According to Independent.ie, Duffy informed his club over the weekend that he had agreed to return to his former employers.

He is understood to have accepted a pay-cut to move back to Derry and will enjoy his second spell with the club on a four-year deal.

Derry boss Ruaidhri Higgins is named as an important factor in the move as the winger was keen to link up with the former Dundalk backroom member.

Higgins left that role to join the Irish setup before his former club had a vacancy in April, which he filled.

Duffy has spent the last five seasons with the Louth outfit and has scored 40 goals for the club in 144 appearances.

His spell with the club has yielded two SSE Airtricity League Premier Division titles, two FAI Cups, two League Cups, two Presidents Cups and one Champions Cup.

The side also reached the Europa League group stage in 2019-20 and faced Arsenal twice before their exit without a point.

Individually, he was awarded the 2018 PFAI Player of the Year award for his role in Dundalk’s league and cup double in their last season under Stephen Kenny.

Duffy will join current teammate Patrick McEleney at the Ryan McBride Brandywell next season, having started their senior careers at the club at the beginning of the previous decade.

The winger was at the end of his contract last year and agreed to a one-year extension for the 2021 season.

Derry chairman Philip O’Doherty has promised to increase the budget after selling his engineering company for €1.68bn and he wants the club to challenge for titles in the coming years, according to Independent.ie.

With the arrival of the winger and his teammate on the horizon, as well as interest in former loanee Will Patching, who spent half the season on loan at the Brandywell, it looks as if the glory days are returning for the north-west side.

The post Derry City Sign Michael Duffy On Pre-Contract Agreement appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

“That has to be our aim if we want to create more nights like we did on Tuesday and make that a regular thing. We’ve got to make sure we get ourselves back there next year and obviously, that means going and taking care of games domestically.”

Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell this Friday night

Live on https://t.co/zY6DYHUz6K – Tickets now sold out

@KMorrison810 pic.twitter.com/YRAesGehU4

— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) July 14, 2021

League leaders Rovers travel to the Brandywell to face 6^th place Derry City in an important league tie.

With eight games left in the season Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers, and St. Patrick’s Athletic are all tied on 38 points.

Manager Stephen Bradley believes his team’s spirits are still high after a tough defeat on aggregate to the Slovakian champions in the Champions League qualifying on Tuesday.

To see the match report from that big Champions League game, click here.

“You’re playing against a top team, and we knew that we had to be right on our game to turn it around. The players were excellent and each and every one of them performed and stood up to it,” Bradley said.

“Like I said on the night I felt the players’ performance deserved more. They deserved to go through, but it wasn’t to be. But we’ll learn from it and move on.”

From all of us to all of you, thank you for the brilliant support last night#WeAreRovers #TogetherAsOne pic.twitter.com/eJcNpzdVND

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) July 14, 2021

The manager expects the squad to bounce back even stronger in tomorrow’s game and to bring home three valuable points.

History is in their favour having won on each of their last five visits to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

The team will be missing a few players with Sean Hoare and Chris McCann suspended. Midfielder Neil Farrugia is also still out with a hamstring injury.

Derry come into the match with a mixed run of form. They only stand nine points ahead of the relegation qualification places and they hope Dundalk will not overtake them with a game in hand.

Derry are also missing forward Marc Walsh through a hamstring injury.

Onto next week

@sportsfile pic.twitter.com/tq3PDDlbQA

— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) July 10, 2021

The match kicks off tomorrow, 16^th July at 19:45 in Derry.

“Derry is going to be a really difficult game, we know that, but this group is hungry for more nights like Tuesday night and that starts with Derry on Friday, going up there and getting three points,” added Bradley.

The post Shamrock Rovers ready for important game against Derry appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Derry City have pulled off what could be a major coup in acquiring the services of 18-year-old Manchester City and Ireland midfielder Joe Hodge on loan.

Hodge is very highly-rated at both club and international level, leaving many surprised at his decision to move to the League of Ireland amid reported interest elsewhere.

If anything, this just goes to show the development of the league over the past few years. Premier League clubs are becoming increasingly comfortable in sending their academy footballers to the league which wasn’t the case in years gone by.

Hodge has already accumulated a number of honours despite his young age.

He was named Manchester City’s Scholar of the Year in 2019/20 despite suffering a horrifying leg and ankle break earlier in the season. His recovery has been nothing short of phenomenal, many young players would have their confidence destroyed by such an injury at a young age.

