Derry City goalkeeper Brian Maher has publicly urged supporters to place their trust in interim manager Mark Connolly. The call comes as the club prepares for its first match since the departure of manager Tiernan Lynch, with Sligo Rovers visiting Brandywell Stadium on Friday night.
According to a report in the Derry Journal, Maher addressed the fanbase directly this week. He stressed the need for unity during a turbulent period for the Candystripes. The experienced goalkeeper admitted the squad was taken aback when chairman Philip O'Doherty informed them of Lynch's dismissal at an impromptu meeting at Owenbeg. Maher acknowledged the "unacceptable" situations that have occurred both on and off the pitch in recent months but insisted the dressing room remains united.
Why is fan support so important now?
Maher believes Connolly will need the full backing of the Brandywell faithful to steer the team through the final ten league games and the FAI Cup. "Mark is going to need the support as well," Maher told the Derry Journal. He highlighted Connolly's deep knowledge of the club, having served as captain, and his ongoing work behind the scenes on signings and academy development even before this appointment. The interim boss will be assisted in the dugout by new first-team coach Niall McGinn, a former Northern Ireland international who returns to the club after 17 years.
The players have expressed their confidence in Connolly's ability to lead. They know the demands he will place on the squad and value his direct, honest approach. Maher hopes this fresh start can help the team rediscover their enjoyment of football and move past the negativity that has surrounded the club. You can view the full squad tasked with this challenge on our squad page.
What did Maher say about the club's recent form?
The goalkeeper did not shy away from addressing the team's poor position in the League of Ireland Premier Division table. "Where we are right now is just not good enough," he stated bluntly. While refusing to comment on the specifics of Lynch's exit, Maher conceded that results simply had not been acceptable. He described outside criticism of the club as a "laughing stock" as hurtful, but argued the only proper response is to start winning matches immediately.
Maher pointed to the quality within the dressing room as a reason for optimism. He believes the group has the talent to put together a strong run of form in the remaining fixtures. The immediate focus is solely on collecting three points against Sligo Rovers to begin climbing the standings. The fixture list shows a demanding schedule ahead, and every match is now critical.
How does the squad move forward from here?
The players plan to thank Lynch for his efforts over the past 18 months, but Maher emphasized the cynical, fast-moving nature of professional football. "We need points very, very fast," he said, outlining the stark reality of their league position. The appointment of Connolly, a respected figure within the group, is seen as a move to provide stability and a clear voice for the run-in.
Maher, who has lived in Derry for five years, called for a collective effort to change the narrative. He wants the fans to come out in numbers on Friday to help the team secure a vital victory. The club's remaining objectives for the 2026 season are still within reach, but they require an immediate turnaround in fortunes. Supporters can follow the team's progress and check upcoming match details on our fixtures hub.
