Midseason Report Card - Derry City

Club: Derry City

Manager: Kenny Shiels

Stadium: Maginn Park

Highest attendance this season: 1500 v Finn Harps

Highest league goalscorer: Aaron McEneff and Barry McNamee

Mid-season position: 3^rd

How we thought they would do

The Candystripes were expected to be in for another tough season. Kenny Shiels added a few players in the offseason, bringing in Nicky Low, Alon Netzer, Eric Grimes and Mark Timlin. However, not many of the winter signings have made the impact that Kenny Shiels would have hoped for and Netzer has already parted ways with the Brandywell club.

The Foylesiders were expected to fight for the third and final European spot, an achievement they managed last season, but with the likes of Shamrock Rovers and Limerick flaunting their war chests and adding real quality to their squads it wasn’t expected to be easy for Shiels and his young squad.

How they really have done

Derry City picked up from where they left off towards the back of last season and started the campaign with four wins from their first four games, scoring 12 and conceding three. It was the best possible start to the Candystripes' season and they were sitting top of the table alongside Cork City.

What was to come next broke the hearts of many as the death of club captain Ryan McBride shocked the footballing community, his local community and anyone associated with Derry City Football Club. The Candystripes not only lost a member of their footballing family but lost the best defender in the country and irreplaceable leader.

The next four games for The Foylesiders were a complete write-off and they recorded four defeats in next four fixtures. However, in recent weeks the Candystripes have started to show their resilient form again and have recorded seven draws and three wins to assemble a ten game unbeaten run. For the Red and White Army to be sitting in the third position at the midway point is a credit to everyone at the club and Shiels should be very proud of his squad.

Moment of the season so far

The moment of the season would have to be beating the champions Dundalk at Maginn Park. It hasn't been easy for members of the club or the fantastic support adapting away from the Brandywell this season, but they had done it fantastically and to win the fashion the club did on the night, which included a goal from the late Ryan McBride, was exhilarating for everyone involved.

Star Player: Barry McNamee

This is tough decision considering that the Derry squad have been fantastic so far this campaign. 11 of the 18 players in the Derry City squad are under the age of 21, which is absolutely incredible when you consider the circumstances they have been under this season. The Donegal man is highly thought of amongst the supporters and is hugely influential in the Derry City squad, with six goals. When he's in the side, Derry always stands a chance in any football match.

Surprise star player: Dean Jarvis

This isn’t really something of a surprise. Dean Jarvis has been consistent for the last few seasons in the Derry defence, but his form and dedication can’t go unrecognised this campaign. Last season the Derry boy had to fill in at centre-back when the Foylesiders found themselves injury riddled and this year he has had to step into that position again, under very different and sombre circumstances, but not only has he filled that professionally he has fulfilled his full-back duties solidly as well.

Young player: Conor McDermott

This was an easy decision and that’s not to say there haven't been other young players in the squad who have stood out this season. The likes of Ben Doherty and Rory Holden have both been sound, but Conor McDermott has been put in a similar position to Dean Jarvis this season and he too has done absolutely brilliantly. You can’t fault the young defender for much this season, there is always room for improvement, but he pretty much has everything and he can only get better.

Star signing: Nicky Low

Nicky Low came in to replace Conor McCormack this season and he has done the role fantastically. The Scot, on loan from Dundee, has provided Derry with the maturity that they need in the middle of the park and that in turn has helped Aaron McEneff get further forward when needed this year. His loan spell is due to end in July, but you can bet that Kenny Shiels is keen to keep the 25-year old with The Foylesiders until the end of the season, but that may prove tough if Dundee recalls the midfielder for pre-season.

What they need to do in the transfer market

Experience. The current squad have brought the club this far but The Candystripes could do with some experience especially going forward. Nathan Boyle and Ronan Curtis have done well, while Rory Patterson has been out injured with an ankle injury, but the club still lack that killer instinct going forward and they could be doing with an experienced striker to the end of the season.

Dean Jarvis and Conor McDermott have been filling in alongside Aaron Barry in the centre of defence and they could be doing with an experienced defender and the fans have been calling for someone like Mark McChrystal to be brought back to the club after being released by Bristol Rovers.

The Candystripes have already announce the signings of Eoin Toal and Scot Darren Cole, so signing McChrystal looks unlikely at this stage. The club also announced the singing of winger Jamie McIntyre from neighbours Institute and the 20-year-old will be competition for the likes of Joshua Daniels, Nathan Boyle and Ronan Curtis.

Where we see them finishing

The Candstripes have progressed well since last season and no one can argue with the record of Kenny Shiels who is unbeaten in 42 of the 50 games he has managed the Foylersiders in all competitions. If the club manage to get the correct players in this July then they could push Dundalk for the second spot position until the end of the season and would add the depth to the squad with European and domestic cup football coming thick and fast for the club. However, The Candystripes need Rory Patterson back in the team because he brings the goals to the team and with him in the starting eleven they should get back into European competition next season.