Not Joe Hodge, though.

Manchester City felt his progress was so impressive that it merited a professional contract which he signed in August of last year.

He was also named Ireland u17 Player of the Year, an award which has been won by Adam Idah, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish in years gone by.

More recently, Hodge started as he helped his Manchester City u18 squad win the FA Youth Cup final in November of 2020. He also started the semi-final days beforehand and scored the opening goal, a screamer from outside the box.

Playing in the league may also strengthen his ties with Ireland. Hodge played for England u16s and u17s in the past, but has been involved in the Irish youth setup since 2018.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be bringing Joe to Derry City,” manager Declan Devine stated.

“It’s a high profile loan signing for us given that Man City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and Joe is one of their top young talents and current ‘Scholar of the Year’.

“We want to help him evolve and to enjoy this opportunity. I’m hoping that his spell with Derry City will play some small part in the youngster fulfilling his potential.

“I’d like to thank Manchester City for their assistance in getting the deal done and assure them we will look after the lad.”

𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑱𝒐𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒅𝒈𝒆!

Derry City are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Joe Hodge on loan from @ManCity https://t.co/Iieb3pgOK6#WeAreDerryCity | #RAWA28 pic.twitter.com/KLjoUHQp8E

— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) February 10, 2021

The post Manchester City Scholar of the Year Joe Hodge joins Derry City on loan appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The 2020 Irish Premier Division came to a conclusion last night. Each team played just 18 league games in a season plagued by Covid-19. The season itself was not it’s drama, though. Last night in particular featured several twists and turns as each club aimed to finish their season on a high note. Some clubs rejoiced while others suffered the consequences of defeat. Here’s how it played out.

Finn Harps vs. Waterford

In one of the most decisive fixtures on the day, Finn Harps took on Waterford. Prior to the game, Finn Harps found themselves in the relegation/promotion play-off spot. Waterford also found themselves with a lot on the line. A win for Waterford would have ensured a European spot for the club. Additionally, only a win would suffice – along with other results – if Harps were to move out of that position.

They did just that as they narrowly defeated Waterford by 1-0. A goal from Adam Foley in the 27^th minute proved to be the deciding goal. Harps were very nearly back where they started in the final minute of extra time, though. Waterford found themselves in the opposition box in the dying seconds with a clear sight of goal. They shot at goal, but Dave Webster was there to stop a certain goal as he cleared off the line.

In truth, Harps deserved to avoid a relegation battle, having won 3 of their last 4 games. After the Harps win, it was down to Derry City and Shelbourne to win or draw their games in order to ease their survival hopes.

Waterford can count themselves unlucky not to have made Europe after their season, but the better team won on the night.

THE GREAT ESCAPE!!! WE’VE DONE IT!

WE ARE STAYING UP #UTH pic.twitter.com/5UJFeQaaVp

— Finn Harps FC (@FinnHarpsFC) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Derry City vs. Cork City

As mentioned previously, Derry City had to at least draw their game to avoid slipping into the play-off spot. Cork City, on the other hand, had nothing to play for other than pride. The Rebels had been condemned to automatic relegation earlier in the season.

Despite the disparity of fortunes on the line for both clubs, Derry City very nearly succumbed to defeat. Cork took the lead through Beineón O’Brien-Whitmarsh’s goal in the 59^th minute to put pressure on the Northern club. A Finn Harps win and a Shelbourne draw would have meant relegation for Derry if the scoreline remained as it was.

James Akintunde was the hero in the end, though. His strike for Derry in the 76^th minute meant Derry almost certainly avoided the play-off. Derry had the best goal difference by far of the 3 clubs fighting for survival so even if Finn Harps won, Derry would likely retain their position in the Irish Premier Division.

The match finished 1-1 as Derry narrowly avoided a relegation battle.

Derry leave Turner’s Cross with a point to finish the league season and avoiding the play-off.

#RAWA28 pic.twitter.com/noEe8jQAHI

— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Shelbourne vs. Shamrock Rovers

Similar to the Derry vs. Cork fixture, both teams in this fixture were playing for entirely different outcomes. Shamrock Rovers had already been crowned champions, meaning they effectively had nothing to play for – other than their unbeaten run. Shelbourne, on the other hand, had it all to play for. If results in their own game and other fixtures didn’t go their way, they would be dragged into a relegation play-off.

