REILLY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

O’REILLY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

O’REILLY

WHYTE

DIALLO

HOBAN

7

DIALLO

DIALLO

BENSON

CANN

CANN

8

CANN

CANN

DOHERTY

THOMAS

THOMAS

THOMAS

9

10

WINCHESTER MULLEN

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

11

TODD

HOLT

HOLT

L BOYCE L BOYCE 1

PATTON

HOLT

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN

THOMAS

THOMAS

DIALLO

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER TODD

WINCHESTER TODD

WINCHESTER HOLT

MCMULLAN DOHERTY CANN

DOHERTY

DOHERTY

MCMULLAN WHYTE

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

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MCMULLAN DOHERTY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

HOBAN

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

R BOYCE 1 DUFFY 1

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

5

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

CONNOLLY DUFFY

R BOYCE

4

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

3

FERGUSON HARKIN

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

2

13

BENSON

MULLEN

BENSON

BENSON

TODD

FERGUSON WHYTE

WHYTE

BENSON

DIALLO

14

DOHERTY

PATTON

15

PATTON

THOMAS

L BOYCE

MULLEN

TODD

TODD

PATTON

PATTON

DOHERTY TODD

McMULLAN BENSON

FERGUSON HARKIN

HOBAN

HARKIN

HOBAN 1

HOBAN

McMULLAN WHYTE

12

PATTON

16

2025 STARTING XI TEAM GRID

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BIT O’RED & WHITE: PLAYERS WHO PLAYED FOR BOTH CIAN KAVANAGH Dublin native Cian Kavanagh began his career with St. Pat’s before joining Hearts of Midlothian as a sixteen year old.

After failing to make a senior appearance, Kavanagh returned to Ireland to sign for Waterford in 2021. He scored nine goals in 33 games in Munster, also playing in all of Waterford’s games against Derry City in the 2021 campaign. The Candystripes then swooped to secure the signing of the target-man in the summer of 2022. Kavanagh netted five goals for City, two of which came home and away against KuPS to send Derry to the third round of UEFA Conference League qualifying in 2023.

He returned to St. Pat’s after 18 months at Derry City ahead of the 2024 campaign but found gametime limited following Stephen Kenny’s arrival, scoring twice in 18 league games.

Still just 22, Kavanagh recently signed a two-year deal with Sligo Rovers and has led the line for the Bit’O’Red this season.

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 2021 campaign.

A tricky winger, Fitzgerald appeared 36 times during his season on Foyleside before joining

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By Pól O’Hare Sligo Rovers in 2022. At 25, he features regularly for John Russell’s men and leads Rovers’ assists metric with three this term.

STEPHEN MALLON Originally signed on-loan from Sheffield United, Belfast native Mallon is best remembered at Derry City for a curling shot into the top corner on his first start against Bohemians in 2020. He scored again a week later, this time against Waterford. After seventeen appearances for City, Mallon returned to Sheffield United before signing permanently for Bohemians in January 2021. The wide-man scored once in seventeen games for Bohs before joining Cliftonville in July 2022, where he recently won the Irish Cup alongside former Derry City men Rory Hale, Ronan Hale, Nathan Gartside, Ryan Curran and Derry native Ben Wilson. Mallon signed for Sligo Rovers last summer, where he has since played nine times.

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 2020 but returned to Ireland with Sligo Rovers later that year. After half a season at the Showgrounds, where he netted twice in fourteen 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 left Galway United at the end of 2024 after recently lining out for Glentoran under former Derry and Bohemians boss Declan Devine. Now 31, the Englishman now lines out for Karşıyaka Anamur in Cyprus.

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.

LIVE FOR IT

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

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PLAYED FOR BOTH continued...

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 lines out for Ballymena United after a spell at Institute.

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, after loans at Glenavon and Newry City, McDonagh now plays for Portadown aged 28.

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 at the Brandywell, 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 twelve appearances in the Premier Division this term.

ALLY ROY

Scottish striker Ally Roy made his league debut for Hearts of Midlothian aged 17 against Raith Rovers in August 2014. After loans up and down the Scottish pyramid, 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 27, and after spells with East Kilbride and Alloa Athletic, Ally Roy is currently with Stirling Albion in the Scottish League Two. 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 was most recently employed as manager of NASL side Northern Colorado Hailstorm.

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This week... Derry City fan... MARK DOHERTY 1. Now playing for Sligo Rovers, which club did Derry City sign both Will Fitzgerald and Cian Kavanagh from at different times?

4.

2. Cian Kavanagh scored 5 goals in 40 games for City, arguably the most famous was in the UEFA Europa Conference League at the Brandywell against which side?

3. Which club did Arsenal sign Dennis Bergkamp from in June 1995?

4. Can you name the Manchester United player pictured on the right as a young boy?

5. Which English Premier League ground has a stand 8. called the Peter Taylor Main Stand?

6. Anderlecht’s Samuel Edozie and Ajax’s Chuba Akpom both scored in the Europa League this season, but which nation do the both represent internationally?

7. Which player was involved in the highest transfer fee ever received by an English Premiership club when he left for La Liga for £105m in January 2018?

8. In December 2018, John Russell re-joined Sligo Rovers as Assistant Manager to who?

MARK’S ANSWERS: 1) Waterford; 2) Was it Tobol?; 3) Ajax; 4) Looks like DeGea; 5) No idea!; 6) Senegal? Complete guess!; 7) Philippe Coutinho; 8) Liam Buckley

MARK’S SCORE: 4 out of 8! Can you beat it?

ANSWERS: 1) Waterford; 2) KuPS; 3) Inter Milan; 4) David DeGea; 5) The City Ground (Nottingham Forrest); 6) England; 7) Philippe Coutinho; 8) Liam Buckley

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BE THE CHALLENGER! CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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