Club name: Derry City
Stadium: Brandywell
Manager: Stephen Kenny
Founded: 1928 (reformed 2010)
Finished last season: top of the First Division
Players in: Eamon Zayed (Sporting Fingal), Gareth McGlynn (Bohemians), Stewart Greacen (Dundee), Ruaidhri Higgins (Bohemians), Stephen McLaughlin (Finn Harps),
Out: Mark Scoltock (Released), Mark McChrystal (Tranmere Rovers), Mark Farren (Released), Seamus Sharkey (Southern Cross United)
Alan Hansen famously said you win nothing with kids. Stephen Kenny is happy to test that theory this season with the bulk of the exciting young side that claimed last season’s First Division title ready to take on the top flight.
Experienced arrivals like Gareth McGlynn, Eamon Zayed and Ruaidhri Higgins will complement the likes of Pat McEleney, James McLean and Thomas McBride who will be out to make a name for themselves.
It might take Derry a bit of time to settle in but with one of the best manager’s in the league at the helm, don’t be surprised to find the Candystripes back where they belong: towards the top of the standings.
If they were a TD they’d be: Leo Varadkar - one of the heavyweights, he feels at home at the top table despite his relative youth.
The Score’s verdict: sixth.
View from the terraces
Graeme Taylor, Candystripes fan
Where will you finish this season? fifth
League’s best player? Gary Twigg
League’s best gaffer? Stephen Kenny
Easiest fixture? UCD
Toughest fixture? Shamrock Rovers
Best away atmosphere? Sligo
Worst away atmosphere? Athlone
Favourite terrace chant? Too many to choose but one from last season. ”Oh Micky Wallace, you are the love of my life…”
