Daniel Kelly on new Derry City season

New Derry City signing Daniel Kelly can't wait to make his Brandywell bow against Drogheda

Transcript

00:00 Very good, obviously the quality of the players in here is very, very good.

00:04 I had a little niggle just in pre-season, that was it, so I managed to small it, but I was glad to get on to the pitch again.

00:10 Against Sligo, and obviously contribute a goal and assist, so the conditions in Glenelg weren't the best.

00:19 I'm feeling good to be fair, so I'm just hoping now, everything goes to plan now and can't wait for the season to start.

00:26 Yeah, easily settled in because you knew most of the guys here from your time at Dundalk as well too.

00:30 That's been a big factor in it, hasn't it?

00:32 Yeah, listen, I think there's seven of us now all together that used to play for Dundalk, so it's easy to settle in.

00:38 The lads have been great around the place, and obviously the manager I know well as well.

00:42 It was a no-brainer coming here, and listen, I'm here to win trophies and progress in Europe, and I think I'm at the right floor for it.

00:50 Yeah, with the arrival of yourself and Pat Hoodman as well, the expectation levels have just risen to tenfold.

00:56 Is it something that you realise, I suppose, that pressure and expectation?

01:00 Yeah, listen, obviously you're going to feel pressure and stuff.

01:03 If you're a professional footballer, there's going to be pressure on you and stuff, but I thought I was getting rid of Pat anyway.

01:07 I had him for four years, and another two years.

01:09 Listen, obviously he's been around a bit longer than me, and he's the best striker in the league the last few years,

01:15 and still is the best striker, and the more people that doubt him, the better he is.

01:19 So let's keep doubting him, and keep banging him in, please God.

01:22 Obviously a lot of people will be thinking two horse race, Shamron Grovers, Derry City, but Pat showed their pedigree last year.

01:28 They've strengthened, Shelbourne have obviously strengthened, and a couple of clubs that have come up in the First Division,

01:33 Tui Waterford and Galway, it's going to be very, very competitive next year, isn't it?

01:37 Yeah, absolutely. I think the way the season was last year, I think it's going to be similar.

01:41 It's going to be teams beating each other, so it's a tough league, and it's very competitive,

01:45 and as you said, this team's going to be improving second, third years with their managers and stuff.

01:50 So it's going to be very tough for us, but listen, we've a good group, and they're a great manager,

01:55 and I'm just looking forward to it, as I said.

01:58 Have you set any personal goals yourself? I know the numbers are a big thing for you.

02:03 Do you want to get those assessed and the goals?

02:06 I haven't actually as of yet, but I will sit down and think about it.

02:09 I think I finished 9 last year, but the first half of the season I was obviously carrying a few niggles and stuff,

02:16 so once I start the season, before the first game of the season, I'll set my goals,

02:20 and if I stay fit, hopefully it'll be double figures anyway.

02:22 Yeah, a lot of attacking options for Rurie as well too. Are you excited about that?

02:26 Have you been impressed by the quality on there?

02:29 Yeah, listen, obviously the lads in there now have been second and on there.

02:33 Great standard of players, and so many options to be fair, so it's a good head-melter for them.

02:37 I'm just looking forward to playing with the lads again, and just progressing, as I said, in Europe,

02:44 and trying to win cups in leagues. The standard of players, as I said, is very, very good,

02:49 so it's going to make everybody better.