CityView Vol-41 No-12 - Derry City vs Waterford - Friday 4th July

DERRY CITY F.C. v WATERFORD F.C. LEAGUE OF IRELAND MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION FRIDAY 4th JULY 2025 | 7.45pm Vol. 41 - No. 12

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Welcome to...

WATERFORD 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 Waterford.

Welcome also to John Coleman, his staff and players and the officials and supporters who have travelled up from Waterford this evening.

This one is too tight to call!

Derry are on the back of a three game winning streak against three of the finest teams the league has to offer, and tonight we go against another one that we haven’t taken any points from this season yet!

Waterford have taken six points from Derry City this season, winning both games 2-1.

Hopefully we can change that tonight and it won’t end up as a flip of last season when Derry won four out of four games

against Waterford.

One thing that’s for sure is goals. We haven’t had a 0-0 draw with Waterford in the past 15 years that my records that I have in front of me go back to!

The transfer window opened this week though and we’re seeing changes all over the league, including here at the Brandywell. We’re going into tonight in second place and in a great position to really achieve something this season if we get behind the lads.

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: ROB HARVEY

Assistant 1: Wayne McDonnell |Assistant 2: Ciaran O’Reilly Fourth Official: Glen Geraghty

TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR:

PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR SPONSORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

I’m very pleased to be back at the Brandywell tonight and I think it’s fair to say you could see how much the players enjoyed last Friday’s game here after a couple of recent trips to Dublin.

The fixture schedule can be a bit erratic at this time of year depending on cup draws and teams’ european committments, so it’s very important to us to make the most of playing in front of our own suppprters.

We’ve managed to string together three wins and three clean sheets of late and while that always helps the mood and the confidence, it’s not something we want to dwell on for too long.

Our visitors tonight, Waterford United, have been playing well themselves under their new manager, John Coleman, and before the weekend’s late and narrow defeat to Shamrock Rovers they had beaten Bohs and drawn with Shelbourne in their previous couple of games.

They won’t be short of confidence themselves so I’m expecting a difficult evening.

I’m sure you’ll have seen that there’s been a player in and

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a player leaving the club earlier this week.

Alex Bannon is the new arrival and he has come highly recommended following a spell at Burton Albion.

Along with Adam Frizzell we’ll be working to get our new signings ready to go, as they have obviously been out of season for the past six or seven weeks.

On the other side of that, Paul McMullan indicated that we wanted to return to Scotland and the club has faciltated that this week.

be playing all the time and he is no different. He never let us down either in training or whenever he played and I want to wish him every success wherever he goes next.

There is likely to be a bit more movement during the window but again, we’ll let you know anything else on our club media platforms.

In the meantime I hope we can count on your backing tonight as we try to extend this recent run.

Enjoy the game!

Paul was a fan’s favourite at Derry City and from a manager’s point of view he was a terrific lad to work with.

Obviously players want to

Tiernan Lynch, Manager

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DERRY CITY VS CLIFTONVILLE 1987 By the end of the 1986-87 Irish League season Cliftonville, the oldest football club in Ireland, were in severe financial trouble with their very future in doubt. Responding to their appeal for help Derry invited them to play a friendly at the Brandywell on Saturday 25th April 1987 with all proceeds going to the ‘Save Cliftonville Fund’.

As friendlies go the big attendance was treated to an entertaining game with the visitors going away with not just some money but a win as well.

Missing a few regulars through injury City brought in a couple of guest players, Martin Bayley from Sligo Rovers and Paul Dixon from Glentoran. The Candystripes created enough opportunities to win the game beginning in the fourth minute when Ray Mc Guinness blazed a penalty high over the bar. Next,

By Francie McCauley a left foot shot from Bayley went narrowly wide.

This was followed by John Quigg chipping the ball onto the crossbar from ten yards with the keeper beaten.

Eamon Quigley replaced Stuart Roberts in goal for the second half but one of his first tasks was to pick the ball out of the net when a low left wing cross ran through to Higgins who fired home from close range. Almost immediately Higgins was narrowly wide with a right foot shot.

Derry finished stronger with a period of sustained pressure in the last fifteen minutes. A long-range Owen Da Gama effort went close, Kevin O’Neill missed a good opportunity when put clear by Paul Carlyle, a Quigg shot cannoned off a defender but Declan Mc Dowell couldn’t steer the ball home from close range and then Quigg brought the save of the match from Carlisle in the Cliftonville net.

