Declan Devine believes Derry City are on their way back to big club status after making their 23rd signing of the season.
Victory at Finn Harps tonight would move the Candystripes to within one point of third-placed Bohs in the race for European football and Devine believes the signing of former SPL midfielder Grant Gillespie is a further indication of Derry's resurgence.
"We're going to have players who would get into a lot of other teams sitting in the stand," said the City boss. "We want to build the foundations that we are a big club that is full of good players, and hungry players."
Jack Malone, who came off the bench last weekend, penned a two-year deal this week having come through the Brandywell ranks. Gillespie, 28, spent six seasons with Hamilton in the SPL before moves to Dundee United and Raith Rovers.
"Grant's been on our radar for a number of weeks, he's a player who has played at the highest level in Scotland," said Devine, who has a full squad available for the Finn Park encounter as Derry look to extend a seven-match unbeaten run.
"He's got a lot of experience, having played over 250-260 games in Scotland.
"He's a midfielder with tremendous ability but will also hunt for the ball back for you and gain a defensive shape when we don't have it. People will enjoy watching him and will feel he's a great addition.
"When you put him with our current midfielders, we're not in a bad place.
"That's what you want, you want competition for places at the business end of the season. We want people who are going to drive us on."
Following UCD's return to life - before their 7-0 hammering at the hands of Shamrock Rovers last time out - Harps had to respond, and did so with a win in Waterford.
"The bottom line is that we need to be at the top of our game to have any chance against Derry," said Harps boss Ollie Horgan.
Devine cautioned: "It's a tough game, we have to make sure we're at our best.
"We have to go down in a professional and determined manner - and with confidence because we're playing well - but with a lot of respect.
"Harps got a brilliant result in Waterford. We have to be on top of our form".
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