IT'S FINALLY HERE! 'What we did last year guarantees absolutely nothing!'

St. Patrick's Athletic vs. Derry City

Tonight, 7:45pm

Ruaidhri Higgins does not see any reason why Derry City should shy away from the fact that they want to challenge for the league title in 2023.

While other managers might set expectations low with a tinge of optimism going into a new season, the City boss is opting for a different tact – putting his cards right on the table for everyone to see.

“Why shy away from it?,” he asks. “I think we’re in a better place now than we were last year, in terms of mounting a serious challenge. We got into Europe from nowehere a couple of seasons ago and last season we finished second and won the cup and the natural progression now is to go and mount a real proper challenge and that’s up to everyone; the players, the staff, the supporters, everyone pushing in that direction, and let’s see what happens. What we did last year guarantees absolutely nothing. You have to earn the right in every single game. This is a tough league and I think you’ll see that again this year.”

Such a statement could be seen as adding unnecessary pressure to the team and himself, but again, Higgins is very much his own man when it comes to how he wants to lead his squad and his club.

“I don’t look at it like that,” he insists. “I put more pressure on myself than anyone could ever imagine. I want everything now, and I know that’s not possible, but I think we’re going in the right direction and that’s all you can ask for. Winning the cup, what that has done has brought that feeling around the city again of pride in your club. It gives you real satisfaction that we’ve brought joy to the people of Derry and the surrounding areas.”

Southern interest

The interest in what is going on with the only team north of the border to play League of Ireland football has arguably not been as high since the glory days of Stephen Kenny in 2006. Chairman Philip O’Doherty, one of the richest men in Ireland, has backed his man to succeed, and it has worked so far, with last season’s FAI Cup win the first in a decade.

Everyone it seems, has an opinion on Derry City these days, from southern media to opposing fans.

“Philip was an extremely wealthy man before and he sold his business and all of a sudden it has taken off. It has not really changed him,” Higgins smiles. “He has always been a really successful businessman. He has backed me, there’s no doubt about that, but we’ve always been very prudent and structured in the way we do it. As I said before, we have pulled out of deals here we felt the player was money-motivated. When I meet players, once I see the hunger in their eyes that they want to play for Derry City then we take it forward. Recruitment is everything as is the type of person and the type of player we have brought in, and I think we’ve done okay in that so far.”

FAI Cup success

The 4-0 win over Shelbourne at the Aviva Stadium back in November was the pinnacle of Higgins’ career so far, with the former midfielder saying bluntly beforehand that he would sacrifice all his medals to win the FAI Cup as manager of Derry. Over 20,000 Derry City fans saw him realise that dream on a very special day for the manager.

“There was a moment after the game when I know Philip (O’Doherty) and Sean (Barrett) both came onto the pitch and they were actually very emotional. I looked around the stadium at that point and I couldn’t believe the numbers that we brought. All three tiers were full and that gives you immense satisfaction and it makes you proud of what we’re doing – not what I’m doing – what we’re doing.”

Higgins has bided his time in strengthening his squad, and Derry City fans got to see first-hand a glimpse of what the coming season might offer in last week’s President’s Cup win over Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell.  Each new face, from Ben Doherty to Adam O’Reilly to Colm Whelan, is designed to add to the momentum the club started building in the 2022 season.

“What I like about this group of players is that between the ages of 20 and 26, we have a real core of players who are tied down for a couple of years,” he reflects. “We have a really good group. We’ve worked hard over the last few windows to put this group together. I think, and I’m confident, that we can be around for a while.”