CityView Vol-41 No-17 - Derry City vs Shelbourne - Friday 19th September

DERRY CITY F.C. v SHELBOURNE F.C. LEAGUE OF IRELAND MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION FRIDAY 19th SEPTEMBER 2025 | 7.45pm Vol. 41 - No. 17

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Welcome to...

SHELBOURNE F.C.

DERRY CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Formed:

1928

Ground:

Brandywell Stadium

Manager:

Tiernan Lynch

Asst Manager:

Seamus Lynch

Coach:

Andy Mitchell

Co-Ordinator:

Patrick McEleney

GK Coach:

Anthony Fennelly

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 leageu game against Shelbourne.

And it’s a big welcome back to Joey O’Brien, his staff and players from Shelbourne and the supporters and officials who have travelled up from Drumcondra for this evening’s game.

Shelbourne fans will have great memories of the Brandywell for a long time to come having won the League here last season.

But drama for Shelbourne usually follows the 90mins between the two sides in recent seasons. On a high note for Shels, the memory of lifing the league trophy here last November 2024. In contrast, the lows of May 2025 having come here and been defeated 2-0

by Derry City. A month after that, following a 1-0 Derry City win at Tolka Park, Damien Duff

leaves is post.

Last year’s 1-0 win for Shels to lift the league was their first win in all competitions at the Brandywell since April 2022.

Before that... 2012! 2 wins at the Brandywell in 15 games since that 2012 win (inclusive), and 7 wins for Derry, with the rest ending in draws.

It’s a good stat in Derry’s favour that we need to add to tonight with another win. We’re both two very different sides since 2012 though, so we’ll see how it plays out!

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: PAUL MCLAUGHLIN

Assistant 1: Darren Corcoran |Assistant 2: Richard Storey Fourth Official: Alan Patchell

TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR:

(028) 7130 8521 | citycontractcleaners.co.uk PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR SPONSORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to you all ahead of tonight’s game, including of course to Joey O’Brien and the players, staff and supporters of Shelbourne FC. Tonight’s visitors have performed brilliantly in Europe this year and are now reaping the rewards of those performances by playing in the Europa Conference group stages.

It’s great for Shelbourne as a club and really good for the league as a whole that those opportunities are now a realistic target.

Those are the standards we’re all aiming for and I thought that our players showed last Friday night that they are ready to fight, as we head towards the final stages of the season.

Despite conceding another early penalty and what we felt was another very harsh red card, the boys dug in and took home three vital league points.

There’s no time for patting yourself on the back because every game from now until the end of the season is going to have so much riding on it.

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Three of our last six games are here at the Brandywell, starting tonight, and I want to ask you to get right behind the boys in each of them.

You can absolutely make a difference and the lift it gives the players when the Brandywell is bouncing is truly immense.

We want the atmosphere in here to be as intense as it can be, and you can be guaranteed that the players will respond to that.

We’ve put ourselves in a position now to challenge for one of those European spots, and after that, anything is possible.

Finally for now, as you will be aware, the club is currently celebrating 40 years of participation in the League of Ireland.

I want to congratulate the board, committees, volunteers and dedicated supporters on this landmark occasion.

The players and staff will be doing everything in our power to try to ensure that we finish Number 40 on a high.

Enjoy the game!

Tiernan Lynch, Manager

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DERRY CITY VS GRIMSBY TOWN 1999 All the media attention recently surrounding Grimsby Town’s defeat of Manchester United in the Carabao League Cup got me thinking about the Lincolnshire side’s first visit to the Brandywell. It was for a pre-season friendly on Wednesday 21st July 1999.

The previous season the visitors had finished in 11th place in what was then known as the First Division, now the Championship.

The Brandywell encounter was largely disappointing and at times very boring. A crowd of just 500 had braved the wind and rain to witness a goal for each team in the space of ninety seconds midway through the first half decide the result of the match.

