Former Derry boss Higgins named Coleraine manager
Ex-Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins has been named as the new manager of Irish Premiership club Coleraine.Higgins replaces former head coach Dean Shiels and will take charge of the club's European play-off semi-final on Wednesday.Limavady man Higgins, who played for Coleraine from 2015-16, left his role as Derry City manager in November following the Candystripes' FAI Cup final defeat by Drogheda United.The 40-year-old was previously assistant manager at Dundalk and a scout with the Football Association of Ireland.The Bannsiders will face either Crusaders or Irish Cup semi-finalists Dungannon Swifts in their midweek play-off.Shiels, along with assistant Michael O'Connor, departed the club on Wednesday after one season at the Showgrounds. He guided the club to a fifth-place finish in the Irish Premiership as the club transitioned into full-time football.Sporting director Oran Kearney, who Shiels replaced as manager, also left his role on Thursday.Kearney had two spells in charge of the Bannsiders either side of a one-season stint in Scotland as St Mirren manager.
'Excited to get started'
During his spell in charge of Derry, Higgins led the League of Ireland Premier Division side to success in the 2022 FAI Cup final.He has confirmed that Conor Loughrey will join his backroom team.Speaking about his appointment, Higgins said: "I'm honoured to be taking on this role at a club that means a great deal to me. This is a club with ambition, with passionate supporters, and a proud history. "I'm excited to get started, to meet the players and staff, and to build something that brings success on the pitch and pride off it. The immediate focus is the play-offs — and we'll give everything to finish the season strongly."I'm also delighted to be bringing Conor Loughrey in alongside me. He's someone I trust and value highly — he'll add real energy and detail to the coaching team."Executive Chairman and majority shareholder Henry Ross commented: "We're excited to welcome Ruaidhrí to Coleraine at a key moment for the club. "This is an important appointment made with both the short term and long term in mind. Ruaidhrí has my full confidence, and we believe he's the right person to lead us into this next chapter."
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