Ciaran Coll believes Derry City can look forward to 2021 with optimism

The 27 year-old left back signed a new two-year deal with the Brandywell club at the weekend as City boss Declan Devine begins his close season rebuild.

Coll turned down an approach from his former club, Finn Harps and welcomed a new long term contract from the Candy Stripes, claiming the Brandywell club is ‘somewhere I love being’.

Despite the difficulties of last season, the St Johnston man remains positive that he can achieve success on Foyleside next season as he looks ahead to a third campaign in the red and white.

“My very first season here was very good and this season just hasn’t been the best one for everyone,” said the defender.

“I’m actually over the moon the club has offered me a new deal. It’s somewhere I love being. The backroom staff, the fans, unfortunately everyone couldn’t be there this year but I’m over the moon to be signing again.

“I just can’t wait to get back in on January again.”

Hopefully the roll out of a Covid-19 vaccine will fast-track the return of supporters to League of Ireland grounds next season.

“It’s something which was greatly missed last year by the players and everyone involved with the club and Coll believes the return of City fans to the stands could help rejuvenate the team next year.

“When the fans are there they give you that extra boost of energy. They just boost you on that extra yard.

“I just hope now we can get the fans back in for the new season. At the end of the day we’re there to represent this city and the fans are a main part of us.”

Last season wasn’t a good season overall but I just want to get back to winning ways.

“What I remember from the club even when I was playing against them I don’t recall them being that low down the table.

“There’s definitely a target we have to set between the new players coming in, the backroom staff. Declan, everyone.

“We have to put a target down and say, that season has gone, forget about it, we have to build on it and tidy up everywhere with the new faces coming in.

“We have to put it on the back of our minds with the boys that are staying. Hopefully we can get up and running in the next few weeks., Hopefully the boys come into preseason in a bit of shape and get fitter and fitter.”

Having watched Dundalk win the FAI Cup at the Aviva on Sunday evening with a 4-2 extra-time victory over Shamrock Rovers, Coll is hopeful Derry can compete with the top teams in the league next year.

“You look at the teams in the FAI Cup final, that’s who we want to play up against and be in finals like that and qualify for Europe.

“Next year there will be changes everywhere in the club and hopefully we can compete with the top teams, the likes of Shamrock Rover and Dundalk.

“We’re not miles behind them so hopefully we get Christmas over and behind us and get the heads down and work hard.”

City boss, Devine meanwhile said Coll will be a key part of his plans going forward.

“Ciaran Coll is a key part of my plans moving forward as a football club. He’s local, he’s experienced, he’s put himself out there over the course of the last two years for the club. He loves playing for Derry and we love having him.

“He’s the type of player we will be building the club around.

“Ciaran only lives a couple of miles from the Brandywell and he’s been a magnificent player for the last two years. I’m absolutely delighted that he sees his long term future at the club.”