Derry City duo go to Brentford

Derry City's Patrick McEleney, along team-mate Michael Duffy, has travelled back to Brentford. Picture by Lorcan Doherty/Presseye.com

The pair are expected to play in a friendly against Wolves tomorrow.

McEleney who already has spend a few days with the Griffin Park club returned home over the weekend before jetting back across.

While Duffy only recently returned from a trial at Celtic, where he scored two goals past Dutch international goalkeeper Tim Krul, in a bounce game against Newcastle United.

Meanwhile club chairman Philip O’Doherty confirmed on Saturday that work will start at the Brandywell on Thursday, May 28.

“I can confirm that Phase One concerns the demolition of the Glentoran Stand, which will commence on May 28th, followed by the construction of the new pitch and the relocation of the greyhound track,” said the chairman.

Phase Two, which is currently awaiting an official ‘Letter of Offer’ from the main funder, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), relates to further leisure provision in the both Showgrounds and Daisyfield areas of the Brandywell.

“The ‘Letter of Offer’ in relation to Phase Two of the development has not yet been received by Derry City Council, but it’s believed that it will come through to complete the funding for the project sooner rather than later,” added Mr. O’Doherty.

“That’s very good news for the club and we believe the refurbishment at the Brandywell will give us a stadium to be proud of. Hopefully then our revenues will increase with more support for the club.

“Due to falling attendance and a lack of finance, we’ve been forced to cut budgets for this season which is not ideal, but we believe new facilities will attract additional support.”

While at the same meeting boss Peter Hutton confirmed that centre-back Ryan McBride is the club’s new captain ahead of the 2015 season.