'Exciting' time for Derry City and their fans according to defender Ronan Boyce

Derry City’s Ronan Boyce believes it is an ‘exciting’ time for the club as next season edges closer with each passing second.

The defender was spending time with fans at the Derry City store in the run-up to Christmas and before he gears up for preseason for the 2025 campaign under new manager Tiernan Lynch.

He said: “It is exciting. It feels like a new project going forward for next year, so it is definitely exciting; that goes for any new season. 

“We are just waiting around for preseason and the new season to get underway fully, so it is definitely exciting, and with a few new signings and boys re-signing, it is definitely that way.

“It has been brilliant at the new shop in the Foyleside.

“You can see all the people who are so passionate about the club and getting the new away jersey, so it has been very good so far.”

As young fans approached Boyce for signatures and photos, he was only too happy to accommodate, particularly as they brought him the new away jersey, as the 23-year-old is a fan of the kit.

Boyce made the most appearances under the last manager, Ruaidhrí Higgins, with the fullback hopeful that he can do the same under Lynch and, in doing so, bring success to the club.

He said: “I am just trying to make myself available the best I can for as long as I can, and if I get a chance under the new manager, try to take it and keep that spot, and hopefully we can achieve good stuff next season.

“Obviously success and trying to bring a trophy back is the goal. We were so close last year, two or three games away from a double, which would have been special, but it wasn’t to be, so success is our minimum; that is what the fans expect when you are playing for Derry.”

Should Boyce and his teammates bring silverware back to a new-look Ryan McBride Brandywell, they will qualify for European competition.

The Ramelton native would love another European campaign, particularly with a newfound confidence that League of Ireland sides can compete at that level as Shamrock Rovers remain on course to qualify for the knockouts of the Europa Conference League.

He said: “I think it is massive; it is good for the league that they are doing so well. It shows that teams in the League of Ireland can compete at that level, which is good.

“The stadium expansion is brilliant. It was needed.

“When we were playing in Europe last year and the year before, I think we were crying out for more fans in the stadium, and I think it is brilliant because if you are playing well and getting results, there is a demand for tickets all the time, so it will be a great addition.”