THE TOUGHEST SEASON EVER ..and that's just what the physio thinks!

Joe Loughlin quite literally has his finger on the pulse of Derry City Football Club.

He'll be their physio for this afternoon's FAI Cup final against Shelbourne.

Derry are going for the League and Cup double for the first time since Jim McLaughlin's all-conquering 1989 side achieved the treble, for the one and only time in the League of Ireland.

Joe Loughlin is one of a select group of people still associated with the club since Derry's entry to the League of Ireland in 1985.

Derry's medicine man recalls: "My first game as team physio was in 1985 when Derry beat Finn Harps 7-3. Kevin Mahon, the current coach, scored a hat-trick that day," said Joe.

"To compare the treble side with this squad is difficult. The main difference is that Jim McLaughlin more or less bought the 1989 side whereas Felix Healy has built this one up.

"Jim bought very well and Felix has built very well. They're two similar managers and both are very successful.

"Being in contention for two major trophies this season has put a lot of pressure on the players and a lot of pressure on me," said Joe.

"For such a small squad, one of the smallest in the League, we've done very well. But I can honestly say this has been the hardest season I've ever had with Derry.

"We've had a lot of long term injuries this season. Liam Coyle broke his elbow in the first League game and we had long term injuries to Gary Beckett and Peter Hutton.

"Trying to turn out an injury-free team, particularly in the last two months, really did test me. Basically the final decision on whether or not to play a playerrests with me.

"I never allow a player to take the field if he could give himself a long term injury," said the man from Portglenone.

City boss Felix Healy, who scored the winning Cup final goal against Cork City in '89, reckons: "During our treble season, I had so many injuries and when we won the League and the Cup after a replay, I was just relieved that I got through in one piece.

"But as a manager it's completely different," he said.

How does Healy re-act when he's compared with his former mentor McLaughlin?

"Jim and I are very close friends. Neither of us puts too much emphasis on the tactical side of things.

"He has won more in the domestic game here than anyone else in history.

"When I became Derry manager almost three seasons ago, I decided to build a team for the future. I think I've made considerable progress in that regard.

"This season I felt if we could stay free of injuries, and get off to a good start, we could do well.

"I made some of my most important signings for this season last season.

"Paul Hegarty and Gary Beckett come to mind. Liam Coyle came back and Sean Hargan is doing very well.

"One of the most difficult areas to fill is the left side.

"Left-sided players are very hard to find and I think that James Keddy gives us great balance down the left and he has had a very good year," said Healy.

The youthful make-up of the squad is best reflected in Peter Hutton who, aged 24, is one of the youngest team captains in Irish football.

"I was honoured when Felix appointed me team captain but basically it's an honour more than a pressure job because, with so many experienced players on the field, everybody helps and advises everybody else.

"In a way the captaincy has improved my game - it must have because I'm having my best season at the Brandywell so far.

"With Paul Hegarty alongside me in midfield, Felix has told me to go forward more.

"That gave me more freedom to attack and as a result I'm scoring more goals than normal.

"In the last few years I've scored probably twenty goals.

"So far this season alone I've scored twelve. Everything I hit seems to go in," said Peter.

"Felix showed great faith in me earlier this season and I hope I've repaid some of that.

"I don't feel under any pressure for the final either.

"The pressure is all on Shelbourne.

"We've already won the League, they've won nothing this season so we can enjoy the final and express ourselves.

"Both teams play open football. I would say the first fifteen minutes will be tense with neither side wanting to give away an early goal but if that happens, it will open the game up.

"I'm privileged to be in a position to become the first Derry- born Derry City captain to bring home the FAI Cup and I just can't wait for the final to start."

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