2023 Season Preview: Derry City

None

Head Coach: Ruaidhri Higgins

Stadium: Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium

Players in: Colm Whelan (UCD), Tadhg Ryan (Bohemians), Ben Doherty (Larne), Adam O'Reilly (Preston North End), Matthew Ward (Ipswich Town - loan).

Players out: Danny Lafferty (Sligo Rovers), James Akintunde (Bohemians), Matty Smith (Shelbourne), Caoimhin Porter, Daithi McCallion (both Finn Harps - loan), Brendan Barr (UCD), Michael Glynn & Joe Thomson (Larne), Jack Le Moignan (Ballinamallard United - loan), Declan Glass (Cove Rangers).

extratime.com Key Man: Michael Duffy

After inspiring Derry City to an FAI Cup crown in November, Michael Duffy will be looking to go one further in the Premier Division and add to his top-flight medal haul.

Duffy missed most of the opening half of the 2022 campaign at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium but roared back into contention during the latter end of the season.

With just 13 league appearances to his name last term, Duffy scored three goals but added a new layer to the Candystripes attacking line – which almost saw them rein in eventual champions Shamrock Rovers.

But a fully fit Duffy is a frightening prospect for any defender in the Premier Division and if fit for the entire season he will be like a new signing for his hometown club.

extratime.com One to Watch: Colm Whelan



Speaking of new signings, Colm Whelan opted to join Derry City after a red-hot chase for his signature ended in November.

Whelan, 22, joined the Foylesider’s from UCD but ended up missing the majority of last season via a season-ending ACL injury in May 2022.

But now just two months away from his return to full fitness, the Co. Kilkenny native will be hoping to hit the ground running when he gets his chance under Ruaidhri Higgins.

If he does, the lethal marksman – who made his name at Belfield – will take a serious amount of stopping.

What to expect this season:

After claiming the FAI Cup in November with a commanding final win over Shelbourne, the next step for the Candystripes is to usurp Shamrock Rovers and win a league title.



But it will not be as easy as simply saying that’s their aim.

The Hoops are three-in-a-row league winners and are chasing a record-equalling fourth on the spin.

Yet, Derry City pushed them all the way last year in their head to head’s – and even dumped them out of the FAI Cup on their way to winning it.

If Derry City can nudge in front early doors in the title race, they possess plenty of league winning experience in their dressing room to win the league.

But an almighty battle awaits at the top.

First Game: Away to St Patrick’s Athletic, February 17th, Richmond Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

About Andrew Dempsey

View Full Profile