Declan Devine says fear of failure won’t stop him driving Derry City forward

Entering his third successive season as Derry boss, Devine goes into tomorrow’s curtain-raiser confident his new-look team is moving in the right direction.

He’s braced for another campaign of peaks and troughs but is ‘determined’ and ‘single-minded’ in his mission to bring success back to the Brandywell club this year.

Devine came under fire this week when club legend Liam Coyle claimed the City boss would be facing the axe should he miss out on qualifying for Europe this year.

However, Devine insists he’s fully aware of the pitfalls which come with the manager’s job and he’s full of optimism having assembled a talented, hungry young squad who can’t wait to get started.

“Everybody is entitled to their opinion,” said Devine. “We’re quite happy with the work we’re doing. Our main goal is to continue to get better.

“There’s nothing better than the excitement leading into a new season and it’s the same for everybody, whether you’re a player, staff or supporter. It’s something to look forward to.

“I listen to what Liam (Coyle) has to say as a huge stalwart of the club,” he added.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion but as long as I know and the players know that everything we’re doing is geared towards having a good year, that’s the be all and end all.

“When I came back into this job I didn’t do it for my own ego,” insisted Devine.

“I didn’t come into this job for Declan Devine. I came into this job because I feel I can make Derry City better again. I feel like I can help evolve the club.

“I’m working extremely hard behind the scenes to do the right things for Derry City to get better. That’s how I judge myself.

“Results are ultimately what it’s about but I also fully understand, I’ve managed the club to three cup finals, lost two on penalties. I’ve qualified for Europe three out of four years of my management career. So I can look at the mirror and say, absolutely, I’m quite happy with the job I’m doing but I have to strive to get better and that’s the way I’ll always be.

“Nobody wants to win things more than me. Without making any crazy statements I’m quite happy with the job I’m doing. You only have to look at the Jurgen Klopp situation where everyone is calling for his head. He’s one of the most successful Liverpool managers in generations. It’s just the nature of the game.

“When I came into this job I knew exactly what the pitfalls were. I’m not afraid of the pitfalls. If you’re afraid of failure then everyday you’re looking over your shoulder.

“I’ve got to be single minded and determined moving forward.”