Both athletes have transferred from Dundalk to Derry City ahead of the upcoming season. Winger Daniel Kelly believes that the addition of a motivated Pat Hoban will greatly benefit Derry City’s aspirations of securing their first League of Ireland title since the 1996-97 season. Hoban, Dundalk’s leading goal scorer of all time, departed Oriel Park amidst some controversy during the offseason. Kelly is confident in Hoban’s unwavering hunger for success, which he sees as advantageous for Derry City’s manager Ruaidhrí Higgins.

Expressing admiration for Hoban’s talent and experience, Kelly, who has also made the switch from Dundalk to Derry City, underscores the striker’s exceptional abilities. He anticipates renewing their partnership on the field, having previously played together for five years. Kelly is eager for the season to commence, noting the palpable excitement in Derry ahead of their league opener against Drogheda United.

Acknowledging the fervent support of Derry City’s fans, Kelly emphasizes the club’s high expectations and the continuous improvement under manager Higgins. He reflects on the importance of preseason preparations and feels optimistic about the team’s progress. Despite his ability to play various positions, Kelly is content as long as he secures a spot in the starting lineup.

Kelly mentions the ease of adapting to life at Derry City due to his familiarity with many of his new teammates. He highlights the talent and winning mentality within the squad, expressing a collective desire to achieve success and reward the fans’ unwavering support.

Looking ahead to the league competition, Kelly anticipates a closely contested title race, attributing it to the quality of coaching in the league. He expects teams to adopt defensive strategies when playing at the Brandywell stadium, presenting a challenge that Derry City will need to overcome to succeed in the competitive environment.