Molloyhappy with new additions

The midfielder, who along with his Brandywell team-mates start pre-season training tomorrow, admits everyone is looking forward to the 2013 campaign to get underway.

“I’m delighted with the signings we have made already, last year when we played against them they were all very good against us,” stated Molloy.

“Over the years I have always said that Paddy Kavanagh was one of the top players I have played against, he was a very difficult opponent to play against, so it will be good to have him on our side this season and hopefully we can add a few more players of his calibre and we’ll not be far off.

“For me obviously playing against him in the midfield I felt Sean was Bray Wanderers’ top performer last year, he too was a very difficult opponent and very physical player, so I think he’s going to add a bit of bite to our midfield and I know that he can play at the back as well, so he has got that other option.

“Sean coming in will be good for the likes of me, Kevin (Deery) and Ruairdhi (Higgins) for us to have that competition and also with wee Barry McNamee in their fighting for a place, it’s going to be an interesting season.”

The 29-year-old knows with last season’s joint top goalscorers Stephen McLaughlin and David McDaid both now not at the club, things are going to be tougher, but he feels the club overall are in a much stronger position.

Virtually this time last year Declan Devine replaced Stephen Kenny as Derry boss and pre-season preparations were behind schedule, but the ex-Drogheda United man hopes this year’s training will mean the squad are a lot fitter.

“We are back to basics now on Saturday, we have all had a good break now after ending the season well, so we are now all looking forward to getting back at it,” added Molloy.

“Obviously two big players for us last year were Stephen and Davy, we are going to miss them, but I think we are a bit further forward this year because we have a longer pre-season, we don’t have a four week pre-season and then games, which we had last year.