Derry City deserve better

She said members of the club gave the development of the ground a “hard sell” during the visit and that although she was aware of Derry City Council’s stewardship of the stadium it was necessary to work together to develop a fit-for-purpose facility.

The Sports Minister also took time to meet the Derry City centre forward who was recently subjected to racist abuse whilst playing for the club in the League of Ireland.

During a debate on culture and sport in border areas in the Stormont Assembly she was asked if she was considering funding the Brandywell stadium.

She said she visited the Brandywell stadium on Saturday (June 25) adding: “I have to say that there was a hard sell. To be frank, the conditions in the Brandywell stadium are not befitting of the team.

“I am aware that it is managed by Derry City Council, and, through Derry City Council and the citizens of Derry, we need to pool our efforts to do what we can to promote better use of the Brandywell. That will happen only when there is a fit-for-purpose facility.”