On twenty minutes a mistake in the home defence saw the ball break to Lester who had time and space twenty-five yards from goal and seeing Derry’s young keeper Dylan

By Francie McCauley Early off his line he sent his shot high to the top corner of the net to put Grimsby in front.

The equaliser came almost immediately with the best move of the night. Winning possession in mid field James Quigley spread the ball wide to Tony Andela on the left and his first time cross found the head of inrushing Eamon Doherty who rose above Butterfield to flash a header into the net.

Grimsby had a ‘goal’ disallowed minutes later when a header from Smith ricocheted back to him and he fisted the ball into the net. Eddie Mc Callion, Gary Beckett and Michael Mc Hugh all went close for the Candystripes before the half time whistle sounded.

Early in the second half a good break saw Floyd Gilmour feed Beckett but the striker drilled his shot narrowly wide of the post. Clare was proving a handful for the City defence coming close to scoring himself and setting up a chance for Caldicott In the closing moments, after a Groves’ volley from the edge of the box went narrowly wide for the Mariners, it was Derry who threatened to steal victory. Quigley

had impressed on his return from Glentoran but Cameroonian trialist Andela was less impressive.

Both teams were to attend a social evening at Post Office Social Club after the game.

The match programme was a very simple four-page affair with no price indicated. The only reading material was on page two which had a list of City’s pre-season games and a brief ‘Welcome’ in which we are told that the ‘Mariners’ had flown into City of Derry Airport on Monday using the new route from Stansted and were basing themselves in the city for their pre-season tour. They were greeted at the airport by the Mayor, Pat Ramsey. (On Monday night Grimsby drew one all with Linfield).

The teams were on the following page and the back page had an advert for Smithwick’s.

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SNIPPETS Next June sees the start of the World Cup which will be held in the United States, Canada & Mexico. To date 18 teams have qualified - the 3 hosts plus Japan , New Zealand, Iran , Argentina, Ubekistan, Korea Republic, Jordan, Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Columbia, Morocco & Tunisia. 54 UEFA teams are competing for 16 spots. Although it’s early days tickets prices will start at $60 for group stage matches with $6730, an estimate from officials for the Final ! And talking of costs Manchester United star, Paul Scholes back in May criticised the £66 quoted for a single match day seat in the Premier League as ridiculous! Meanwhile his former club’s ground at Old Trafford has been ranked as 4th best out of 50 in Eu-

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By Sean McGillan

rope. Celtic Park was next in 11th place with the Etihad ranked 24th & Sunderland’s Stadium of Light making to the list in the 46th position.

Up in the North West of England Carlisle United recently entertained Truro fans with free programmes, a pie & a drink as the team who had to travel the longest distance in their Division. In contrast 2 teams who were once in the West Lancashire League have their grounds literally next door to each other - Squires Gate FC and Blackpool Wren Rovers are separated by a wall! (left) Up across the border in Scotland 2 brothers had the distinction of playing for Celtic and Rangers.Tom and Colin McAdam from a Rangers’ supporting family played against each other 8 times in the 80s. ! They did play together on the same

Dumbarton team when they started out in the game.

Back to the Potteries in England where Port Vale play in League 1. Unusually they are not named after a place but after the valley of ports on the Trent & Mersey Canals.

Our own Felix Healy played for the Valiants at Vale Park from 1978 -1980 where he made 41 appearances. And finally the Brandywell got a mention by 2 ex St. Columb’s College boys from Co. Derry who were boarders there - the late Seamus Heaney, Nobel Laureate in his poem “Ministry of Fear” and Martin O‘Neill in his book, “ On days like these - my life in football.” Both were able to watch the Candystripes play from Seamus’ “lonely scarp,” or as Martin writes “ from our vantage point “ where he said “I fall in love with the football club.”

