Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Friday 11°CSaturday 8°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Derry CityDerry City FCEnvironmentNewsSoccerSport

Higgins: It’s a shame if we have to turn people away

written by cassoscoop November 22, 2022
ShareTweet

Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins

Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins says he would support the expansion of the capacity of the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium and a return to a grass pitch at the venue.

Derry’s recent FAI Cup success and a runner-up finish in the League of Ireland Premier Division has brought about increased support for the club.

“You don’t want people missing out on watching the team play,” said Higgins.

“There’s a buzz in the city. It’s a shame if we have to turn people away.”

The current capacity of the Brandywell is 3,700, with Derry City FC the anchor tenants of the Derry and Strabane District Council-owned facility.

Club chairman Philip O’Doherty has previously called for the release of funds earmarked for upgrading football stadiums across Northern Ireland under the Sub regional Stadium Programme.

The much-delayed £36m financial package needs signed off by the Northern Ireland Executive however.

The club has indicated a desire to move forward with plans to expand the Mark Farren Stand to create a larger capacity at the ground.

O’Doherty has also signalled that he will make the case to the District Council to revert the Brandywell pitch back to natural grass from the existing 3G synthetic surface in the belief that Higgins’s squad is better suited to playing on grass.

The club’s away form on grass pitches proved important to their progress towards a second-place finish in the league in the 2022 season.

“I would prefer a grass pitch but if we can’t get one we have to deal with it,” said Higgins.

“Our away form has been exceptional and the players prefer grass,” confirmed the former Dundalk assistant boss.

Higgins and his squad have been visiting schools in the Derry area with the FAI Cup, which they won by defeating Shelbourne 4-0 in the final at the Aviva Stadium on 13 November.

Derry City celebrate winning FAI Cup final 4-0 recent win over Shelbourne in Dublin. Pic by Joe Boland/NorthWest Newspix

“I think the club’s future is in good hands. There is a real core of young supporters, you see it at the Brandywell on a Friday night, young ones hanging round waiting for the players after a game,” he observed.

“Ten years is too long for the club without a major trophy and you can see the impact it has had around the city.

“It has brought so much joy to so many people and we are grateful for the support. There is a real connection between the club and its supporters at the moment.

“Hopefully that provides a springboard and a catalyst for more people coming through the gates.”

Higgins: It’s a shame if we have to turn people away was last modified: December 10th, 2022 by cassoscoop

Tags:
Chairman Philip O'DohertyDerry City FCFAI Cup WinnersHiggins: It's a shame if we have to turn people awaymanagerRuaidhri HigginsRyan McBride Bride Brandywell StadiumSSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUESTORMONT EXECUTIVE
ShareTweet
cassoscoop

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

McLaughlin slams decision not to fund Women’s...

2 hours ago

Derry City looking to leave Duff Shels-shocked

5 hours ago

Derry to London air link may switch...

5 hours ago

Criminal damage incident investigated in Derry’s Waterside...

5 hours ago

Mayor hosts sports taster sessions at Foyle...

6 hours ago

Durkan: Loyalist gangsters can’t be allowed to...

6 hours ago

Man arrested in Derry over New IRA...

7 hours ago

Derry hosts latest in series of Ireland-UK...

12 hours ago

John and Pat Hume musical opens in...

12 hours ago

Enjoy lots of laughs as comedian Dave...

1 day ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022
  • Glenapp Castle: Only a few miles from home but a million miles away

    December 20, 2021
  • DD Travel Feature: The Unsung Shores of Portugal

    November 12, 2021
  • Derry meeting led young Donegal woman to high profile murder

    July 16, 2021

Courts

  • Two jailed over brutal murder of Karol Kelly

    March 23, 2023
  • Man charged over criminal damage incidents in Co Derry

    March 22, 2023
  • Man found guilty of waste offences in Derry

    March 21, 2023
  • Thug who ‘battered’ lovely pet dog Luna bailed

    March 18, 2023
  • Man charged over ‘horrific’ death of pet dog Luna

    March 17, 2023

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2023 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top