Derry City 'V' Sligo Rovers - Match Thread

[TenaciousDee]

If you know anyone who requires a radio receiver for Audio Descriptive Commentary tonight, could you let them know it is available. This was supposed to be an initiative between the Council, RNIB and Derry City but no-one seems to want to publicise it or take charge of it.

Surely the Club should mention it on their Socials? Ask Drive and Foyle to mention it in Sports bulletins.

They should and they don't. Honestly, I don't get why they don't as it will help bring supporters with visual impairment into games, from a commercial point it is a no brainer.

It has been mentioned on Drive 105 but I can see why Radio Foyle wouldn't as it isn't their commentary being used.

[marcoloco]

Do the Club have any intentions to root out the sectarian chanting from the North Stand or is that now just part and parcel of 'the experience?' Happened all through the game again and the stewards just stand and look at them. Not having a go at the stewards (who are doing their job) but just interested to know what the policy - strategy is to deal with this?

If it was homophobic or racist chanting presumably we'd be hearing more about it?

With so many young kids and families at the games now, it just tarnishes the Club. Not a good look for a club.

[IfYouTolerateThis]

Do the Club have any intentions to root out the sectarian chanting from the North Stand or is that now just part and parcel of 'the experience?' Happened all through the game again and the stewards just stand and look at them. Not having a go at the stewards (who are doing their job) but just interested to know what the policy - strategy is to deal with this?

If it was homophobic or racist chanting presumably we'd be hearing more about it?

With so many young kids and families at the games now, it just tarnishes the Club. Not a good look for a club.

I heard a few comments along similar lines about these chants in that stand last night. It seemed very clear to me that people do not want that image for the club.

Ironically, these young lads create a great atmosphere. Just cut out the sectarianism, and they'll be well appreciated by everyone.

[marcoloco]

Derry has never been a sectarian club. There has never been any desire to encourage or associate with those that wish to express themselves in this way.

Just surprised that we openly hear this in a Council owned facility with the vast majority in attendance only there to enjoy the game.

Agree, the lads add great atmosphere and they are young and impressionable. I get it. But that’s not an excuse to let it run on all season.

[stevebradley]

What's most ridiculous about the schooligans is that even during the Troubles the Brandywell was a space where people could get away from all the sh!te going on outside and just enjoy football and a bit of an escape. Yoiu didn't hear IRA chanting at games back then. Now we have a bunch of acne-riddled teenagers with no experience of the Troubles (or anything in life) thinking it's cool and edgy to be into the 'Ra and that they can do whatever they want at games.

I see last night they had about a dozen triclours on display at the one time at the start of the game as well. Presumably some sort of Easter rising 'tribute'. Ironically out of all the flags I think all but one didn't even have the right colours FFS A farcical attempt at 'patriotism'. For years there's been an unwritten rule that fans at the Brandywell focus on red and white at home games rather than national flags (with European games being the exception). A few years back the club even expressly requested no national flags at home games for a few years. Now everything goes out the window because a few schoolchildren think THEY are bigger than DCFC and its traditions.

The club seems to completely lack a backbone over this stuff. Reads out the standard notice at the start of games about no sectarianism etc at the Brandywell, and then completely ignores the club's image and reputation being damaged by a goofy teenage 'Rah fest every match. Sad to say they'll probably only act when something goes badly wrong (a kid being hospitalised in Sligo wasn't enough) or we start to get fined for it. Where is the leadership ?

[attack!attack!attack]

What's most ridiculous about the schooligans is that even during the Troubles the Brandywell was a space where people could get away from all the sh!te going on outside and just enjoy football and a bit of an escape. Yoiu didn't hear IRA chanting at games back then. Now we have a bunch of acne-riddled teenagers with no experience of the Troubles (or anything in life) thinking it's cool and edgy to be into the 'Ra and that they can do whatever they want at games.

I see last night they had about a dozen triclours on display at the one time at the start of the game as well. Presumably some sort of Easter rising 'tribute'. Ironically out of all the flags I think all but one didn't even have the right colours FFS A farcical attempt at 'patriotism'. For years there's been an unwritten rule that fans at the Brandywell focus on red and white at home games rather than national flags (with European games being the exception). A few years back the club even expressly requested no national flags at home games for a few years. Now everything goes out the window because a few schoolchildren think THEY are bigger than DCFC and its traditions.

The club seems to completely lack a backbone over this stuff. Reads out the standard notice at the start of games about no sectarianism etc at the Brandywell, and then completely ignores the club's image and reputation being damaged by a goofy teenage 'Rah fest every match. Sad to say they'll probably only act when something goes badly wrong (a kid being hospitalised in Sligo wasn't enough) or we start to get fined for it. Where is the leadership ?

I agree. There is no excuse for constant sectarian chanting. We are a club that is open to everyone of all persuasions.

We all have our own politics, and we keep that to ourselves. However, I think we can all agree that politics and sectarian chants should be left out of sport.