The twenty-four-page programme had just two pages of adverts and cost 50p.

Among the content we had the usual Line ups, Crossword, Quiz and Foyleman’s ‘Bits& Pieces’ (which gave some info on the 1948-49 season). Two pages were devoted to Cliftonville, one from Malcolm Brodie (Sports

Editor of the Belfast Telegraph and Ireland’s Saturday Night) and one from Brian Andrews of the Cliftonville Management Committee setting out the history of the Solitude club (did you know they made the third round of the FA Cup in 1887?). Cliftonville also had two pages of Pen Pictures and a team photo.

‘Twenty Years Ago’ carried a brief match report of a City Cup game in April 1967 when Derry went four nil up against the then amateur Cliftonville in the first twelve minutes.

The game finished five two to the Candystripes. ‘Spotlight on the Supporter’ featured Barbara Mc Daid and Stephen Doherty of the Carnhill Supporters Club was on the ‘Junior Page’. The Ballboys and Girls were from Mullaghbuoy Primary School.

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WHEN IN ROME: PART 2 Last month in a previous article I mentioned that on my first visit in 1995 to “The Eternal City” I managed to get to see a Serie A game between Roma and AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico. This ground was first built in 1928 and expanded in 1937. It was previously known as the Stadio Centimila as it held 100,000. It was reopened after the war in 1953 and was rebuilt in 1990 in time for the World Cup. Ireland met Italy in the Quarter Finals there after their epic win after a penalty shoot out against Romania. They were beaten by a goal from “Toto” Schillaci who ended up with 6 goals to grab the Golden Boot plus the Golden Ball as player of the tournament helping the “Azzurri “ to finish in third place. However back to the night of 17th September when I joined just over 59,000 to watch the away team come from behind to win 2-1 in a game refereed by the famous Pierluigi Collina named as the “World’s Best Referee.” Roma scored in the 15th minute but 2 cracking strikes by George

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Weah in the second half settled the issue sending hordes of Milanese home happy.

Weah was just amazing with his gold football boots. He was the only African footballer to win the Ballon D’or and the FIFA World Player of the Year Award. He also won the African Player of the Year 3 times.

His 14 year playing career included spells with Manchester City & Chelsea where he won a FA Cup medal. He was capped

by Liberia 75 times and went on to become President of the North African country from 2018 to 2024. Other famous names playing that night included Milan’s Paolo Maldini capped 126 times for his country: World Cup winner Francesco Totti; Luigi Di Biagio who played for both Roma (114 times) & Milan ( 117 times) as well as 31 appearances for Italy. Another Paolo was Di Canio who made over 500 appearances for 7 Italian clubs and ended up in the English Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham & Charlton before going into

By Sean McGillan

Management with Swindon & Sunderland. He also played for Celtic in 1996/97 scoring 15 goals as well as picking up the SPFA Player of the Year Award in 1997. I saw him play against Derry in an International Tournament at the old Landsdowne Road in July 1997. The other teams were Newcastle & PSV Eindhoven.

Di Canio scored in the 35th minute cancelling out Gary Becket’s 8th minute opener.

In a flurry of goals Mackay in the 74 minute with an own goal put City ahead only to see Wieghorst equalise for the Bhoys 2 minutes later. However the icing on the cake for the Candystripes came 11 minutes from time when 20 year old Ryan Coyle got the winner and grabbed the headlines in a famous victory. Di Canio refused to join Celtic in their pre season training after demanding a wage increase and left to go over the border to sign for Sheffield Wednesday. Incidentally I paid 6000 Italian lira (£2.50) for my ticket that night in Rome!

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE

2025 LEAGUE TABLE: Pld Pts Shamrock Rvrs

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48

DERRY CITY

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37

Bohemians

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37

Drogheda Utd

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35

Shelbourne

24

32

St. Pat’s Athletic

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31

Galway United

22

29

Waterford

22

27

Sligo Rovers

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19

Cork City

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Last Round’s Results:

This Round’s Fixtures:

FRIDAY 27th JUNE Cork City 0-0 St Patrick’s Athletic Galway United 1-1 Shelbourne Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Waterford DERRY CITY 3-0 Drogheda Utd Bohemians 1-1 Sligo Rovers

NEXT GAME:

FRIDAY 4th JULY St Patrick’s Athletic V Bohemian Shelbourne v Cork City Drogheda Utd v Galway Utd DERRY CITY v Waterford SATURDAY 5th JULY Sligo Rvrs v Shamrock Rvrs

Derry City vs Bohemians Friday 25th July, 7.45pm

DERRY CITY LOTTO

Prize Pot: £1,400

Play online now at clubs.clubforce.com 11

LAST WEEK’S MATCH...

