'PIZZA' SIGNS OFF
BRANDYWELL boss, Stephen Kenny, is hopeful that his talismanic captain, Peter Hutton, will receive a "huge send-off" in tonight's final home game of the 2009 season against Bray Wanderers. (Kick-off: 7.45 p.m.)
The Dubliner, who considers Hutton "one of the best Derry City ambassadors in recent years," said the 36-year-old was not only a terrific player on the pitch but also a superb role model off it.
"He certainly deserves a great send-off in his final home game," maintained the Derry boss last night. "He's had a great season and if it were not down to budgetary considerations and a change of direction, the player would probably have remained in place for another year at least."
He went on: "Peter Hutton has played in five cup finals, his record number of appearances says it all and I've no doubt everyone who has or does support the football club feels the same way.
"I'm hopeful that he will receive a big send-off as we seek to finish the current campaign on a high note."
However, just when players were returning to full fitness, Kenny immediately loses the availability of two members of his squad.
"Tam McManus, who has returned to training this week and Gareth McGlynn, are both suspended for the Bray game," he lamented. "However, both Kevin Deery and Sammy Morrow did some training on Wednesday and we'll wait to see how they are before the team is selected."
Fully aware that Bray continue to fight for their lives, not to mention the fact that a share of the spoils would see Eddie Gormley's men automatically relegated, Kenny believes he will face very dangerous opponents.
"They must win the game if they are to have any chance of securing a relegation play-off spot but, from our point of view, it's vital that we win if we are to continue to place pressure on Cork City for a third place finish and, of course, a place in next season's Europa League."
An open match, therefore, is in prospect but one player who will definitely start the game is youngster, David McDaid, who will again spearhead the "Candy Stripes" attack having scored two goals in his last two games.
And Kenny has been impressed with the player's attitude and level of performance: "I've been very pleased with him and he will definitely start against Bray," confirmed the team boss.
"Davy has applied himself really well since he's broke through. I think he's a confidence player and it was terrific for him to get two goals in our last two games against Sligo and St. Pat's as I feel he is more than capable of building on that," concluded Kenny.
While McDaid will definitely start, definitely out are Thomas Stewart, Steven Gray and Mark Farren plus the suspended pairing of McManus and McGlynn.
With Hutton making his final home appearance, it is also conceivable that a number of others may well be making their Brandywell departures this evening as the end of the season approaches.
A total of eight players are out of contract and with Hutton already made aware of his future, Clive Delaney, Steven Gray, Pat Jennings, Tam McManus, Ruaidhri Higgins, Kevin Deery and David Scullion are all included in that category.
However, Kenny refused to comment on the futures of the above seven, stating that contractual discussions would continue over the next few weeks before any decisions could be finalised.
Directors appeal
Meanwhile, the club's Board of Directors last night made a public appeal for the Derry City community to support tonight's game in an effort to lessen the burden on wages and, indeed, assist their homes of complying with their UEFA Licence commitments.
The Board member, who did not wish to be named, appealed to season ticket holders to "leave their season tickets at home and pay their way into the game," the last of the current season at the Lone Moor Road venue.
"I would make a public appeal for anyone with any interest in Derry City Football Club to support tonight's game, our final performance at home this year.
"I would also appeal to our loyal and commitment season ticket holders to leave their season tickets at home and purchase a ticket for the match in an effort to help the club. I would also ask those who attend to support our Programme and Half-Time Draw Committees who continue to work voluntarily in an effort to keep our club afloat.
"We are in financial difficulties but we do believe we can overcome our problems, comply with the UEFA Licence and, at the same time, pay our players the wages they owed in the fullness of time," he concluded.
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Weather for Derry
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
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