Shamrock Rovers’ showed no sympathy for the relegation battling Shelbourne as they fielded a strong side. Their quality showed in the end as they ran out 2-0 winners. Their win last night meant they finished the league season unbeaten. This is just the 3^rd time this has happened in League of Ireland history, with Rovers also going unbeaten in the other 2.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗦

Rovers become the first side in 93 years to go an entire season undefeated in the league

We are the only club in League of Ireland history to achieve this

1925 – @ShamrockRovers
1927 – @ShamrockRovers
2020 – @ShamrockRovers pic.twitter.com/xclqYiJYP9

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

A wonderful Jack Byrne goal kicked it off in the 22^nd minute as he went on a marauding run up the pitch before smashing into the corner of the net. Jack Byrne has inarguably been the best player in the League of Ireland, despite what the naysayers may claim. His stock has only risen in the past few months and this may be the last time League of Ireland fans get to witness his ability in a Shamrock Rovers shirt in the foreseeable future amid reported overseas interest. The midfielder will also join up with the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the Wales fixture.

Aaron Greene put the finishing touches on the game as his 57^th minute goal effectively sealed Shelbourne’s relegation play-off spot. Results in the Finn Harps and Derry City games meant Shelbourne were condemned to the play-off spot.

Shelbourne will now face Longford Town on Saturday as they look to stay in the Premier Division for at least another season. It should make for a fascinating contest.

CONFIRMED!@SSEAirtricityLg Promotion/Relegation Final@shelsfc v @LongfordTownFC#Town2020 pic.twitter.com/c3PjsyM3P6

— Longford Town FC (@LongfordTownFC) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Dundalk vs. Sligo Rovers

After a disappointing domestic season by their standards, Dundalk needed a win to ensure a European spot. Similarly, a Sligo Rovers win would mean a *potential* European spot for the Bit O’ Red.

In a surprise result, Sligo Rovers ran out 2-0 winners. A bizarre goal from Jesse Devers in the 10^th minute opened the scoring as his attempted cross went straight over Gary Roger’s head into the net. Sligo Rovers ensured their victory through a Ronan Coughlan goal in the 95^th minute.

After Waterford’s defeat, Sligo move up to 4^th place. Although currently in a European position (1^st-4^th place), that could change given the winners of the FAI Cup. In order for Sligo to qualify, they must either win the FAI Cup or a team from 1^st to 3^rd must win. Currently, all top 4 teams are still in the cup out of the 6 remaining teams, so it looks good for Sligo as it stands. There is no guarantee of a European spot as for now, though.

Despite Dundalk’s abysmal result, they still finish in 3^rd place after Waterford’s loss to Harps. They will compete in Europa League qualifying next season, but it’s clear that much work is to be done if they intend to claim the league title.

Full-time: Dundalk 0-2 Sligo Rovers

The #bitored come from bottom of the table at the restart to finish fourth after a magnificent victory to round off a brilliant run

The FAI Cup will now decide the outcome of the European place pic.twitter.com/s7tpzjprnI

— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Bohemians vs. St Patrick’s Athletic

St Pat’s could have potentially claimed a play-off spot with a win against Bohemians, but even if they did, they would have to rely on other results. Bohs’ on the other hand had nothing to play for as their 2^nd place position was secured earlier in the season.

Bohemian’s have had an incredible season; particularly given the youthfulness of the squads they’ve chosen over the season. They were the youngest team in the Irish Premier Division and 21^st youngest team in Europe’s top flight divisions as they finished the season. They continued to trust in youth last night as they played yet another young team. Brighton bound 16-year-old Evan Ferguson was the focus of attention as he started his first league match of the season.

The teenager nearly made an impression early into the game as a Danny Grant cross found him before he bundled the ball into the net. In a controversial decision, though, the goal was ruled out for handball.

St Pat’s were the first to score an official goal as Jordan Gibson broke the deadlock in the 37^th minute. That didn’t last for long, though. Danny Grant scored the equaliser just before half time for Bohemians. The left winger has been in terrific form this season which has warranted his inclusion in the latest Ireland u21s squad.

Andre Wright, another in form man, secured the win for Bohemians with his penalty in the 63^rd minute. The match finished 2-1 to Bohemians.

