Kenny puts boot into Derry hecklers
August 18, 2005
Derry City manager Stephen Kenny has criticised a section of the Candystripes support which, he says, has routinely sent verbal abuse in the direction of some of the club’s players in recent weeks.
Derry are preparing for the biggest of their season against eircom League leaders Cork City at the Brandywell on Friday night.
However, former Bohemians boss Kenny – who has transformed Derry from relegation candidates to title contenders in his 12 months in charge – feels that his players should not have to endure the type of abuse sent in their direction during the recent home draw with Bray Wanderers.
In a statement published in the Derry Journal, the Candystripes boss said: “Home attendances are vitally important to us, that goes without saying. I welcome passionate supporters which gives rise to passionate players, therefore, as we prepare for one of the biggest games of the season this weekend, I have become worried that a small section of Derry City supporters are actually abusing their own players, particularly when such players may give the ball away.
"I noticed that members of our playing staff were receiving grief during our last home game against Bray Wanderers and I found that astonishing.
“I couldn’t believe it, we have so many young players involved in the squad this season and anyone who knows anything about the game will agree that it’s not always possible for such players to play consistently well.
"And what astonishes me more is that these players have not lost a game since May of this season. We have struggled with injuries, therefore, we’ve been forced to play players out of their more accustomed positions yet that does not seem to be taken into consideration by those involved.
“I think it’s very unfair to abuse our own players and when such situations become evident in the dressing room, then as manager I feel it’s important that I intervene.
“I need Derry City supporters to get firmly and vocally behind the team. I can understand frustration on the terraces but surely such frustration is associated more with a team involved in a relegation battle – not a team actually competing to win the Premier Division Championship.”
