Mid-Season Report Card - Derry City

Club: Derry City

Manager: Kenny Shiels

Stadium: Brandywell Stadium

Highest attendance this season: 2,000 (est.) Vs. Shamrock Rovers (April 9)

Highest league goalscorer: Rory Patterson (7)

Mid Season Position: 3^rd (Joint with Shamrock Rovers)

How we thought they would do

The Extratime team predicted a tough season for the ‘Candystripes’ and anything better than last seasons 7^th place would be viewed as a success according to Extratime.ie reporter Cormac Kennedy, who did Derry City’s season preview.

After an opening day defeat to rivals Finn Harps it looked gloom for Kenny Shiels, but his side has gone from strength to strength and have gone far above expectations and are joint 3rd place with Pat Felon’s Shamrock Rovers.

How they really have done

After the ‘Candystripes’ tasted defeat to Finn Harps on the opening day, they responded brilliantly and got four wins on the bounce before earning a hard fought point at Oriel Park.

17 points in their first nine games under new manager Kenny Shiels was a fantastic return, considering the men in red and white only had 14 points from a possible 45 this stage last season.

Much needed stability is being installed at the club and they have continued their good form, only being beat three times this season, once at the Brandywell.

They suffered a blip in their league form when beat at home to Sligo Rovers 2-0, but they beat Cork City in extra time a few days later to set up an EA Sports Cup semi-final clash against First Division leaders, Limerick.

They also managed to negotiate their way into the third round of the FAI Cup, beating Drogheda via a replay.

A decent domestic cup competition run and the continuation of their good league form will be the target for Shiels and his team.

The ‘Candystripes’ must hit the ground running again if they are hoping to be in the race for a European qualification spot during the season’s closing stages.

Moment of the season so far

There have been some great moments this year at the Brandywell in a year that has been with filled with both heartbreak and joy.

The five wins in all competitions on the bounce at home provided great scenes for the home support, but the 3-0 win against Pat Felon’s Shamrock Rovers was the best I’ve seen Derry this season.

The ‘Candystripes’ never gave the Hoops any time on the ball and went in at half-time 3-0 up.

The incredible work ethic that Kenny Shiels has instilled in the club has got them where they are today.

Star Player: Rory Patterson

The Tyrone man picked up where he left off and has scored seven league goals in the top flight already this season.

A big casualty for Derry City when he decided to head to Australia and he has shown his worth again providing some great football, some of which have been very eye-catching.

A very good striker, who will have clubs looking at him no doubt, and he has took to his manager’s style of football very well.

This section couldn’t be complete without a mention for captain Ryan McBride. The local man has kept the Derry City defence very solid this season and has proved once again why exactly he is the captain.

Young player: Barry McNamee

The likes of Joshua Daniels, Nathan Boyle and Aaron McEneff crossed my mind when choosing the young player of the season so far for Derry City this season. But Barry McNamee continues to improve his game in the league and is quickly becoming one of the best young talents the league has to offer.

The young man has got some very important goals for his side this season, including the equalizer against Dundalk and the winner against St. Patrick’s Athletic in May.

Playing the attacking midfielder in behind Rory Patterson has worked a treat for Kenny Shiels so far and the partnership seems to be going from strength to strength.

What they need to do in the transfer market

Chairman Phillip O’Doherty has said funds are available for Kenny Shiels to add to his squad this summer. The ‘Candystripes’ have already added free agent Lukas Schubert to their squad, and manager Kenny Shiels confirmed to the media last week that the club are in preliminary talks with ex-Celtic winger Paddy McCourt.

A prestigious signing such as McCourt would add real experience to the young, energetic side. Luton Town allowed the former Northern Ireland international out of his contract with the club for personal reasons last month and he is yet to talk about his future in football.

If Derry City could seal the deal for Paddy McCourt it would surely boost their chances of European football next season.

Where we see them finishing

The current squad has done themselves proud already this season, but question marks still remain in whether it’s a case of peaking too early for the ‘Candystripes’.

Additions such as Lukas Schubert and a possible return for Paddy McCourt would certainly boost their chances of a top three finish this season, but with the clubs last few league positions, it might be wise to be realistic and I see Kenny Shiels side just missing out on that final European spot later on this year.