Healy future in doubt after latest defeat

Felix Healy's days as manager of his home town club could well be numbered following yesterday's dismal defeat at the hands of lowly Bohemians at the Brandywell.

Commenting after the match, a frustrated Healy, who had been booed off the pitch following the final whistle, declared: "If that's the best I can get from my players, then it's time I began to look at my own future.

"It's clear that new blood is needed at the club, both on and off the field. We were awful during the second half against Waterford last week, but that was worse," he added.

"Too many players have just done enough to get by," he said. "When seven players perform, we can still win. When five perform, we still have a chance but when no one plays to their ability, then what chance have we? "Out there today I couldn't name a player who stood out in our team. It was a dire performance to say the very least. On that showing we are not good enough and, as manager, it's up to me to answer the criticism which follows.

"Ultimately, it's down to me. I pick the team and send the players out. If that's the best I can get, then I must question myself," he said.

Healy said he understood the frustration of Derry supporters and would now be seeking an urgent meeting with club chairman, Kevin Friel.

However, he dismissed rumours regarding difficulties in the dressing room and claimed that morale had always been high at the Brandywell.

"There have been no problems in the dressing room. None whatsoever, I believe it's down to having the hunger and passion that's required. It's not there at the moment and if I can't get the players to perform, then I've got to look at myself," he concluded.

While never dominating the game, Bohemians appeared so comfortable at the back. In fact, Derry's only scoring chances surrounded two long range efforts in the first half which were easily dealt with by Bohemians' goalkeeper, Michael Dempsey.

But as the game wore on, the Dubliners looked much more dangerous and their reward arrived in the 56th minute.

Striker Graham Lawlor gained possession on the right flank and his speculative, low shot from 35 yards crashed against the inside of the post before finding the net.

As Derry huffed and puffed for an equaliser, Bohemians struck again in the 73rd minute to end the game as a contest.

Brian Mooney broke on the left fed the ball to midfielder Derek McGrath, who evaded three challenges before finishing clinically from eight yards.

And Bohemians could have added another goal in the 74th minute but Derek Swan's firsttime shot sailed high over the crossbar from six yards.

DERRY CITY: Platt, McCallion, Hargan, Gauld, Curran, Hutton, Gilmour, Hegarty, Coyle, Beckett, Kelly. Subs: Gallahger for Hargan (62 mins), McCaul for Hegarty (77 mins).

BOHEMIANS: Dempsey, Broughan, Brunton, Maher, Bryne, Harkin, Mooney, McGrath, Swan, Lawlor, Mullen. Sub: Hanrahan for Swan (89 mins).

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).