Derry City seek permission to play their next European ‘home’ match at Windsor Park
Windsor Park could play host to Derry City in Europe
Michael Duffy scores for Derry City against KuPS
Derry City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins
League of Ireland side Derry City are hoping to play at Windsor Park, home of the Irish Football Association, for the first time in 11 years after asking UEFA and the FAI for permission to host their home leg of the Europa Conference League third round qualifying tie in Belfast.
The Candystripes head off to Kazakhstan this week to face Tobol Lostanay in the first leg of their third-round qualifier, with the return leg set to be held at Shamrock Rovers’ Tallaght Stadium on August 17.
However, that could now change, with the north west outfit looking to change the venue to the National Stadium in Belfast, which would significantly increase the number of fans able to attend.
The Brandywell Stadium does not meet the required UEFA criteria to host games at this stage of the competition, with an alternative always a certainty if City reached this stage.
Derry City played at the Sligo Showgrounds back in 2017 while the Brandywell was being redeveloped, but that was not an option this time, with the club nominating Tallaght. They have since had a change of heart however, resulting in the late request for a change.
Derry City last played at Windsor in a Setanta Cup quarter-final back in 2012, a first leg which ended 1-1 ahead of a 2-1 victory for Declan Devine’s side at the Brandywell. City boss Ruaidhri Higgins actually played in that game in Belfast, and it is he who is now hoping to create further history with the club by taking them beyond a third round of European competition for the first time.
The Candystripes qualified for the third round by defeating HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands
Read on belfasttelegraph.co.uk
