Kenny Shiels: 'We were hung out to dry'

Kenny Shiels said his side was 'hung out to dry' in relation to the transfer window after his Derry City side crashed out of Europe against FC Midtjylland losing 10-2 on aggregate.

The Candystripes boss was frustrated that their Danish opposition was able to buy eight players and field five of them for their clash at The Showgrounds last night. The frustration came after Derry City brought in three players to their squad but couldn't field any of them.

"We were hung out to dry with not being able to sign players with the [transfer] window not corresponding with our European [schedule],”Shiels, referencing the players brought into his squad but who couldn’t feature.

"I don't think you have to be Einstein to look into the future last December and say let's make sure we try to support our clubs in Europe.

"This sounds like a moan but it's the truth. They signed eight players and played five of them. We signed three players and can't play any of them on the pitch.

"There has to be something done to support the teams next season, that needs that support.

"We would love to be one of those teams, but if Cork, Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, you know the big clubs that are in Europe next year, I'm sure they will make the effort to bring the window into the middle of June," he added.

Shiels was adamant, no matter if the window was brought forward or not next year, he wouldn't be left in the same position as he was over the two legs this time around.

"We'll have more depth in the squad next year and our boys will be better," Shiels said.

"Tell me a team that's won the League of Ireland and haven't bought it, I don't know if there's any.

"So we have to understand that there is a way to do things and why should we risk things and you look at the Bray [Wanderers] situation.”