TIERNAN EARNING HIS 'STRIPES'

Derry boss Lynch proving his mettle

- BY GARRY DOYLE

THREE games into the season, the big question was whether the League of Ireland was the right place for Tiernan Lynch.

There and then, after two defeats from three games, Lynch and Derry looked neither a match nor a mix and had yet to get to grips with this 2025 season.

Other low points would follow. Following a defeat in game three, they also lost out to St Pat's in game four. Then there was the 3-1 reversal at the Brandywell to Drogheda, and the 2-1 home loss to Shamrock Rovers.

That, significantly, was their most recent defeat, a run of three wins and a draw signalling a turnaround in form and fortune.

Suddenly Derry are second and if they win their next three games, they could — conceivably— go top, but only if Rovers lose away to Sligo in the meantime.

Nonetheless, it has been a quiet turnaround for both the club and the manager, whose honeymoon officially ended the last time Waterford came to Derry, way back on February 28.