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE

2025 LEAGUE TABLE: Pld Pts Shamrock Rvrs

28

56

DERRY CITY

30

49

Bohemians

30

47

Shelbourne

28

42

St. Pat’s Athletic

29

42

Drogheda Utd

29

42

Waterford

29

34

Galway United

29

30

Sligo Rovers

29

30

Cork City

29

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Last Round’s Results:

This Round’s Fixtures:

SUNDAY 7th SEPTEMBER Shelbourne 1-0 Galway United

FRIDAY 19th SPETEMBER Cork City v Shamrock Rovers Sligo Rovers v Drogheda Utd St Pats Athletic v Galway United DERRY CITY v Shelbourne Bohemians v Waterford

FRIDAY 12th SEPTEMBER Bohemians 3-4 DERRY CITY

NEXT GAME:

Derry City vs Sligo Rovers Friday 3rd October, 7.45pm

DERRY CITY LOTTO

Prize Pot: £1,500

Play online now at clubs.clubforce.com 11

STRANGE BRAZILIAN FOOTBALLER’S NAMES Fulham have smashed their transfer record with the £35m fee for Brazilian striker Kevin.

He’ll be the latest in a long line of Brazilian footballers with strangely unexpected names though.

Brazilian footballer names seem to follow three different rules. You’ve got your extremely exotic and traditional Brazilian names like Bruno Guimarães, Zico, Rivaldo, Pele, and Ronaldo.

Then there’s type 2 which are more alike to boring English names that you expect your uncle ]to have! Fulham’s new striker Kevin being an example, former Manchester United star Fred, there’s a footballer called Nathan who plays Athletico Paranaense, and Brazilian striker Hulk has a son called Ian! But maybe you’d prefer to have one of these mundane names as opposed to type 3, which is players who are named after celebrities! This is no joke, you

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can look these up!

Brazilian club Caxias have a right back called John Lennon!

Elvis Marley plays for Barra.

Creedence Clearwater finished his career at Santa Cruz in 2012.

Pikachu plays with Fortaleza.

Mahatma Gandhi ended is career at Atlético Goianiense in 2017. Marlon Brandão finished in 1994 in Spain with Valladolid.

Denzel Washington Brito dos Santos plays for Manaus There’s also a left winger called Marx Lenin who plays for Amazonas. A left winger as well! You

really couldn’t make it up!

While a lot of those are indeed real names, other examples like Misael Truck-Driver, Vinicius Yakult, Playboy or indeed, Hulk can showcase how nicknames can be made into official names when players sign for clubs.

So what is the reason behind some of these names? Well it turns out that parents in Brazil apparently often choose their children’s names simply because they like the sound regardless of the origin!

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C IS FOR CHILDHOOD...

I IS FOR IDOL...

My dad supported Liverpool but I always went to Hull City games from being in the academy, so I would say Hull.

J IS FOR JOKER...

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

BRANDON FLEMING

Which footballer did you idolise as a boy?

I would say Steven Gerrard Who is the biggest practical

D IS FOR DRESS SENSE...

Which Derry City team mate has the worst fashion sense?

I think everyone dresses well.

We had a team do recently and everyone looked well, so hard to pick!

A IS FOR ANNOYING...

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

I would say any of the Uno lads! Always shouting and standing up! Just carnage!

Would be annoying sat with them!

B IS FOR BOX...

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

Mobland is top class! I watched that recently, so I’ll go with that.

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?

I’d go for some country music!

The film... I would say maybe The Covenant.

F IS FOR FUNNY...

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

Nothing specific, but at Hull we had a group that was always in the kit room with the kit men. Had some great funny times in there!

G IS FOR GOAL...

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

Well here’s a fact for you, I’ve actually never scored a goal!

H IS FOR HOLIDAY...

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

I love Dubai and Ibiza!

joker in the team?

Mark Connolly makes me laugh a lot. So does Winny actually, Carl Winchester!

K IS FOR KIT...

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

I would say a ‘Beckham 23’ Real Madrid shirt I had when he first signed there.

L IS FOR LIFE AFTER PLAYING...

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

Yes 100%! I love football and would like to think that I can help people when I’ve finished.

M IS FOR MEMENTO...

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

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never give away?

I have a League 1 and League 2 winners medal over in England so I would say them.