I know they are mostly kids, and they do add to the atmosphere. But, the older lads that hang around that group need to take the lead & root out the nasty stuff - they have great potential if they focused solely on supporting Derry City, instead of fighting & sectarianism.

Moreover, I've no real issue with the national flag - it is more their intent when displaying it as you allude (to offend). I agree it usually only comes out for European games (with many (proper) supporters having DCFC themed tri colour banners for years), and I have no issue whatsoever with that - they were everywhere in Paris, Gretna etc.

Yes, we have a predominantly nationalist fan base, and are a proud Irish club. However, leave the sectarian stuff out, there is just no need.

[TenaciousDee]

I really enjoyed the first half. The passing patterns and direct approach led to two goals and gave the fans a much-needed lift. Games at the Brandywell have been tough to watch lately, but at half-time, I couldn’t wait for the second half.

We scored early after the break, and while the match lost its edge, we controlled it well from there.

Gavin Whyte has rightly drawn praise, but two others stood out for me. Carl Winchester was everywhere; breaking up play and driving things forward. Despite missing two games, he's among the league’s top three for successful tackles, and he clearly thrives on the physical side of the LOI. Long may it continue.

Sam Todd deserves real credit too. He’s not a natural left-back, but he’s performed admirably in that role in the last two games. His challenges were crucial, and he played a big part in the build-up to Whyte’s goal. Worth noting as well that Connolly looked more composed against Kavanagh and Lomboto when he came on.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, you'd hope we carry this momentum into the RSC. Waterford are struggling for form and with an interim manager in charge, we can only hope that the ‘new manager bounce’ stays firmly on hold.

[brandyball]

Ironically it's announced before every game about Racist or Sectarian chanting " if you hear anything of this nature, report it to the nearest Steward" . Wonder does our : Stewards: have hearing problems?

[marcoloco]

Ironically it's announced before every game about Racist or Sectarian chanting " if you hear anything of this nature, report it to the nearest Steward" . Wonder does our : Stewards: have hearing problems?

I think that's why the speakers don't work in the North Stand.

They obviously never heard the announcement.

[rodgers]

The rain and Sligo's approach also helped for a quicker more entertaining game as well.

On the chants, one thing the new crowd might come to realise is that no one will want to join in with a lot of their songs whereas the older crowd who are still in the Southend will end up being the section that leads to others joining in and improving the atmosphere for bigger games I think. Their songs are more of the ones that used to be sung in the old jungle and that the majority of people prefer I think.

Now that they have been separated, I think this will become more noticeable as times goes on.

[stevebradley]

The rain and Sligo's approach also helped for a quicker more entertaining game as well.

On the chants, one thing the new crowd might come to realise is that no one will want to join in with a lot of their songs whereas the older crowd who are still in the Southend will end up being the section that leads to others joining in and improving the atmosphere for bigger games I think. Their songs are more of the ones that used to be sung in the old jungle and that the majority of people prefer I think.

Now that they have been separated, I think this will become more noticeable as times goes on.

True. But the schooligans aren't singing to get other people involved. They're doing it purely for their own world view and entertainment. They won't care if others don't want to join in.

As an aside - the Brandywell Pride section was noticeably very quiet on Tuesday (key people away?), which left the atmosphere quite flat. They're definitely missed when they're not in full flow.

[CityDiehard]

I asked a steward at halftime what their approach to the sectarian singing was and he asked me where in the ground I'd heard it. The club and stewards seem to be burying their head in the stand. Whilst they create a bit of noise the children have really negatively impacted the atmosphere with no desire amongst 95% in joining in with their monotonous IRA chants. Whatever your politics a football stadium is not the forum for expressing it. Get behind the team and others will join them, or maybe they're content courting controversy and massaging their egos.

[attack!attack!attack]

The rain and Sligo's approach also helped for a quicker more entertaining game as well.

On the chants, one thing the new crowd might come to realise is that no one will want to join in with a lot of their songs whereas the older crowd who are still in the Southend will end up being the section that leads to others joining in and improving the atmosphere for bigger games I think. Their songs are more of the ones that used to be sung in the old jungle and that the majority of people prefer I think.

Now that they have been separated, I think this will become more noticeable as times goes on.

True. But the schooligans aren't singing to get other people involved. They're doing it purely for their own world view and entertainment. They won't care if others don't want to join in.

As an aside - the Brandywell Pride section was noticeably very quiet on Tuesday (key people away?), which left the atmosphere quite flat. They're definitely missed when they're not in full flow.

I agree. I have to say, the decline of Brandywell Pride in Block J over the years has been sad; in comparison to 2005-2010. I remember 06', it was immense.

There are the guts of 20-30 people in that block that sing & you have scaldy on the drum. The rest of the block sit. Sitting in Block J?! I never thought I'd see the day!

Having two different singing groups has and always will be illogical. But hey ho.

[TenaciousDee]

I am barred from starting match threads, even though we have lost games during the period of suspension. Could someone start a thread for the Waterford game, please?