Mid Season Report Card - Derry City

Club: Derry City 

Manager: Peter Hutton

Stadium: Brandywell Stadium

Highest attendance this season: 3000 (Estimate) -v- Dundalk (13^th March)

Highest league goalscorer: Ryan Curran, Anthony Elding, Barry McNamee, Philip Lowry, Mark Timlin (All 2 goals)

Mid Season position: 9th

How we thought they would do

Following the departures of talisman Rory Patterson and young prospect Michael Duffy there was a feeling of great uncertainty surrounding the club.

The close season naturally saw new faces being brought in such as Seanan Clucas, Anthony Elding and Seamus Sharkey however this proved to not be enough and underage players were drafted into the first team squad to make up the numbers. For some people this meant a new era at Derry and some felt that the mixture between a Derry based management team and a team full of local talent would lead Derry well coming into the new season. 

However the general viewpoint was understandably anxiety with many wondering where the goals would come from with the departures of two of Derry’s biggest goal threats. And we were no different feeling that the club, given the selection panel, could not compete with the better quality teams. 

How they really have done

As predicted Derry haven’t been on top form this season and are currently occupying ninth place, only 4 points above Bray who are in the relegation play-off place. At the midway point, Derry have only won three league games whilst scoring a mere 12 goals in their opening 17 games. 

A mixture of suspensions, injuries and misfiring strikers have left the Derry fans anxious coming into the second half of the season. If the strikers don’t find where the back of net is and soon Derry could very well be involved in a fight to avoid the relegation trap door. 

However it isn't all doom and gloom for the Candystripes. On the flip side they are four points behind Longford who are in sixth and have successfully negotiated their way past Edenderry Town in the 2nd round of the FAI Cup. If a change of form does come Derry's way, they could well make a move on the teams above them and possibly go one better in this season's FAI Cup.   

Moment of the season so far

It is clear to see that there hasn’t been much to shout about for the Derry fans so far. However the 3-0 home win against Drogheda which included an incredible goal from Barry McNamee would have to be the highlight of a turbulent season so far. 

Star Player – Mark Timlin

At the beginning of the season it was widely thought that Patrick McEleney would be Derry's star player however it has been Mark Timlin who has been Derry’s bright spark thus far. The Buncrana man has shown on a number of occasions the ability he possesses whilst carrying the Derry attacking effort in the opening half of the season. As well as scoring some great goals in the process, a great solo effort coming against Sligo in the cup as well as an excellent free-kick against Drogheda in the last game before the break. 

Surprise star player – Shane McEleney

The centre half was transfer listed during the off season and told he was surplus to requirements, however vowed to stay and fight for his place and has done just that. The centre half has become an ever present feature of the Derry line-up all season and has put in excellent performance after excellent performance in the first half of the season. 

Young player – Ryan Curran

This season has been a great opportunity for young players at Derry with many given their first chance at first team football. Ryan Curran is a player in particular who has taken his chance this season. He hasn't been a regular in the starting eleven but when he has been given his chance he has really shown his ability. He has played both up front and on the wing and has pitched in with two goals in the league thus far. And with the departure of Anthony Elding meaning a lack of strikers, Curran may well get more of a chance.

Star signing – Seanan Clucas

Many of Derry’s closed season signings haven’t made great impacts with one of them Anthony Elding being released already however one who has made a positive impact has been young midfielder Seanan Clucas. The former Linfield player has become a regular in the Derry side and in his first few months at the Brandywell has really shone including an incredible goal against Sligo. 

What they need to do in the transfer market

The Derry hierarchy simply need to bring in fresh faces during the season with underage players currently needed to make up the numbers. Although granting youth their chance is healthy for a club relying on them is far from ideal and the club would need to bring in players to fill out the squad. A striker or maybe even two who will regularly find the net is particularly needed given Derry’s distinct lack of goals as well as the fact that recognised striker Anthony Elding has left the club. 

Where we see them finishing

It really isn't looking good for Derry at the moment and we could well see them involved in a relegation battle if results don’t start to go their way. However I do not see the club falling through the dreaded trap door and can see them finishing in a reasonably comfortable 8th place, if they do bring in new faces during the transfer window and click on the field.