N IS FOR NEXT BIG THING...

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

I’m amazed Micky has never played in England! He is one of the best players I’ve played with!

T IS FOR TEAM MATES...

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

So hard to choose. I’ve played with some great players. Hard to pick between Jarrod Bowen, Keane Lewis Potter and Jacob Greaves.

P IS FOR PASSTIME...

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

I play a lot of golf just.

Q IS FOR QUIZ...

Who has the best skills in the team?

Micheal Duffy.

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

We play a story telling game similar to Traitors. Great game

U IS FOR UNPARALLELED...

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

I played against Antoine Semenyo when he played at Bristol City and he was a joke!

Y IS FOR YOUTH...

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?

Bryson Dechambeau, my idol!

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

Hayden Cann! I would want Robbie Benson on my team though for sure!!

Which result meant the most to you in your career?

Tough question really. We beat Peterborough 3-0 away when I was at Hull to basically stay up.

That was a great away day.

W IS FOR WHILE AWAY

X IS FOR EXCHANGE...

O IS FOR OPPOSITION...

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

I would probably say Shamrock Rovers because that’s always a big test.

just a big SUV

V IS FOR VEHICLE...

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

I have an Audi now. Not sure about what I’d get. Probably

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

I played with my lcoal team as a kid, Hall Road Rangers, and then joined Hull City when I was 9/10. I’ve played all over, never really stuck to one position until I was about 14/15.

Z IS FOR ZERO CHANCE...

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

Leeds!

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L

SHELS

SLIGO

WATERFORD

DROGHEDA

PATS

SHELS

GALWAY

BOHS

ROVERS

DROGHEDA

CORK

PATS

SHELS

WATERFORD

SLIGO

GALWAY

DROGHEDA

CORK

ROVERS

SLIGO

GALWAY

PATS

WATERFORD

BOHS

CORK

ROVERS

BOHS

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

CORK

ROVERS

WATERFORD

SLIGO

DROGHEDA

SHELS

BOHS

PATS

GALWAY

CUP DROGHEDA

L

L

L

CUP TREATY

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

4--3

2--2

2--1

1--1

0--0

0--2

1--1

5--1

0--2

7--2

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

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SCORE

DATE

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

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

R BOYCE

O’REILLY

DUFFY 1

WHYTE

WHYTE

DIALLO1

DIALLO

DIALLO

DIALLO

WHYTE

WHYTE

DIALLO

DIALLO

O’REILLY

AKINYEMI

AKINYEMI 1 WHYTE

AKINYEMI

WHYTE

CANN

CANN

DOHERTY

THOMAS

THOMAS

CANN

CANN

CANN

FLEMING

WHYTE

DIALLO

DIALLO

CANN

FLEMING

FLEMING

HOLT

DIALLO

FRIZZELL

TODD

FLEMING

WINCHESTER STOTT

WINCHESTER STOTT

WINCHESTER STOTT

DIALLO

FLEMING

FLEMING

BANNON

BANNON

TODD

WINCHESTER BANNON

WINCHESTER SCOTT

WINCHESTER TODD FLEMING

TODD

TODD 1

TODD

TODD

HOLT1

HOLT

TODD

TODD

TODD

WINCHESTER TODD

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN

WINCHESTER MULLEN

WINCHESTER HOLT

CANN

HOLT

HOLT

HOLT

HOLT

L BOYCE

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT 1 BENSON

TODD

HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN

WINCHESTER MULLEN 2

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

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BANNON

TODD

BANNON

BANNON 1

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

BANNON 1

L BOYCE

L BOYCE 3

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 MULLEN 1

CANN

10

WINCHESTER TODD

WINCHESTER MULLEN

AKINYEMI WHYTE

DIALLO

CANN

CANN

CANN

CANN

CANN

9 WINCHESTER TODD

WINCHESTER HOLT

MCMULLAN CANN

WHYTE

THOMAS

THOMAS

THOMAS

CANN

CANN

MCMULLAN CANN

WHYTE

WHYTE

WHYTE

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

BENSON

BENSON

BENSON1

BENSON

AKINYEMI 1 DIALLO AKINYEMI

DIALLO

DIALLO

8 THOMAS

MCMULLAN DOHERTY CANN

DOHERTY

DOHERTY

O’REILLY 2 AKINYEMI 1 DIALLO

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

R BOYCE

WHYTE

WHYTE

WHYTE

WHYTE

O’REILLY

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY1 DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE 1 CONNOLLY DUFFY

