Club Statement

Derry City Football Club is delighted to announce that following a special meeting of elected members of Derry and Strabane District Council on Thursday evening, the club has been given the green light to press ahead with plans to replace the playing surface at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Confirming developments, a spokesperson for DCSDC said that elected members had given their approval for a partnership-led approach for the resurfacing of the Brandywell pitch; selecting the option that proposes the pitch be replaced with funding from Derry City FC, to ensure the facility remains a premier venue for elite and community football.

Following a review of strategic options, Council has now authorised officers to enter into a Development Agreement with Derry City Football Club. Under this arrangement, the club will take the lead on the technical specifications and delivery of the new pitch, working in close collaboration with Council teams to meet the highest professional standards.

The Council spokesperson said this decision marks a significant step forward for the stadium. While the current 3G surface successfully met UEFA certification this year, members recognised that the transition to a new high-specification surface is essential for the club’s continued participation in European competition and the long-term sustainability of the venue.

“By moving forward with this arrangement, we are fostering a collaborative model that leverages the expertise of Derry City Football Club while protecting the stadium’s role as a vital community asset. This partnership ensures that the technical requirements for professional play are balanced with our commitment to providing top-tier local facilities.”

Derry City FC Chairman, Philip O’Doherty, said that everyone involved with the football club would be thrilled with the news and he thanked all the relevant stakeholders involved in making the project happen.

“It’s something we all feel is very much needed at this stage and I want to thank council members and staff who have worked with us to get to this point.

“I would also like to personally thank the GAA, and in particular the GAA in Derry for agreeing to provide us with a home while the work takes place in the early summer.

“We have already started to put plans in place to ensure that the project is completed as seamlessly as possible and we will continue to update supporters in the coming weeks.”