Derry City boss Declan Devine gets green light to pursue transfer targets

Following a vote by clubs on Tuesday, the FAI announced the date for the resumption of the league at the end of the month with an 18 match format meaning Derry City have just 14 games remaining alongside its Europa League and FAI Cup fixtures.

Striker Tim Nilsen was released from his contract this week and Devine admits he's on the lookout for a replacement. Sheffield United's Stephen Mallon's loan deal expired on Tuesday and the City boss can now begin to negotiate an extension with his parent club now that he has concrete details on the resumption of the league campaign.

And given certain leagues across Europe have ended their league programmes, Devine believes it could prove beneficial as he widens his net in terms of recruitment.

"We were waiting on confirmation from the FAI about the league start, we've now got that," said the Candy Stripes supremo. "We've spoken to a lot of players behind the scenes over the last number of weeks and we certainly will be looking to strengthen the squad.

"We've played four games and there's a lot of football to be played but every game moving forward is going to be crucial. Fourteen games isn't a lot. It's going to be very difficult for us but at the same time it's something we've got to embrace.

"There's not a lot of football being played throughout Europe so it's key for us and our recruitment process and we will be in the market to bring in some new players," he confirmed.

With just 14 league fixtures remaining and Derry currently placed in seventh with four points after their opening four games, Devine admits it's going to be difficult for his side.

However, he's delighted to finally have a date to work towards and welcomed some 'positive' news from the FAI.

"Firstly I think it was key that we got back to playing. Yesterday's news is very welcome to myself and all the players and staff at the club.

"As a club we've always stated we wanted to get back to football as quickly as possible and when it was safe to do so. So yesterday's news is very, very welcome to everyone at Derry City Football Club because ultimately we need our games, we need our league back up and running.

"As far as I know we're the last league in Europe to have a programme put back in place. So I'm delighted having a date that we can work towards. We're all in this game and the most important part of it is the matches so to have a date now, everyone deserves credit for the work they've put in. It was never ever going to please everyone so we're very happy with the outcome of yesterday.

"It's certainly going to be unusual," he admitted. "We're coming back and we, personally, have only got 14 games left in the season. I see the FAI Cup is going to resume so we have to be as positive as we possibly can.

"We also have European football coming up so there's a lot of things for us to look forward to. I can't wait to get the boys back together and get those Friday night feelings when you're going head to head with another big club in Ireland.

"Now the date has been set we've got to look at it really positively and look forward to it and say 'this is what it is'. It's unusual, absolutely but this is where we are for the foreseeable future.

"It's been such a horrendous time for everybody, not just in football but for me personally it's something we have to take a positive look on and let's get ourselves ready for July 31st."

Devine and his team will be hoping to announce friendly fixtures in due course while the FAI is set to announce the fixtures for the remainder of the season later this week.