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

CONNOLLY DUFFY

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

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

WHYTE

MULLEN

L BOYCE

BANNON

DOHERTY MULLEN

FRIZZELL MULLEN

MULLEN

CANN

BANNON

TODD

DUMMIGAN

PATTON

DOHERTY FRIZZELL MULLEN CANN

PATTON

FRIZZELL MULLEN

MULLEN 1

MULLEN

DOHERTY THOMAS

TODD

FRIZZELL MULLEN 1 L BOYCE 3

MULLEN

L BOYCE

DOHERTY MULLEN 1

MULLEN

TODD

TODD

AKINYEMI DOHERTY MULLEN

WHYTE

BENSON

CANN

BENSON

CONNOLLY BENSON

BENSON

O’REILLY

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

O’REILLY

BENSON

O’REILLY

BENSON

McMULLAN BENSON

PATTON

PATTON

16

L BOYCE 1 PATTON

L BOYCE

TODD

PATTON

PATTON

McMULLAN BENSON

McMULLAN BENSON

THOMAS

BENSON

McMULLAN BENSON

FERGUSON O’REILLY

O’REILLY

THOMAS

MULLEN

O’REILLY

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

15

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

12

2025 STARTING XI TEAM GRID

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20

TONIGHT’S SQUADS DERRY CITY F.C.

SHELBOURNE F.C.

1 - BRIAN MAHER 2 - RONAN BOYCE 3 - SHANE FERGUSON 6 - MARK CONNOLLY 7 - MICHAEL DUFFY 8 - ADAM O’REILLY 10 - DIPO AKINYEMI 11 - GAVIN WHYTE 13 - ROBBIE BENSON 14 - BEN DOHERTY 15 - SADOU DIALLO 16 - HAYDEN CANN 17 - ADAM FRIZZELL 19 - BRANDON FLEMING 20 - CARL WINCHESTER 21 - DANNY MULLEN 22 - JAMIE STOTT 23 - CAMERON DUMMIGAN 24 - SAM TODD 25 - ALEX BANNON 26 - ARLO DOHERTY 27 - LIAM BOYCE 28 - AARON HEANEY 37 - CEAD MCGRATH 41 - CALLUM DOWNEY 43 - COLE SMYTH

1 - CONOR KEARNS 2 - SEAN GANNON 3 - TYREKE WILSON 4 - KAMERON LEDWIDGE 5 - ELLIS CHAPMAN 6 - JONATHAN LUNNEY 7 - HARRY WOOD 8 - MARK COYLE 9 - SEÁN BOYD 10 - JOHN MARTIN 11 - MIPO ODUBEKO 13 - WESSEL SPEEL 14 - ALI COOTE 15 - SAM BONE 16 - JOHN O’SULLIVAN 17 - DANIEL KELLY 18 - JAMES NORRIS 19 - LORCAN HEALY 21 - JACK HENRY-FRANCIS 22 - SEAN MOORE 23 - KERR MCINROY 24 - LEWIS TEMPLE 25 - MILAN MBENG 27 - EVAN CAFFREY 29 - PADDY BARRETT 44 - DANIEL RING

Manager: TIERNAN LYNCH

Manager: JOEY O’BRIEN

Tonight’s Match Sponsors:

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23 ANSWERS: SHIRT NUMBER MATHS: Robbie Benson (13) + Adam O’Reilly (8) - Mark Connolly (6) = Sadou Diallo (15) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) Sponsor has disappeared from Adam O’Reilly’s shirt; 2) ‘Jodi Stand’ sign has disappeared on the left; 3) Michael Duffy’s leg has disappeared; 4) Number 22 has disappeared from Jamie Stott’s shorts; 5) Brandon Fleming’s head has disappeared

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

SHORTEST MANAGERIAL REIGNS What’s the shortest managerial reign of all time? Well, Eric Ten Hag was sacked after only 62 days and three competitive matches at Bayer Leverkusen.

