Season Preview 2015 - Derry City

Manager: Peter Hutton

 

Stadium: Brandywell Stadium

 

 

 

Players in: Cillian Morrison (Cork City), Shaun Patton (Finn Harps), Anthony Elding (Ballinamallard Utd), Seanan Clucas (Linfield)

 

Players out: Ciaran Gallagher (Finn Harps), Danny Ventre (Telford United), Barry Molloy (Crusaders), Rory Patterson (Cockburn City), Michael Duffy (Celtic), Raymond Foy (Finn Harps)

 

 

 

Patrick McEleney showed last year what talent he possesses and he will be desperate to build on that this time around. It was this ability that nearly earned the Derry-born forward a move across the water with Brentford during the off-season however he is now staying City-side. Having bagged himself 5 goals last season, including a few incredible strikes as well as being involved in countless others, the Derry faithful will be glad to hear that their star man is going nowhere. The Derry man has had a good pre-season as he prepares to head into the big kick-off on Friday night. With the departure of two of Derry's top performers last season, Michael Duffy and Rory Patterson, the hopes of the Derry fans may well be resting on the shoulders of the 22-year-old. This season could be a genuine chance for McEleney to grow into the role of Derry's leading light. 

 

 

 

The Portstewart winger only signed for the Brandywell side last June but in the 13 games he was involved in last season, he gave us a glimpse into his ability while quickly becoming a regular face in the Derry side. Now, four months later and with an impressive pre-season behind him in which he scored 4 goals, it seems that Dooley will be at his best come the curtain opener on Friday. The winger will undoubtedly be given a bigger chance in the Derry side from the off with Michael Duffy having left to Scottish Giants, Celtic. It all seems set for Dooley to really make his mark on the Airtricity league this year. 

 

 

 

League: 8th

 

FAI Cup: Runners Up

 

EA Sports Cup: Quarter-Final 

 

 

Undoubtedly, the last few months for Derry hasn't been great, finishing in at a less than impressive 8th in the league, just missing out on the FAI Cup to St. Pat's and losing arguably their two best players in Michael Duffy and Rory Patterson. It wouldn't be surprising for the Derry fans to fear the worst this season however it may not play out as bad as some might expect. The acquisitions of Cillian Morrison and Anthony Elding to lessen the impact of Patterson's departure have been a good bit of business by the Derry board and keeping Patrick McEleney has also been great for Derry. 

 

If a few players within the existing squad come to the fore and stand up to be counted along with the new signings making an impact Derry should be comfortably in mid-table and possibly a little further towards the summit come the end of the season. Another major boost for Derry is the fact that Peter Hutton has been at the helm for nearly a year now along with the strong pre-season he has had with the squad will really give the Candystripes a boost coming into the new season. 

 

 

 

Title odds: 50-1 (Best Odds)

First game: vs Galway United (Friday 6th March- Eamonn Deacy Park)