Greg Sloggett credits Declan Devine with putting Derry City ‘back on its feet’.
And now the midfielder says it is time the players repaid the manager by winning a trophy under his watch.
The Candystripes are the EA Sports Cup holders and put their crown on the line against Dundalk in tonight’s final at the Brandywell.
Sloggett wasn’t at the club when they beat Cobh Ramblers in last year’s final, having arrived from UCD over the winter.
But the Meath man said: “Deccie has brought this club back to its feet and the stuff he’s done off the pitch has been as important as what he’s done on it.
“He’s brought a feel good factor back and helped gel the relationship between players and fans. I’ve noticed that support and it’s really helped us.
“The fans pay their money to see games and we’re there to put on a show for them. We need to take the time to appreciate them because they appreciate us.
“We’re still fighting for Europe. There’s no trophy for that and it’s a big task, but if we win tonight it’ll be the sign of a good season.”
While Sloggett is going from strength to strength with his new club, he has sympathy for his old side UCD.
Key players from their First Division title winning team have been picked off by top flight rivals and boss Collie O’Neill was recently dispensed with.
“It’s hard not to have sympathy, particularly for Collie,” said Sloggett. “I feel for him seeing a starting XI leave the club.
“UCD work in four and five year cycles and that’s how it’s fallen on this particular year. I graduated last year and moved on. A couple more have done the same this season.
“No blame lies on anyone there. That’s just the circumstances of how things are and I hope they can make one more push and catch Finn Harps.”
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