Derry City manager Kenny Shiels in the hot seat for SSE Airtricity opener against Finn Harps
KENNY Shiels will open his managerial career with Derry City this evening in that most rarefied of atmospheres – a North West derby.
All roads lead from Derry to Finn Park in Ballybofey as the Candystripes face Finn Harps in what could be a tentative opening match for both sides.
“Its a local derby, it will bring lots of intensity and a derby brings a frenetic game – players deal with the ball like a hot potato,” says Shiels.
“There will be a bit of a battle, it’s not about desire though it is about quality.
“Every player should have desire and commitment.”
Derry City have brought in a number of new and returning faces, with Gareth McGlynn and Rory Patterson the two stand out acquisitions.
It is no secret that City have struggled for goals in recent years, with just 32 goals in 33 league games last time out.
The loss of Patrick McEleney, Stephen Dooley and Mark Quigley has shorn City of further attacking threat and there will be a heavy burden on Patterson to replicate the success of his previous spell at the club.
The Candystripes have enjoyed a low key build up to the 2016 campaign and most of the additions have come from outside the island of Ireland.
This evening’s fixture offers the opportunity for a high profile start to their League of Ireland campaigns.
Friendlies against Institute, Sligo, Coleraine, Glentoran and the Norther Irish Junior side have offered some insight into the manager’s thoughts, but there are still a number of pieces of the puzzle to be fitted in.
Fans believe Shiels needs at least another four top quality players to bolster his squad, keep them out of the relegation dog fight and even challenge for some honours this season.
City’s defence is likely to contain the nucleus of last year with Barry and McBride likely to be flanked by Jarvis and Vemmelun.
The midfield has a number of permutations and it is unclear what the manager’s plans are here, and he wasn’t given much away when he spoke to the media this week.
Rory Patterson will be in action tonight against Finn Harps
City are nearly at full strength, Gareth McFadden is ruled out and Conor McCormack is a doubt for the Candystripes.
The team has relied on the goals and invention of Timlin and McEleney for long periods of last season and there will be pressure on the new players to step into their shoes.
Shiels praised the work effort of his squad in the pre-season and pointed that this will tell over the course of the season.
“We can’t complain that we haven’t had enough games, we’ve had adequate games and the responsibility now falls on me and the shoulders of the players”
“Tonight might be a bit reduced because of the atmosphere and the environment.
“There will be an edge. Finn Harps are saying we’re arrogant. We aren’t better than anyone else, we are of a similar quality.
“They are going in as slight favourites as they are at home and playing against some kids. This will add a bit of pressure to them.”
Harps will not be able to call on the services of Molloy, but received a post with the news that McHugh, Harkin and Funston will be available for the home side.
As is a common theme there is a lot of history with both clubs both on and off the pitch.
Gavin Dykes has joined Harps as assistant to Horgan and has played for and managed both sides in the past.
City’s assistant boss, Donal O’Brien, has also played in the colours of both clubs and was tipped for the top job in Ballybofey before Horgan was appointed.
On the field the potential clash of the McNamee brothers in the midfield is the stand out.
Both players were on the books at Derry, Barry making the breakthrough to become one of the veterans of the City side, whereas Tony played for Glenavon before moving to Ballybofey and helping to ensure promotion for Harps last season.
With huge interest on both sides of the border, City have already sold 850 tickets for the game.
An additional consignment of 200 adult and 100 child tickets will be available from the club office today between 10 am and 3 pm.
For those Candystripe fans unable to make it to the Finn Park game, the match will be live on BBC Radio Foyle and Drive 105 so tune in for Derry’s premier league opener.
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