DERRY CITY 3 - 0 DROGHEDA UNITED: A big, big win for Derry City here at the Brandywell last week as we went into second place in the league after 3 wins in a row.

DERRY CITY 3 - 0 DROGHEDA UNITED: The two wing backs stole the show as Sam Todd and Ronan Boyce got the first two goals, followed by a Danny Mullan goal late on to make it three goals, three wins in a row, and another three points.

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C IS FOR CHILDHOOD...

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

SHANE FERGUSON

My favourite team was always Man United. Being a left sided player, Giggs made me fall in love with them!

D IS FOR DRESS SENSE...

Which Derry City team mate has the worst fashion sense?

Arlo Doherty! His gear is horrific! And I’m sure a few of the boys would agree with me on that one!

A IS FOR ANNOYING...

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

I’m going to say Ronan Boyce for that one. All he talks about is farming!

B IS FOR BOX...

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

My favourite would be Breaking Bad. Kin isn’t far behind as well actually.

Connolly also said he would pay for everything and take all of us to Nashville, so that will be nice! I’ve never been!

I IS FOR IDOL...

Which footballer did you idolise as a boy?

Ryan Giggs. Same position as me and I loved the way he played. And he was at Man U!

E IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT...

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

The film would be Wolf of Wall Street.

Hard to pick one song, but I love The Killers.

F IS FOR FUNNY...

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

Been so much but probably can’t say on this!

G IS FOR GOAL...

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

Probably scoring on my 50th cap for N.Ireland. That was a special night.

H IS FOR HOLIDAY...

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

Ibiza would be one of favourites that I have went to. Mark

J IS FOR JOKER...

Who is the biggest practical joker in the team?

Wee Gavin! He’s always up to something!

K IS FOR KIT...

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

My Newcastle kit probably being the first one, or my first N.Ireland one.

L IS FOR LIFE AFTER PLAYING...

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

Yeah, I would love to stay in football. Maybe do coaching or helping out younger players with the experience I gained over the years. I think it would be great to see a

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younger player you coach and they go on to do great things in the game.

you in your career?

Probably winning the playoff final with Millwall at Wembley.

I drive an Audi at the minute, and probably drive same if I was in Premiership.

M IS FOR MEMENTO...

S IS FOR SKILLS...

W IS FOR WHILE AWAY

T IS FOR TEAM MATES...

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

Well I sit beside Gavin Whyte and I can’t get away from him so he passes the time for the journey. Puts me to sleep most of it!

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

When we qualified for the Euros each player who was in that squad got a painting. I could never give that away. Unbelievable memories.

N IS FOR NEXT BIG THING...

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

Sean Patton without a doubt.

He’s got a massive future. Works hard everyday and he’s a great lad. 100% deserves his chance across the water.

Who has the best skills in the team?

The king of Derry, Micky Duffy!

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

Have to pick two for this Ben Arfa and Steven Davis. Two unbelievable footballers that I was thankful to share pitch with.

THE TIME...

X IS FOR EXCHANGE...

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

Max Verstappen!

O IS FOR OPPOSITION...

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

Tough one just because am new to the league, but I would say St Pats. We have had a couple good results against them recently.

U IS FOR UNPARALLELED...

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

Cristiano Ronaldo.

Y IS FOR YOUTH...

P IS FOR PASSTIME...

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

Started my youth career with Eglinton Eagles, then Maiden City, and then went across to Newcastle. Always played anywhere down the left.

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

Yeah, I play golf. I’m awful at it but do enjoy it!

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!

R IS FOR RESULT...

Which result meant the most to

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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?

Z IS FOR ZERO CHANCE...

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

I would never play for Sunderland or West Ham!