Danny Dre
⠀
Another goal added to each of their season tallies last night!
⠀
: @sportsfile pic.twitter.com/R57WT7xQmV

— Bohemian FC (@bfcdublin) November 10, 2020

Here’s how the final league table looks:

FINAL TABLE | Premier Division

Wow. What a night. @FinnHarpsFC survive@sligorovers in potential European spot @ShamrockRovers unbeaten Champions @shelsfc head to the promotion/relegation play-off#LOI | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/sw9yJdC6vF

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

The post Drama filled Irish Premier Division final day recap appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The season was brought to a halt in March as restrictions across the country heightened. Fast forward to August and football was back in Ireland, this time without the fans. A decision was made to decrease the number of games by half. So here we are in November about to embark on the final week of the season. The decrease in fixtures has led to an increase in excitement for the neutrals.

Seven out of ten team have something to play for as they head towards the finish line. To put this into context, there is a five point gap between fourth and eighth place. As the season came to a climax last year, this gap was five times bigger, at twenty points.

So what’s at stake for each team?

Shamrock Rovers crowned Champions

Shamrock Rovers will lift the 2020 SSE Airtricity League title on Wednesday evening after their penultimate league game against St. Patrick’s Athletic. Rovers have been a dominant force this season, remaining unbeaten with impressive wins over Dundalk, Sligo Rovers and their arch rivals Bohemians since the league restarted. It has been a long time coming for the Hoops who have not lifted a league title since 2011.

Eighteen times LOI Champions pic.twitter.com/KlHl5B2keI

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) October 27, 2020

Republic of Ireland international Jack Byrne has been pivotal in their success, with eight goals to his name this season. It will be manager Stephen Bradley’s priority to keep the midfielder in Tallaght for next season, with reports that Rovers have already made Byrne a ‘fantastic’ contract offer. That being said, after another impressive season, interest from abroad seems inevitable.

Ahead of Wednesday’s clash against St. Pat’s, Shamrock Rovers have appealed for fans not to gather outside Tallaght Stadium in accordance with current COVID-19 restrictions.

Relegation Battle

At the other end of the table, Cork City have been relegated to the First Division. The 2017 Champions have endured a fall from grace in recent seasons, and head into their final game seven points adrift at the bottom of the league.

Finn Harps’ survival hopes were dented by Shamrock Rovers as they lost 2-0 on Sunday. The Donegal side need a win against fourth placed Waterford on Sunday evening to give themselves any chance of staying up. They also need to rely on results elsewhere, namely Shelbourne and Derry City.

Harps stay in the promotion/relegation spot

FT | @FinnHarpsFC 0-2 @ShamrockRovers

Rovers win in difficult conditions as Harps head for dramatic final day of the season in bid to avoid the drop

Report | https://t.co/GssP53kvRU#LOI | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/yeoPhRxI0U

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) November 1, 2020

Derry City were looking comfortable after a convincing win against Shelbourne at the end of October took them up to fifth in the league. However since then things haven’t gone as planned. Following an outbreak of COVID-19 cases within their squad, the club entered a 14-day isolation period and therefore failed to play their scheduled clash against Shamrock Rovers. A forfeit and subsequent 3-0 loss could be on the cards for Derry, who will likely appeal any potential decision.

Similar to Derry, Shelbourne also find themselves at the wrong end of the table following a run of only three wins from thirteen matches since the restart. Shels take on Rovers on the final day. Despite the fact the league has been won, Rovers still have the added incentive of an unbeaten campaign to play for. Both Shels and Derry sit on 19 points, two points ahead of Finn Harps.

The final occupiers of ninth spot will face either Galway United or Longford Town in the relegation/promotion play-off.

European Qualification

A bitter-sweet moment for Bohemians who will finish the season in second place, their highest league position since 2010. Dundalk’s draw with St. Pat’s on Sunday wasn’t enough to claim their spot for European football next season. They need a point against Sligo Rovers on Sunday to secure third place.

That leaves Waterford, Sligo Rovers and St. Pat’s in a final battle for the potential last European spot. Waterford travel to Finn Harps. With a lot at stake for both team, it’s set to be an exciting game. After heartbreakingly missing out on Europa League football in 2019 due to a UEFA technicality, Waterford will be hoping for an upturn in their fortunes this time round.

Waterford gave their own European qualification hopes a big boost as they got the better of Dundalk

Full highlights below #rtesoccer #watchloi pic.twitter.com/hc0vWB1NUv

— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) October 26, 2020

Although St. Pat’s are four points behind Waterford, they have the added advantage of an extra game in hand. That being said it won’t be easy for the Dublin side as they face champions Rovers before playing runners up Bohs on the final day. Two losses and they might be heading for a relegation play-off if other scores don’t go their way. A prime example of how congested the table is.

