Season Preview 2016 - Derry City

Manager: Kenny Shiels

Stadium: Brandywell Stadium

Players in: Keith Ward (Sligo Rovers), Gareth McGlynn (Unattached), Niclas Vemmelund (IF Brommapojkarna), Rory Patterson (FC United), Harry Monaghan (Stenhousemuir), Jordan Allan (Elgin City), Cristian Delgado (Unattached).

Players out: Patrick McEleney (Dundalk), Mark Timlin (St Patrick’s Athletic), Philip Lowry (Portadown), Stephen Dooley (Cork City), Ryan Curran (Finn Harps), Seamus Sharkey (Limerick), Mark Quigley (Bohemians), Ben McLaughlin (Released), Georgie Kelly (UCD), Joe McIntyre (Donegal Town), Cillian Morrison (Released).

Extratime.ie Key Man: Barry McNamee

McNamee has been an important player for the last few seasons but with the loss of Patrick McEleney to Dundalk, manager Kenny Shiels will be looking to McNamee to make another step up in his ever-improving game. His slick passing, versatility and general all-round quality will be invaluable for the Candystripes this season.

Extratime.ie One to Watch:Rory Patterson

Although 'One to Watch' would usually be seen as a young player with potential or a relatively unknown player to look out for, it'll be fascinating to see how he does on his return to Irish football. Will the Patterson of 2013 turn up? The outstanding striker who finished top goalscorer in the league with 18 goals and terrorised defences all season long. Or will the more volatile, injury prone Patterson of 2014 turn up? There's no doubt that he can be one of the best strikers in the league and it will be up to Kenny Shiels to get Patterson in the right frame of mind to display his skills.

How they did last season:

League: 7^th – It was a turbulent campaign for the Candystripes last season. The Derry fans expected better, especially when you take into account the fact that Bohs finished just two spots ahead of Derry in, but managed to better Derry's points tally by a whopping 18 points. Derry lost roughly half of their games with 16 defeats in 33 matches and more alarmingly, won just 4 games at home all season, while winning 5 games on the road.

FAI Cup: Quarter-final – Derry were beaten 3-0 by Cork City in a replay at Turner's Cross

EA Sports Cup: Quarter Final – Derry were beaten 1-0 by Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell

What to expect this season:

It's tough to predict what to expect for Derry this season. There's no doubt that they underperformed last season but with the gulf in quality between the top half and bottom half of the table that was evident last season, coupled with the fact that other clubs like Bray and Sligo have brought in some quality signings in pre-season, it may be another mid table struggle.

Derry do have a strong spine with Aaron Barry, Barry McNamee & Rory Patterson so if they can manage a strong start to the season and get the Derry fans fully behind the team then maybe they could break into the top 5 this season. However, Derry are likely to struggle this season and anything better than last seasons 7^th place finish should be viewed as a success for Kenny Shiels.

Emotional Note:

The death of Derry City and League of Ireland legend, Mark Farren, at the young age of 33 due to cancer will inevitably leave a tone of emotion at each of Derry's games this season. His loss is sure to be marked by all sets of supporters this season.

Title Odds: 150/1

First game: Finn Harps (Finn Park), Friday, 4^th March, 8pm.