No Pressure on Gavin Whyte
Derry City interim manager Mark Connolly confirmed that he will not put any added pressure on winger Gavin Whyte after the former Northern Ireland international returned to action. Whyte, who last played for the Candystripes in March, featured for the club’s U20 side in a 7‑1 victory over Finn Harps on Wednesday night. He played 64 minutes before being substituted. Connolly, who attended the match with first‑team coach Niall McGinn at the Limavady Showgrounds, said the original plan was for Whyte to get 45 minutes of game time. However, the player was feeling good and the coaching staff extended his minutes by an extra 15‑20, giving him a total of around 60 minutes. "I was delighted to see him back on the pitch," Connolly told reporters. "He’s been out a while and now it’s just about getting him up to fitness and match sharpness." The manager stressed that Whyte’s return is a gradual process. "It’s going to take time, it’s not going to be like clicking your fingers," Connolly said. "I would love Gav to have a big impact before the end of the season, but I’m not going to put any pressure on him. It’s about taking things day by day."
Potential Signing of Euan East
Derry City are reportedly exploring a move for former Linfield defender Euan East. The 26‑year‑old, who can play left‑back or left‑sided centre‑back, has been a free agent since leaving Linfield at the end of last season. The club is keen to add a player who can provide cover on the left flank.
Upcoming Test Against Bohemians
Connolly’s side will travel to Dalymount Park on Friday for a League of Ireland Premier Division clash with third‑placed Bohemians. He described the fixture as a tough test, noting that “every game against Bohemians has always been difficult.” Derry have won their last two games in a row, and Connolly hopes the run can continue. He highlighted recent performances, saying the team “won brilliantly against Sligo” but “didn’t play so well against UCD, ended up getting a result.” Connolly added that the Gyspies are moving out of their Phibsborough ground at the end of the season and that the match at Dalymount could be their last there for a while. Despite a few knocks and bruises, the manager said the squad will be ready for the Bohemians game. "We’ve had quite a few injuries, but no excuses and we’ll have a strong team available for the Bohs game and give it a right go," Connolly said. The match will be the last for Derry at Dalymount Park for a while, and Connolly hopes the team can make the final memory at the venue a positive one.
