
Former Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins set for managerial return with NIFL Premiership side
RUAIDHRI HIGGINS is set for a return to football with Coleraine.
The Bannsiders announced that they had parted company with manager Dean Shiels and his assistant Michael O'Connor.
There was no confirmation of a replacement but SunSport understands that ex-Derry City boss Higgins has been lined up to take charge at The Showgrounds.
The Limavady man had been linked with roles at Athlone Town and Waterford but will instead return to the dugout in the NIFL Premiership.
He will work under Coleraine's sporting director Oran Kearney, who is Shiels' brother-in-law.
Higgins, 40, finished up his playing career with Coleraine eight years ago before joining
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He followed Kenny to the FAI to work as opposition analyst with the men's senior team before taking his first managerial role with Derry in April 2021.
Taking over a team in relegation trouble, he led them to a fourth-place finish.
The following year, they came second and lifted the FAI Cup.
They again came runners-up in 2023 but without mounting a sustained title challenge.
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They faltered in the final stages of the 2024 campaign and ultimately came fourth and lost the Cup final to Drogheda United
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Ruaidhrí Higgins is set for a return to the dugout
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