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H

H

A

H

H

A

H

A

A

H

H

A

H

A

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A

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A

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A

H

A

H

A

05.05.25

09.05.25

16.05.25

23.05.25

30.05.25

13.06.25

20.06.25

23.06.25

27.06.25

04.07.25

12.07.25

25.07.25

01.08.25

08.08.25

22.08.25

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

SHELS

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

3--0

1--0

1--0

1--1

0--1

1--2

1--1

2--1

1--0

2--0

1--2

3--0

3--2

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

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

1

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

R BOYCE 1 CONNOLLY DUFFY

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

CONNOLLY DUFFY

WHYTE

WHYTE

WHYTE

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

R BOYCE

WHYTE

WHYTE 1

WHYTE 1

O’REILLY

WHYTE

DIALLO

HOBAN

7

DIALLO

DIALLO CANN

CANN

DOHERTY

THOMAS

THOMAS

CANN

CANN

CANN

DIALLO

DIALLO

DIALLO

WHYTE

CANN

CANN

CANN

CANN

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HOLT

HOLT

HOLT

HOLT

L BOYCE

HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN

WINCHESTER MULLEN

WINCHESTER HOLT

TODD 1

TODD

TODD

HOLT1

HOLT

TODD

TODD

TODD

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT 1 BENSON

TODD

HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN

WINCHESTER MULLEN 2

WINCHESTER MULLEN 1

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

11

L BOYCE

L BOYCE 1

L BOYCE

TODD

TODD

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

L BOYCE 1

MULLEN 1

L BOYCE 1

TODD

TODD

TODD

L BOYCE 1

PATTON

HOLT

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN

THOMAS

THOMAS

DIALLO

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER TODD

WINCHESTER MULLEN

CANN

10

WINCHESTER TODD

WINCHESTER HOLT

MCMULLAN CANN

WHYTE

THOMAS

THOMAS

THOMAS

CANN

MCMULLAN CANN

WHYTE

WHYTE

WHYTE

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

BENSON

BENSON

BENSON1

BENSON

CANN

8 THOMAS

MCMULLAN DOHERTY CANN

DOHERTY

DOHERTY

MCMULLAN WHYTE

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

6

MCMULLAN DOHERTY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

HOBAN

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

O’REILLY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

HARKIN

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

O’REILLY

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

O’REILLY

THOMAS

MULLEN

O’REILLY

WHYTE

McMULLAN BENSON

PATTON

PATTON

16

L BOYCE

MULLEN

L BOYCE

MULLEN 1

MULLEN

DOHERTY THOMAS

DOHERTY MULLEN 1

MULLEN

TODD

TODD

L BOYCE 1 PATTON

L BOYCE

TODD

PATTON

PATTON

McMULLAN BENSON

McMULLAN BENSON

THOMAS

BENSON

McMULLAN BENSON

McMULLAN THOMAS

FERGUSON O’REILLY

HOBAN

PATTON

PATTON

THOMAS

L BOYCE

MULLEN

TODD

McMULLAN MULLEN

BENSON

McMULLAN DIALLO

R BOYCE

HOBAN

HOBAN

HARKIN

WHYTE

MCMULLAN BENSON

DOHERTY

PATTON

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DOHERTY TODD

McMULLAN CANN

FERGUSON HARKIN

O’REILLY

MCMULLAN CANN

FERGUSON WHYTE

WHYTE

BENSON

DIALLO

14

McMULLAN BENSON

FERGUSON HARKIN

HOBAN

HARKIN

HOBAN 1

HOBAN

McMULLAN WHYTE

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2025 STARTING XI TEAM GRID

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TONIGHT’S SQUADS DERRY CITY F.C.

WATERFORD 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 11 - GAVIN WHYTE 13 - ROBBIE BENSON 14 - BEN DOHERTY 15 - SADOU DIALLO 16 - HAYDEN CANN 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 41 - COLE SMYTH __ - ADAM FRIZZELL __ - ALEX BANNON

1 - STEPHEN MCMULLAN 2 - NAVAJO BAKBOORD 3 - RYAN BURKE 4 - ANDY BOYLE 5 - GRANT HORTON 6 - ROWAN MCDONALD 7 - BEN MCCORMACK 8 - JAMES OLAYINKA 9 - PÁDRAIG AMOND 10 - MATTY SMITH 11 - MAARTEN POUWELS 15 - DARRAGH LEAHY 16 - KYLE WHITE 17 - KACPER RADKOWSKI 18 - TOMMY LONERGAN 20 - CONAN NOONAN 24 - LIAM ROBERTS 25 - JASON HEALY 27 - DEAN MCMENAMY 31 - BRAD WADE 33 - RONAN MANSFIELD 99 - TRAE COYLE

