DERRY City couldn’t have had a harder start to the season than away to the reigning champions Shelbourne on opening night.
Under the Friday night lights, Damien Duff’s side will be Tiernan Lynch’s first challenge as the manager of the Candystripes as he looks to take City to the next level.
Work has already started in the background on upgrading their facilities, with the squad currently using the Derry GAA Centre for Excellence in Owenbeg while their new purpose-built training ground is being built.
For now though, Derry City have the daunting task of starting their new life under Lynch and will be aware of the task ahead of them, with Shelbourne keen to set the gold standard ahead of their title retention push.
Read more:
- “If I’m wanted that’s all you ever need as a player, and Tiernan [Lynch] made me feel that most at Derry City.” - Liam Boyce
- Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch delighted to have Patrick McEleney in his management team
- Tiernan Lynch thrilled by Owenbeg permission as Derry City prepare for next season
Both the Shels and the Candystripes are 5/1 outsiders to win the league, with Shamrock Rovers starting the season as the bookies' favourite at 2/1.
Derry City have been busy in this transfer window, with seven major signings coming in to help bolster this squad and challenge for the League of Ireland title.
Gavin Whyte, Shane Ferguson, Arlo Doherty, Liam Boyce, Robbie Benson, Carl Winchester and Dom Thomas have all been drafted in by Lynch to help his side get on their rivals' level.
When and where does Derry City play Shelbourne in their League of Ireland opener?
Derry City travel to Tolka Park in Dublin to face last year’s League of Ireland champions Shelbourne on Friday, February 14.
Kick-off time is scheduled for 7.45pm.
Where can I watch the Shelbourne v Derry City?
Shelbourne v Derry City will be shown free-to-air on Virgin Media Two, which can be viewed in the North as well as the South.