The former Manchester United boss oversaw just three competitive matches with Leverkusen, winning one game, losing in his second, and drawing his final game.

Following his departure, Leverkusen manager director Simon Rolfes said: “Building a new and successful team with this set-up is not feasible.”

Only one permanent Premier League manager has had a shorter permanent spell in charge of a club than Ten Hag’s stay in Germany.

Les Reed’s 40 days in charge of Charlton across November and December 2006 was the shortest. Reed picked up four points from his seven league matches. But there are plenty of coaches who didn’t even get that!

In 2009, Arminia Bielefeld took

the unusual decision of appointing Joerg Berger, with just one game of the Bundesliga season remaining in the hope of avoiding relegation.

The gamble, however, did not pay off, and Berger was let go when his contract expired the following month.

Jose Mourinho’s replacement at Porto, Luigi Delneri, didn’t even get that far. He was sacked in 2004, before taking charge of a competitive match, when they’d reported issues over his timekeeping!

Marcelo Bielsa, meanwhile, resigned just two days into his tenure at Lazio in 2016, after disagreements over player recruitment.

In June 1984, Dave Bassett departed Wimbledon to manage Crystal Palace. Four days later, Bassett reversed his decision and returned to Plough Lane.

During their non-league days in July 2009, Cambridge United were managed by Martin Ling for eight days before he resigned following an argu-

ment with then chairman George Rolls.

Brian Clough’s short but infamous stint at Leeds United was the one that they made a film (and book) about. Clough arrived at Elland Road to take over from Don ‘The Don’ Revie, who’d led Leeds to the league title the previous season and moved on to the England job.

Clough made enemies of everyone he encountered from the outset and was sacked after taking four points from a possible 12. He went to Nottingham Forest though and set about winning two European Cups!

But the shortest managerial reign of all time belongs to Leroy Rosenior (left), who was sacked at Torquay United in 2007, following a change of ownership just 10 minutes after his appointment! Shortly after replacing Keith Curle as manager, the club was taken over by new owners and opted for a different manager to Rosenior.

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FANZONE: MEET THE FANS Tonight’s guest into the Fanzone page doesn’t come directly from Derry and doesn’t live in Derry, nevertheless he is an avid Derry City fan! I’ll let him explain it! Welsome to the Fanzone page, and indeed to the Brandywell tonight, Neil Laughlin!

Name: Neil Laughlin How long have you been supporting Derry City?

Saw my first game in May 2005, it was against St Pats at the Brandywell, the game ended 2-2, so just over 20 years. Obviously living in Derbyshire getting to games frequently isn’t easy so I try and get over twice a season, with my next trip planned for the 19th September when Shelbourne are the visitors. Why Derry? My Grandad is from the City, he lived in Rosemount.

Where do you sit in the Bran-

dywell?

Always historically sat in the Southend Road Stand but more recently been standing up alongside the Mark Farren Stand due to the scarcity of tickets.

Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

Because I only come over a couple of times a year it’s hard to say because you don’t get to see the consistency of performances, but it would have to be Paddy McCourt who at

the time I started following City, was at his peak in the shirt Why? He was that mercurial figure wasn’t he, ability to go past anyone, to pick a pass, to score a blinding goal, one of those players who could get you off your seat, but then frustrate you at the same time. Celtic obviously saw something special in him. I got to meet him once in Belfast City Airport (the photo attached), I was flying home after a City game and he was heading to Greece with the NI International team for a game.

Best opposition player you’ve seen play?