Likewise, Sligo Rovers also finish with a tricky trip to Oriel Park to take on Dundalk. Now there’s the added caveat of the FAI Cup. With Shamrock Rovers, Bohs, and Dundalk still in the competition, they will form an orderly queue as strong favourites to lift the cup. However, if Sligo Rovers (albeit they get a bye into the quarter finals after Derry City failed to play the game), Finn Harps or Athlone Town manage to cause an upset, then fourth spot becomes irrelevant. The FAI Cup winners head for Europe.

If that was too much to digest, you can find the full league table ahead of this weeks’ fixtures here. It is set to be a thrilling end to an abnormal season.

The post SSE Airtricity Premier Division Final Week – What’s at Stake? appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

It is expected Rovers will face Tampere at Tallaght Stadium as Finland are currently a country on Ireland’s green travel list. Tampere are currently in mid table in the Finland League. They were beaten in the first round of the Europa League in 2018, which incidentally was there first appearance in European football in three decades.

Bohemians will face a difficult task against Fehervar. This side was formerly known as Videoton and are based in Hungary. Derry City will have to travel to Lithuania to face Riteriai. These played also in the first round last year by Faroese opposition. They are in poor form in Lithuania though having only won one game from 14. Derry and Bohemians will be allowed to play in the respective countries as they currently are on the Irish government’s green travel list.

Other fixtures include Aberdeen who play NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands. The winner of that game faces Barry Town United of Wales. Motherwell of Scotland will face Northern Ireland League side Glentoran or FC Torshavn.

Games will take place on a one leg basis on August 27th. If normal time isn’t enough extra time and penalties will be required. The winners of the games will advance to round two.

Europa League first round draw:

Riteriai (Lithuania) v Derry City

Shamrock Rovers v Ilves Tampere (Finland)

Fehérvár (Hungary) v Bohemians

The post Europa League first round draw appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Derry City v Sligo Rovers, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday, 5.45pm

Both of these sides are closer to the bottom of the table rather than the top. Derry are currently in 7th place with 4 points from 7 games, while Sligo Rovers are bottom in 10th having not won a game yet. There have been some changes in Derry with players like Tim Nilsen and Jamie McDonagh leaving for pastures new. Derry returned to training four weeks earlier than Sligo so that is bound to help.

Derry have players such as Jake Dunwoody, Joe Thomson, Adam Hammill, James Akintunde and Ibrahim Meite who have joined the squad. Meanwhile, Darren Cole has since returned from a cruciate knee ligament injury. Looking at Sligo Rovers, Ronan Murray and Lewis Banks are back and available for selection. John Dunleavy is also reported to match fit. Junior Ogedi Uzokwe has received work permit and is also available. He will not be allowed to take part in Friday’s game due to quarantine.

Manager Thoughts

Declan Devine manager of Derry City speaking to the clubs website said, “This league is competitive enough as it is with just ten teams, but everybody will look to be on the front foot straight away as there won’t be much time to make up any lost ground”. 

Liam Buckley manager of Sligo Rovers speaking to the clubs website said “When the players returned to training they were in good condition and they’ve worked very hard over the last few weeks. “It hasn’t been ideal in having the short period of training and missing lads who have gone through quarantine. There’s an imbalance in the league in that. But this is the situation and we have to make the best of what we have.

Betting

Derry are clear favourites to win this game at 8/11. Sligo are 7/2 to get their first win. For me a 2-1 win for Derry at 6/1 is the selection.

The post Derry City v Sligo Rovers: Team News and Betting appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The FAI’s Medical Director Dr Alan Byrne received the results today from the tests carried out at Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Bohemians. All of the indivduals tested have been informed of their negative result.

All four clubs will undergo further testing next Monday, June 8, when they return to collective training.

The post FAI confirms all second batch of Covid-19 tests return negative results appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The first batch of tests was carried out last Monday at Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Bohemians.

FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn welcomed the negative test results, stating:

“This is most welcome news and a very positive step as we work with Government, their agencies and all stakeholders in the game towards a safer return for all of Irish football.”

The players and staff from the same four clubs will be tested again next Monday ahead of a planned return to training on 8^th June, as part of the pilot programme to ensure a safe return for football.

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