Season Preview 2014 - Derry City

Manager: Roddy Collins
Stadium: The Brandywell

Players In: Enda Curran (Athlone Town), Roddy Collins Jnr (Athlone Town), Ciaran Gallagher (Finn Harps), Danny Ventre (Sligo Rovers), Cliff Byrne (Oldham), Mark Stewart (Kilmarnock), David Elebert (Shamrock Rovers), Aaron Barry (Sheffield United), Cormac Burke (Unattached), Mark Timlin (Ipswich Town), Lee Toland (Finn Harps), Caoimhinn Bonner (Kilmarnock)

Players Out: Eugene Ferry (Coleraine), David McDaid (Coleraine), Ruaidhri Higgins (Dundalk), Stewart Greacen (Stenhousemuir), Mark Griffin (Dundalk), Michael Rafter (Cork City), Paddy Kavanagh (Bohemians), Simon Madden (Shamrock Rovers), Kevin Deery, Eoghan Osbourne (Released)

 

Extratime.ie Key Man: RORY PATTERSON
Since joining the Candystripes, former Northern Ireland striker Patterson has been something of an enigma. Lethal in front of goal, but definitely a player that divides opinion, his exploits have helped Derry City to an FAI Cup in 2012, before he finished top goalscorer last season. His clinical nature should mean he will lead the Derry City line this season, and with younger players like Enda and Ryan Curran providing competition, along with new signing Mark Stewart, Patterson will have to emulate his form from the last two seasons this year to keep his starting spot. On his day, the best striker in the league.

Extratime.ie One to Watch: RYAN McBRIDE
It has been almost three years since Ryan McBride made his senior bow for Derry City, and since then, he has gone on to become one of the most highly-rated defenders in the country. His raw, no-nonsense style is complemented by his ever improving technique, and his strong performances last season, saw him take over from Stewart Greacen at the heart of the Derry back line. He is likely to be partnered by new signing, Cliff Byrne, who will offer the 24 year-old a wealth of experience. With apparent leadership qualities, McBride is undoubtedly a tip to be a future Derry captain, and he will be hoping this season is the one when he secures his status as one the league's best.

How they did last season:

League: 4th
FAI Cup: Quarter-Final
EA Sports Cup: Quarter-Final
Setanta Sports Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Goalscorer: Rory Patterson - 18 goals

What to expect for 2014:

There has been vast changes at Derry City during the off-season. With Declan Devine being relieved of his duties by the club at the end of last season, despite a relatively successful spell, the Candystripes acted quickly to appoint Roddy Collins. Assisted by City legend Peter Hutton, the Dubliner has been working to assemble as strong a squad as possible over the winter.
 

Out the door went stalwarts such as Ruaidhri Higgins, Stewart Greacen, Kevin Deery and Eugene Ferry, as well as youngsters such as David McDaid, and in came quality experienced players such as Danny Ventre, Cliff Byrne and Mark Stewart. Exciting prospects like Enda Curran and Aaron Barry have also joined the club, along with local talent such as Cormac Burke, Mark Timlin and Ciaran Gallagher. Collins also secured the futures of Paddy McEleney, Shane McEleney and Barry McNamee, and with their renowned youth system, young players like Micky Duffy, Ryan Curran and Josh Tracey, will be hoping they too can make an impact this season.
 

Eager to put his own stamp on the club, Collins' upheaval partnered with an Arctic like climate has meant that Derry have been unable to play as many games as they would have liked, and therefore will be a bit of an unknown quantity in the opening games. However, as always, their mixture of youth and experience should stand them in good stead for the upcoming season. 
 

The intent will be to win the league. They came close under Stephen Kenny previously, and Collins will be looking to go one better than the current Dundalk boss. Backed by a highly-expectant support, Collins will be under pressure to ensure a strong league campaign as well as silverware along the way. Whether he can provide it remains to be seen. With the squad he has assembled, they will certainly be there or thereabouts.

 

Title Odds: 9/1
First Game: vs Shamrock Rovers (Tallaght Stadium - Sun 9th March 2014)