Owen Heary (Shels & Bohs) Why? Hard as nails, very good going forward, a real leader who loved a tackle.

What’s the best ground, apart

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TO TAKE PART IN FANZONE, CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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FANZONE: MEET THE FANS continued... from the Brandywell, that you’ve seen Derry play in?

Parc de Princes – Paris St Germain.

What goal sticks out in your mind?

The third goal at Fir Park against Gretna, by Kevin Deery Why? Let’s face it, both of Deery’s goals and the two from Ciaran Martyn were class strikes, but that third goal, in front of the City fans ripped into the top corner. It was at that point I think we knew we were witnessing something very speLet’s face it, both of Deery’s goals and the two from Ciaran Martyn were class strikes, but that third goal, in front of the City fans ripped into the top corner. It was at that point I think we knew we were witnessing something very special.

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

era) One to Eleven with Three subs David Forde Darren Kelly Sean Hargan Peter Hutton Ryan McBride Paddy McCourt Ciaran Martyn Barry Molloy Mark Farren Gary Beckett James McClean SUBS: Killian Brennan

Patrick McEleney Mark McChrystal Best manager you’ve seen at Derry City?

Stephen Kenny – he allowed us to dream, and he got the City talking about the football team Favourite half time snack?

Chips – with lots of vinegar!

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

A bar or somewhere to get a pre-match pint inside the ground. I watch a lot of football in England at all levels and this is pretty standard, but in Ireland it’s not the case.

Although I do like to watch games in the Irish Premiership when I’m over on a Saturday, and the bulk of clubs do have a bar. I don’t know what the rules/laws are around this but I guess it’s a non-starter.

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DERRY CITY VS SHELBOURNE: THE HIGHS AND THE LOWS!

0 - DERRY CITY 1 - SHELBOURNE 2024 Premier Division 1st November 2024

Chasing a first Premier Division title since 1997 last year, Derry City were the side who pushed Shelbourne the closest throughout the 2024 season. Shelbourne started the campaign strongly and maintained their place at the top of the table for most of the season. Going into the final day, Derry City’s title hopes had already faded as the Candystripes failed to capitalise on opportunities to go top.

Shelbourne travelled to the Brandywell knowing that they needed a win to pip Shamrock Rovers to the Premier Division crown. After a cagey affair, Harry Wood struck on the 85th minute to give Shelbourne a late lead and send the away end into raptures.

It was Shelbourne’s first title since 2006, as City’s wait extended further.

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4 - DERRY CITY 0 - SHELBOURNE 2022 FAI Cup Final 13th November 2022 After scoring fourteen goals and conceding just twice on the road to the FAI Cup final in 2022, Derry City met Shelbourne in their first trip to the Aviva in eight years. Derry’s second placed finish meant that European football for 2023 was already secured, but for Shelbourne, winning the cup and qualifying for Europe would have marked a successful first season back in the Premier Division. Both sides went into the final confident, but it was City who triumphed on the night. Buoyed on by over 20,000 travelling fans, Ruaidhrí Higgins’ men went into the break 2-0 up through goals by Jamie McGonigle and Cameron McJannet. English defender McJannet netted again on the hour mark to make it 3-0, before former Shels loanee Jordan McEneff converted a

By Pól O’Hare

stoppage time penalty to ensure that Derry City lifted the FAI Cup for the sixth time - recording the highest margin of victory in FAI Cup final history in the process.

