Stephen Kenny is looking forward to Derry City’s first game of the 2009 Premier Division season against Drogheda United.

Last year The Candystripes retained the League of Ireland Cup for the fourth time, came close to beating Bohemians in the final of the FAI Ford Cup, and finished third in the league.

It wasn’t a bad year at all for Kenny on his return to the club, but he is hoping for even more success this time around as he sets his sights on challenging for the league title.

With a home fixture kicking it all off for them, the experienced manager wants his Derry side to do all that they can to pick up the three points and make a solid start to the new season.

“It is always exciting coming up to a new season and we are looking forward to it now,” Kenny told loi.ie.

“We have lost the likes of Niall McGinn, Paddy McCourt, and Connor Sammon to clubs in Scotland and they are big players to lose. But we have signed Liam Kearney, Ger O’Brien, and player like that, so hopefully they will do well for us.

“I think it will be very tight this year with so many clubs strengthening during the pre-season period. We will have to work hard to be up there fighting at the top.

“You always want to keep improving and that is our aim. If we can get off to a good start then it will help us build up some steam.

“It should be a difficult season and we are looking forward to it now.”