Ruaidhri Higgins steps down as Derry City boss with Patrick McEleney departing

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Beaten FAI Cup finalists Derry City have confirmed that Ruaidhri Higgins has stepped down as manager in the wake of their Cup final defeat.

Higgins won the Cup in 2022 as boss but has failed to build on that trophies-wise and leaves having steered his side to a disappointing fourth-place league finish this season. 

The club have also confirmed that talisman Patrick McEleney has left the Candystripes to join Northern Irish top-flight outfit Ballymena United. 

He joins brother Shane in the departures lounge on Foyleside who has joined Glentoran - who are managed by former Bohemians boss Declan Devine.

Colm Whelan has also joined Bohemians.

But Derry will now have to appoint a new boss following Higgins’ exit.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I leave Derry City FC. As a proud Derry City man, it has been an honour to manage this football club – I have always given my all,” Higgins wrote.

“Along with the staff, we took over on the 23rd April 2021 with the club at the bottom of the table. “That season we qualified for Europe, my proudest achievement to date.

“In 2022 we won the FAI Cup for the first time in a decade and finished 2nd in the league and in 2023 we played in three rounds in Europe, again finishing second in the league.

“I am proud of all we have achieved together but I cannot deny that 2024 has been disappointing considering we were hoping to complete a domestic double and ultimately fell short.



“I’d like to place on record my sincere thanks to the Chairman, Philip O’Doherty, for his unwavering support from start to finish.

“To the players, staff, board, volunteers and the supporters that backed us through the good and difficult times I thank you.

“I’ve had the privilege of managing some fantastic players. I have no doubt that the group will continue to compete for honours in the seasons ahead.

“Wishing you all the best, Ruaidhrí.”

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