Manager: TIERNAN LYNCH

Manager: JOHN COLEMAN

Tonight’s Match Sponsors:

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More Powerful Together 22

23 ANSWERS: SHIRT NUMBER MATHS: Carl Winchester (20) + Michael Duffy (7) - Shane Ferguson (3) = Sam Todd (24) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) Extra line has appeared in the window of the stand; 2) Michael Duffy has disappeared; 3) Drogheda player’s socks have changed to white; 4) Drogheda number 5’s name and number have gone; 5) Text has disappeared from sponsor on the right

Can you spot the FIVE differences between the two photos?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you do the maths with the shirt numbers to find out the name of the hidden Derry City player?

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SHIRT NUMBER MATHS CHALLENGE 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!!

CITY CUBS CORNER

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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 Stepping into the Fanzone tonight is Paddy Green. Paddy has been an ardent Derry City fan for the last 35 years, travelling to various grounds to watch the Candystripes. Paddy has some interesting memories and a great all time favourite Derry City team to share with us.

Thanks Paddy.

Joseph N’Do Why? He was a very skilful player and had some great goals in his repertoire What’s the best ground, apart from the Brandywell, that you’ve seen Derry play in?

League ground- Tolka Park.

There’s always a great atmosphere in that place, especially with a full Derry stand, and the Aviva for the finals Derry played in over the years.

What goal sticks out in your mind?

Mark Farren in the cup final v St. Pats.

Name: Paddy Green How long have you been supporting Derry City?

I started supporting Derry in 1990, so that’s 35 years.

Why? The pass from Paddy McCourt for the goal was so good it could be re-watched for years to come!

And then the control from Mark before scoring the goal. Very difficult conditions in Dublin that day.

Name your best Derry City team (you can pick from any era) One to Eleven with Three subs GK: David Forde DEF: Pascal Vaudequin, Kevin Brady, Clive Delaney, Paul Curran MID: Barry Molloy, Dessie Gorman, Paddy McCourt FW: Liam Coyle, Mark Farren, Johnny Speak Subs: Gregory Kearney, Gary Beckett, Alan Gough Best manager you’ve seen at Derry City?

Stephen Kenny Favourite half time snack?

Cheeseburger and chips with cheap tomato ketchup. Usually, a cuppa and a mars bar was good as it was usually baltic What one thing would you introduce that you feel would improve the match day experience?

I think the match day experience is great at the minute but we could add more catering and a pub or social club area with live streams of the game.

Where do you sit in the Brandywell?

I used to sit in the Southend stand near blocks J and K Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

Has to be Liam Coyle Why? The man just had a magic touch.

Scored some great goals over the years and had a great turn of pace. Just a joy to watch.

Best opposition player you’ve seen play?

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CANTONA’S KUNG-FU KICK: THE AFTERMATH Eric Cantona is appearing in the Millennium Forum this November, and I’m sure he’ll have plenty of stories to tell.

We all know the story of Eric Cantona’s famous Kung Fu kick to a Crystal Palace fan in 1995.

It’s one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history. But the story of what happened next is even more crazy.

So Cantona is immediately banned by Man United until the end of the season. They’re trying to get in front of any FA suspension. So then to escape this huge press pack that’s forming outside his house, he disappears to Guadalupe in the Caribbean with his then wife.

And suddenly he opens his eyes and there’s someone standing blocking his sun and it is Terry Lloyd from ITV News. And Terry starts trying to fire Eric questions about the Kung Fu kick.

Eric responds by getting him in a headlock, he’s dragging him down the beach in front of all these stunned holiday makers screaming, “I will kill you!”

While he’s in the headlock, these two cameramen are wrestling with Cantona trying to get their host free, which they eventually do.

So you’ve got the three of them standing there panting, bedraggled, facing Eric Cantona, and then Cantona, either anticipating more bother or just wanting revenge, flies in with a drop kick on Terry Lloyd!

Actually Kung Fu kicks someone for the second time in a week!

The story obviously makes it back to England before Eric, and so eventually he’s got to come

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back and face the music.

He gets summonsed to an FA hearing. There’s even talk of him being banned for life!

So having to be hauled in front of the esteemed gentlemen from the Football Association all in suits, most people would probably get an early night the night before, maybe even practice your most profuse apology. But this is Eric Cantona. So instead, he goes out clubbing with a crowd rumoured to have included Paul Gascoigne, and Ian Wright!

