Season Preview 2008: Derry City

King Kenny to sweeten sour Candies

From losing out on the league title on the final day in two consecutive seasons to disappointing also-rans, the departure of manager Stephen Kenny to Scottish club Dunfermline could not have been much more detrimental to Derry City Football Club. Now back on Foyleside, however, King Kenny is aiming to re-sweeten a Candy that turned terribly sour during his twelve-month absence.

Having captured an FAI Cup and two League Cups, as well as leading the club to runners-up spot in the league twice in his two full seasons in charge - not to mention a magnificent run in the UEFA Cup - Kenny left the Brandywell for pastures new after losing out in the 2006 Premier Division title race to Shelbourne on goal difference. The arrival of Pat Fenlon, a man who had led Shels to three league titles in the preceding four years, as boss soon after, promised even more success, however, the Dubliner's Derry experience was to end early as he left the northern venue just four months into the new season with the team already out of title contention. John Robertson was installed as manager in early July, however, despite leading the club to League Cup glory, his inability to get Derry firing in the league led to the Scot being released from his contract at the end of the season.

Enter…or re-enter rather…Stephen Kenny. The 36-year-old has been handed the task of re-building the club once more, however, he will have to do so without players such as Killian Brennan, Ken Oman and Gary Beckett, stars of Kenny's previous success at the Brandywell. Also gone from the club from last year’s squad are Neil McCafferty, Alan Moore, Dave McEwan, Peter Hynes and goalkeeping duo Pat Jennings and Ola Tidman, although every one of those departures will be welcomed by supporters.

Arriving at the Brandywell in their place, and in keeping with the positive mood surrounding Kenny’s appointment, Derry fans can look forward to seeing many promising players lining out in the Candystripes this season. One of the best defenders in the country, Stephen Gray arrives from champions Drogheda United, while Derry’s strikeforce has been filled with more ammo with the exciting acquisition of hot prospect Conor Sammon from UCD. Elsewhere, a well documented problem at the Brandywell in 2007 was within the goalkeeping department. However, the signing of another UCD hotshot, Darren Quigley, will no doubt solve that crisis. Well-travelled winger Owen Morrison (Dunfermline), Northern Ireland under-21 international defender Aaron Callaghan (Ballymena United), promising 20-year-old midfielder Niall McGinn (Dungannon Swifts) and experienced goalkeeper Gerard Doherty (TNS) have also joined the City revival.

As always with the return of former heroes comes a dangerous warning, as instant success is never guaranteed. It was a case of ‘united we stand, divided we fall’ for Derry and Kenny, as upon their break-up, fortunes took a downward twist for both parties. Now together once more, a strong partnership could well be struck up again, however, expecting a title party come next November may be asking for a little too much, too soon. That said, though, it is not out of the question. With one of the hottest netminders around behind an experienced backline, a highly talented midfield and a potentially destructive strikeforce, City will be challenging for at least a top three finish come the season’s end, as well as competing strongly on the knockout competitions front. Derry are, without doubt, the team to watch in 2008, as King Kenny looks for the crown to match his status on Foyleside.

ONE TO WATCH: MARK FARREN

Players Retained: Eugene Ferry, Eddie McCallion, Sean Hargan, Peter Hutton, Mark McChrystal, Ruaidhri Higgins, Gareth McGlynn, Kevin Deery, Barry Molloy, Paddy McCourt, Ciaran Martyn, Kevin McHugh, Mark Farren, Sammy Morrow.

Players In (Position - Last Club): Stephen Gray (CB - Drogheda United), Conor Sammon (ST - UCD), Aaron Callaghan (CB - Ballymena United), Darren Quigley (GK - UCD), Gerard Doherty (GK - TNS), Niall McGinn (WM - Dungannon Swifts), Owen Morrison (WM - Dunfermline).

Players Out (Position - New Club): Neil McCafferty (RM - Grays Athletic), Killian Brennan (LM - Bohemians), Ken Oman (CB - Bohemians), Alan Moore (CM - Sligo Rovers), Dave McEwan (GK - Out of Contract), Gary Beckett (ST - Finn Harps), Peter Hynes (ST - Sporting Fingal), Pat Jennings (GK - Sligo Rovers), Ola Tidman (GK - Kongsvinger).

2008 Squad in Full:
Goalkeepers: Darren Quigley, Gerard Doherty, Eugene Ferry.
Defenders: Eddie McCallion, Sean Hargan, Peter Hutton, Mark McChrystal, Aaron Callaghan, Stephen Gray.
Midfielders: Ruaidhri Higgins, Gareth McGlynn, Kevin Deery, Barry Molloy, Paddy McCourt, Ciaran Martyn, Niall McGinn, Owen Morrison.
Strikers: Kevin McHugh, Mark Farren, Sammy Morrow, Conor Sammon.