IT’S a case of three out and none in as Derry City’s miserable end to the 2024 season continued this week.
Centre-back Shane McEleney joined Glentoran, while his younger brother Patrick signed on the dotted with Ballymena United, and then to top things off manager Ruaidhrí Higgins stepped down on Friday.
The 40-year-old is believed to have held talks with chairman Philip O’Doherty earlier in the week and felt it was the right time to leave the Brandywell after three-and-a-half years at the helm.
It’s also thought chairman O’Doherty was pleased for Higgins to remain as manager for the 2025 campaign, but it was the Limavady man’s decision to step aside.
After replacing Declan Devine in the City hot-seat in April 2021, Higgins led the Candystripes to FAI Cup success in 2022.
Under his stewardship, the Candystripes finished second in the League of Ireland Premier Division twice – in 2022 and 2023 – and launched another title challenge this season, eventually finishing in a disappointing fourth having bee nte closest challengers to eventual champions Shelbourne for the bulk of the campaign.
That league finish – coupled with FAI cup final defeat to Drogheda United at the Aviva Stadium last weekend – means City will not play European football next season.
In a statement, the club confirmed they had released manager Higgins from the remainder of his contract by mutual consent.
The statement read: “During his tenure, Ruaidhrí has led the club to two FAI cup finals, winning the 2022 competition. The side achieved European qualification each season as well as two second place finishes. European qualification was a particular achievement in his first season having inherited a side that was then bottom of the league.
“In 2023 the club progressed to the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League, only eventually losing out on penalties. Ruaidhri’s time in charge saw record season ticket sales and strong match attendances.
“The 2024 season ended in disappointment on Sunday with the FAI Cup final defeat, however it should be remembered that the club came within three games of achieving a magnificent double.
“The Board of Directors and everyone involved with Derry City Football Club would like to thank Ruaidhrí for all he has done for the club and we wish him and his family every success for the future.
“Ruaidhrí will always be welcome at the Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium as a long-time Derry City fan.
“The search for a new manager will begin immediately.”
Higgins said the time was right to leave the club.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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 second 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.”
There will be plenty of managers will be keen on succeeding Higgins in a job that is one of the biggest in Irish football.
A host of names are believed to be in the running to take over, with former Northern Ireland manager and current Cheltenham Town assistant boss Ian Baraclough one of the favourites to replace Higgins.
Other candidates likely to be in the mix include City’s current assistant manager Paul Hegarty, Bohemians number two Stephen O’Donnell, and ex-Cliftonville boss and former Derry number two Paddy McLaughlin.
Larne boss Tiernan Lynch, who only a few weeks ago rejected the chance to manage Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone, may also be a shock contender.