So with a lack of sleep, and just a few hours later, Eric’s got to go and get into a suit, looking contrite and ready to face the FA. He sits through his proceeding and at the end of it, they say, well, do you have a statement that you wish to make, Mr. Cantona? So Eric applies, “Yes, I do.

I would like to apologise to my teammates. I would like to apologise to the FA. And I would like to apologise to the prostitute I shared my bed with last night!”

They gave him a nine month ban in the end, for Kung Fu kick-

ing a guy on live TV! That was the football repercussions, but outside of football he’s initially jailed for two weeks for assault, but then he appeals and he gets 120 hours of community service, which was spent coaching children at United’s training ground..

Incidently, the guy who he kicked, Matthew Simmons, is in court with him charged with hooliganism offences for shouting ““Fuck off back to France, you French bastard”, but Matthew Simmons claims, “No. I was on my way to the toilet and only shouted ‘“Off! Off! Off! It’s an early bath for you, Mr Cantona!”

Simmons was found guilty of abusive behavior and handed a £500 fine and banned from the stadium for a year. Immediately after the verdict was proclaimed, Simmons then assaulted prosecutor Jeffrey McCann, for which he was sentenced to a week in jail, plus an additional £500 fine as well as £200 in legal costs.

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STRANGE FOOTBALL: A GAME OF TWO HALVES Next week’s Linfield vs Shelbourne game in the UEFA Champions League is being billed as a big ‘North vs South’ game.

But did you know that there’s a stadium where it’s LITERALLY North vs South?

In Macapá, Brazil, there’s a football stadium where each team defends a hemisphere. They literally defend different sides of the earth.

The stadium has a maximum capacity of 13,680 people and was built in 1990.

Officially called Estádio Olímpico Milton de Souza Corrêa, locals simply call it ‘Zerão, or ‘the Big Zero’.

The name comes from the fact that the midfield line lies

exactly on the Equator, zero latitude, thus causing each team to defend one hemisphere per half!

The stadium serves as the

home ground for several local clubs, including Esporte Clube Macapá, Oratório Recreativo Clube, and Trem Desportivo Clube

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CANDYSTRIPES & DROGS: PLAYERS WHO HAVE PLAYED FOR BOTH

By Pól O’Hare

ADAM O’REILLY

A Derry City player since early 2023, Adam O’Reilly spent the first half of the 2021 campaign on loan at Waterford from Preston North End. In fact, the Cork native started in the Brandywell in a 2-1 win for the Munstermen in April 2021. A former Ireland U17 international, O’Reilly began his career at Ringmahon Rangers, the same club that Brentford’s Caoimhín Kelleher started out with, before signing for Preston North End. After loans in the English non-leagues, and the aforementioned six months with Waterford, O’Reilly spent 2022 on loan at St. Patrick’s Athletic before making the permanent switch to Derry. An ever present in the heart of the City midfield due to his tenacity, work-rate and ability to break up the play, O’Reilly was one of City’s best players last year. The 24 year old recently put pen-to-paper on a new two-year deal, keeping him on Foyleside until the end of the 2026 campaign.

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MATTY SMITH

COLM WHELAN

Former Celtic forward Matty Smith made the move to Ireland in 2020, joining Waterford after appearing for Dundee United, Montrose and Cove Rangers in Scotland. Impressing during the COVID disrupted campaign of 2020, Smith netted twice in blue before signing for St. Patrick’s Athletic in 2021. A key part of their FAI Cup winning side that year, it seemed that Ruaidhrí Higgins had pulled off a real coup in bringing the striker to the Brandywell in 2022. It didn’t quite work out for Smith however, who scored three goals in twenty appearances at Derry City and was sent off against Riga FC in European qualifiers. He joined Shelbourne on loan in July 2022 before signing on a permanent basis in 2023. Leaving Tolka Park with a league winner’s medal at the end of the 2024 campaign, Smith recently returned to Waterford on a long-term contract after making 30 appearances last season.

Colm Whelan joined Waterford from his local Thomastown United as a 16 year old in 2016.

After just five senior appearances, the forward made the move to UCD, where he recorded an impressive 44 goals in 66 games in two seasons. A serious knee injury curtailed his 2022 season before Derry City swooped to sign the Ireland U21 striker, who was also the subject of interest from sides in England.