7 - DERRY CITY 3 - SHELBOURNE 2018 EA Sports Cup Q-Final 7th May 2018 This fixture was the hundredth meeting between Derry City and Shelbourne and produced a goal-fest fit for the occasion. With a spot in the last four of the EA Sports Cup up for grabs, Ronan Curtis netted twice in fourteen minutes to see Derry take an early advantage. David O’Sullivan gave the travelling contingent hope by scoring two in quick succession, bringing the score to 2-2 just before the half hour mark. Before the half was out, Curtis had completed his hattrick. More goals from Rory Hale and Aaron McEneff saw Derry go into the interval lead-

LIVE FOR IT

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

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DERRY CITY V SHELBOURNE: HIGHS & LOWS continued... ing 5-2. James English made it 5-3 with ten minutes to go, but Nicky Low and Nathan Boyle found City’s sixth and seventh goals. Kenny Shiels’ side were drawn away to Sligo Rovers in the semi-final, where Rory Hale struck again to send the Candystripes to the final. Derry City beat First Division side Cobh Ramblers 3-1 in a sold-out Brandywell in the final, marking a record eleventh League cup triumph for the Candystripes.

0 - DERRY CITY 0 - SHELBOURNE (3-0 Derry on penalties) Eircom League Cup 18th September 2006 2006 is a fabled year in the hearts of Derry City fans, as City completed an FAI Cup and League Cup double whilst setting off on a ‘European Odyssey’. The Candystripes played the first of two cup finals that year on the 18th of September, facing Shelbourne in the Brandywell after defeating

Longford Town, Drogheda United and Limerick in earlier rounds. They faced a Shels side who had overcome Dublin City, Finn Harps and Bohemians to set up a blockbuster league cup final. With 83 minutes on the clock, City keeper David Forde was sent off for handling the ball outside of his box. Just seven minutes into extra-time, midfielder Killian Brennan was shown his marching orders – meaning nine-man Derry had to go all-out-defence to usher the game to penalties. Substitute goalkeeper Pat Jennings was to be the hero, saving three Shelbourne penalties to claim the FAI Cup for City.

2 - SHELBOURNE 2 - DERRY CITY LOI Premier Division 22nd September 2006 & 2 - DERRY CITY 0 - SHELBOURNE LOI Premier Division 24th October 2006 Carrying on their form from

Europe and the cup competitions, City performed in the league too - ending the season with an identical points, wins, draws and losses record as Shelbourne. On 22nd September, Derry raced to a twogoal lead in Tolka Park through goals from Paddy McCourt and Kevin Deery. After the dismissal of Derry goalkeeper Pat Jennings on the stroke of half-time, Shelbourne clawed the game back, which would eventually finish 2-2. Just over a month later, Shels travelled to the Brandywell, where two second half goals from McCourt and Ciarán Martyn saw the points go Derry’s way. It wasn’t too be in the end for City, who lost the league title on goal difference. To rub salt into the Derry wounds, Shelbourne were relegated to the First Division for the 2007 season due to financial issues, and wouldn’t return to the Premier Division until 2011, whilst Derry City took their spot in UEFA Champions League qualifying.

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This week... Derry City fan... DAMIEN QUIGLEY 1. Who is the longest serving current manager in La Liga having joined his club in 2011, winning LaLiga, the Copa Del Rey and the Europa League along the way?

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2. Derry City faced Shelbourne at Tolka Park on the first day of the 2025 season back in February, but who scored Derry’s only goal of the game?

3. In which year did Peter Hutton leave Derry City to sign for Shelbourne?

4. Can you name the future Real Madrid star pictured on the right as a youth player?

5. Which team knocked Shelbourne out of the Champi8. ons League earlier this season?

6. 21yo Carney Chukwuemeka was on the bench for Borussia Dortmunds Champions League game on Tuesday night, but which nation is he from?

7. Which club did Shelbourne manager Joey O’Brien make most appearances for during his playing career?

8. Which club did Liverpool manager Arne Slot leave to take the job on Merseyside?

DAMIEN’S ANSWERS: 1) Diego Simeone; 2) Was it Duffy?; 3) 2002; 4) Pepe; 5) Honestly can’t remember!; 6) He’s English; 7) West Ham; 8) Ajax or someone?

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

ANSWERS: 1) Diego Simeone (Athletico Madrid); 2) Michael Duffy; 3) 2001; 4) Pepe; 5) Qarabağ FK; 6) England; 7) West Ham United; 8) Feyenoord

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BE THE CHALLENGER! CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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