For manager Declan Devine in his first year in the helm of Derry City managed to calm the storm and close the season strong to a notable fourth-place finish but falling short of a European position in the end.
That was the last campaign but in this 2020 the Candystripes are looking forward to flying high with high expectations as they will be aiming not only for a spot in Europe but also having the league shield in their mind.
For the lone competitor from the Northern part of the Emerald Isle, Derry City is ready to front in what seems another contested season after teams like the Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and the defending champs Dundalk arming their arsenals.
Still, for the Candystripes front office, these did not hesitate to bring new faces to Brandywell to reinforce every spot possible for manager Declan Devine to uplift this team into contention.
With new faces coming to a newly built Red and White Army, the odds of a successful season are within the grasps of City as the new players for sure can uplift this club to new levels and maybe see them fighting amongst the league elite.
The arrivals of Norwegian striker Tim Nilgen, former St. Pats and Republic of Ireland youth midfielder Conor Clifford, Cork City standouts in defender Colm Horgan and midfielder Conor McCormack, Sheffield United midfielder Stephen Mallon.
In addition to striker Walter Figueira from Waterford, on-loan Hull City defender Danny Lupano, midfielder and Raja Casablanca Moussa Bakayoko these two recently signed.
As the club aims are to build up the team, midfield to add more creativity and speed as well build up a solid defensive backfield and to boost its frontal attack, the club has found the ideal players to build that contender manager Devane has envisioned.
Another set of good news is about last season players are to return to play for Derry City in Peter Cherrie, Jamie McDonagh, Nathan Gartside, Eion Toal, Darren Cole, and Mark McChrystal ready for another exciting season.
So far, on the preseason the Candystripes have shown a very positive run against their foes and netting positive results in the Billy Kee Memorial Cup win over NIFL side Institute, as well as against SSE Finn Harps and First Division Bray Wanderers.
In the end, the Candystripes are ready for the league openers against the defending champions Dundalk on February 14 and a week later Finn Harps, both games at home in Brandywell to travel to Dublin and play St. Patricks’ Athletic.
To conclude the Red and White Army are going to have a challenging campaign despite my possible forecast of a fifth or maybe a fourth-place finish, the way this club armed itself for 2020 we may have a contender.
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