Harps chairman says management team is staying put

Recent speculation linking Finn Harps manager Peter Hutton with the vacant hot seat at Derry City has been quashed by Harps Chairman Joey O'Leary.
 

Following the Christmas Eve confirmation that Stephen Kenny had departed City to succeed Michael O'Neill as Shamrock Rovers manager the rumour mill swung into action and Hutton's name was one of those linked to the now vacant Brandywell post.
 

However, having spoken to Hutton on Wednesday, O'Leary is adamant that there won't be a parting of ways.
 

Hutton is a legend on Foyleside and is Derry City's record appearance holder. He captained them to the Premier Division in 1997 - under Healy's management - and has also had two stints as caretaker manager at Brandywell, in 2004 and 2007.
 

City have invited applications for the position, but Hutton's is not one of those already lodged - and it is now highly unlikely that his name will be in the mix.
 

Killybegs resident Sean Connor, ex Dundalk boss Ian Foster, former Ireland defender Kenny Cunningham, Damien Richardson and Kenny's number two at City, Declan Devine, are among the other speculated candidates.
 

The names of Hutton and Healy have been mooted, but Harps fans will be contented by O'Leary's insistence that the Derry duo will be staying in Ballybofey.
 

"You can't stop speculation and it is only natural that Peter will be linked to Derry City having given them so much service, but as Harps Chairman I would be more than happy that both he and Felix will remain here for the start of the new season," he told Friday's Donegal News.
 

"Myself and Denise O'Neill met with Felix Healy in relation to planning for 2012 and following that meeting I rang and spoke to Peter Hutton. He was linked to the Derry City position alright, but he has had no official contact from them.
 

"Peter has reiterated his commitment to Finn Harps and he is continuing his plans here at Finn Park for the new season.
 

"Peter and Felix are getting to grips with their squad and both of them will start the 2012 season at Finn Park."

Just before Christmas, Harps met their financial commitments of €48,000 which allowed them to proceed with their application for a licence to compete in the League of Ireland in 2012.
 

Engineers are currently inspecting Finn Park to ensure it complies with the ground regulations, while Chairman O'Leary, Treasurer Denise O'Neill and manager Hutton will meet with the League's finance experts at a budget meeting in Dublin on January 31.
 

"I would be more than confident now that we will meet our requirements and obtain a licence," said Mr O'Leary.