City return to League of Ireland

DERRY City chairman Philip O'Doherty admitted that Monday evening's board meeting was their most pleasurable of the season, as they received word that they had secured their licence to return to League of Ireland football.

The Brandywell outfit, who were expelled from the League of Ireland in November after breaking regulations by holding secondary, unofficial contracts with players, have been awarded a First Division licence.

However the FAI later invited the Candystripes back to the league, all be it in the First Division; nevertheless Mr O'Doherty is delighted to finally get word that senior football returns to the Brandywell.

"We received the phone during our board meeting on Monday night and it was great that we have regained our status back in the League of Ireland," he said.

"To be honest I think it dragged on a bit on Monday because of the Cork City situation and it wasn't nothing to do with us.

"Now that we are back in the League of Ireland our main goal is to regain financial stability and then we'll look at trying to return to the Premier League.

"The main sponsor will be U4D, University for Derry. We had a couple of options but I feel having U4D as our main sponsor was the best option for us.

"At the end of the day this project is something we as a city want to promote so I think it's a great idea that the football club can promote this.

"We are now financially stable, we've got a very good board, and I have every confidence in the local team Stephen Kenny's put together.

"I have every hope, they'll be able to bring us up to the Premiership in the not too distant future."

As for City boss Stephen Kenny he's still confident that the glory days can return to the Brandywell in the not too distant future.

"The club was humiliated being kicked out of the league but this is a new beginning," said the Dubliner.

"I'm still ambitious. I started in the first division, with Longford Town, and we managed to get promoted. I've been lucky enough to win every trophy as a manager and I certainly want to win them all again."

Meanwhile the club's Academy will run their first session at Brandywell Showgrounds on Saturday. The first session of the year will run from 1pm until 2.15pm. The age group for the session is five years to twelve years old. It will cost 2 per child.

All proceeds go towards equipment and community events.

Contact the Derry City office for further details on 71281333,