Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Troubled City get ready to Ruaidhri
Ex-candystripes star Higgins could be in hotseat by weekend
RUAIDHRI HIGGINS is the clear front runner for the Derry City job after Declan Devine’s “bonkers” departure yesterday.
Stephen Kenny’s chief scout for the Republic of Ireland could be appointed as early as this morning.
Jim Magilton has described Devine’s exit after just six games as “bonkers”, but effectively ruled him out of the vacant Dundalk job.
The Lilywhites’ sporting director instead urged his pal to take time out from football and take stock before seeking a return.
Magilton was in the
Dundalk dugout for their 1-1 draw at Derry last Tuesday, in what was Devine’s (right) last game.
He said yesterday:
“The madness of football, I came in this morning and
Declan has lost his job. It’s bonkers this game, it’s crazy, you can’t write the script.”
But asked if Devine could pitch up at
Dundalk, EX-QPR and
Ipswich boss Magilton
(right) said: “I think we’ve got to give him a breather.
“Declan has just been hit with a massive blow and when you’re a manager who has lost your job it’s a reflection time.”
Derry City chairman Philip O’doherty met Devine yesterday morning for face-to-face talks before wielding the axe.
“It was the right decision for both of us,” said O’doherty. “He’s tried his best but we’ve got two points out of 18 and that’s weighing on Declan as well.
“We’re pretty much in a relegation dogfight after six games and that’s not where we want to be.”
O’doherty added: “We’re looking to get the next manager on board very, very quickly because we have a massive game on Saturday.”
Mirror Sport understands former Derry City midfielder Higgins is the preferred choice to succeed Devine and is set to be appointed today.
In a statement, Devine said he was proud to have managed Derry City on two occasions.
“Unfortunately recent results have not been what they should have and I’m the first to accept the professional game is all about winning,” he said.
Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley was surprised to see Devine go and said: “It’s not nice to see anyone lose their job.
“From watching their games beforehand and when we played them up there, you get a feel for a team and its players.
“You know if the dressing room is not there with the manager and I felt anything but that. I left there last week thinking they were still with him.”