Whelan scored twice in three appearances for City in 2023 before suffering another ACL injury against Shamrock Rovers in April. He came back into the Derry set-up last summer as he returned to full fitness and netted in a 2-0 win away to Dundalk in October. Upon the expiration of his contract with City at the end of the season, the 25 year old reunited with former Waterford boss and Derry City assistant manager Alan Reyolds by signing for Bohemians ahead of the new campaign.

LIVE FOR IT

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

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CANDYSTRIPES & DROGS continued...

CIAN KAVANAGH

PATRICK MCCLEAN

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, as well as a loan to Cowdenbeath, 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 targetman 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 as he scored twice in 18 league games. Still just 22, Kavanagh recently signed a twoyear deal with Sligo Rovers. He had a debut to forget, however, as he missed a penalty against Waterford on the opening day of the 2025 season, but has scored three since.

A product of Derry City’s academy, Patrick McClean made the move south to Waterford after two years of involvement with City’s senior team ahead of the 2017 campaign. After just one season with the Blues, where the defender scored twice in 27 games, McClean signed for Sligo Rovers in 2018. A year later and the then 22 year old returned to Derry for a second spell. With 24 appearances in all in in red and white, McClean switched to Belfast side Glentoran in July 2019.

The centre back made 199 appearances for the Glens, where he was recently managed by Derry-man Declan Devine and played alongside former City players Ciarán Coll, Shane McEleney and Joe Thomson.

Now 28, McClean signed an 18 month contract with Sligo Rovers last month and will hope to secure the Bit’O’Red’s Premier Division status this year.

DAVID MCDAID Another Derry man, Davy McDaid joined City from Tristar in 2008 and broke into the first team in the summer of 2009 after loans to Sligo Rovers and

Finn Harps. The striker joined York City after the 2012 campaign but returned to the Candystripes in July 2013, going on to maek 133 appearances for his hometown club. Moves to Coleraine and Cliftonville followed before McDaid found himself back in the League of Ireland, this time with Waterford in 2017. Davy McDaid established himself as a fan’s favourite in his only year at Waterford before making the move to Larne at the end of the campaign. Nearly 60 goals followed in five years in Antrim before the striker signed for Ballymena United. Now 34, McDaid most recently scored eleven goals for Glenavon last season.

BASTIEN HÉRY A joy to watch on his day, Madagascan midfielder Bastien Héry made his Waterford debut against Derry City in February 2018. A product of Paris Saint Germain’s academy, Héry played for Rochdale, Carlisle United and Accrington Stanley in the English Football League before moving to Limerick in 2017. After impressing in his season in Limerick, Héry became integral in the Waterford midfield and won the club’s Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards in 2018. A move to Linfield in July 2019 followed, before switching to Bohemians in 2021. After a solitary start in Phibsborough, Héry signed for Derry on loan in July – failing to score in eleven appearances. Now 33, the midfielder is a free agent after spells at Athlone Town, Finn Harps, Galway United and Longford.

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This week... Derry City fan... MICHAEL DOHERTY 1. Which sportswear company are the kit suppliers of Manchester City? The only team they supply in the Premiership.

4.

2. Which player finished the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership as highest goal scorer?

3. Who was the last player to sign directly for Derry City after leaving Waterford back in July 2022?

4. Can you name the former Arsenal star pictured on the right as a young boy?

5. Waterford manager John Coleman was previously in

5. charge of which League Of Ireland side for a brief time back in 2014?

6. Derry City made Adam Frizzell their first signing of the transfer window, but which former player was in Derry to represent Adam as his agent?

7. Which 82,500 capacity stadium is set to host both semifinals and the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup? 8. Which countries are the host nations of the FIFA World Cup in 2026 next year?

MICHAEL’S ANSWERS: 1) Nike?; 2) No idea; 3) Must have been Cian Kavanagh; 4) Van Persie; 5) Sligo; 6) Jackie McNamara; 7) Dallas Cowboys Stadium?; 8) USA, Mexico & Canada

MICHAEL’S SCORE: 5 out of 8! Can you beat it?

ANSWERS: 1) Puma; 2) Cyriel Dessers (18 goals for Rangers); 3) Cian Kavanagh; 4) Paul Scholes;; 5) Sligo Rovers; 6) Jackie McNamara; 7) MetLife Stadium, New Jersey; 8) Canada, Mexico, and United States

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BE THE CHALLENGER! CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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