Former Derry boss Higgins named Coleraine manager

Ruaidhri Higgins, former Dublin City manager, has been appointed as Coleraine’s new manager.

On Wednesday, Higgins will take over the club’s European play-off semi-final in the place of Dean Shiels.

Higgins, a Limavady player who started for Coleraine from 2015 to 2016, left his position as manager of Derry City in November after the Candystripes’ FAI Cup final defeat to Drogheda United.

The 40-year-old previously worked as a scout for the Football Association of Ireland and as an assistant manager for Dundalk.

In their midweek play-off, the Bannsiders will face Crusaders or Dungannon Swifts, the Irish Cup winners.

After spending one season at the Showgrounds, Shiels and assistant Michael O’Connor left the organization on Wednesday.

As the club transitioned into full-time football, he led the team to a fifth-place finish in the Irish Premiership.

Oran Kearney, the manager Shiels replaced, also resigned from his position on Thursday.

Higgins helped Derry win the 2022 FAI Cup final while serving as the League of Ireland Premier Division coach.

Conor Loughrey will join his backroom team, according to him.

Higgins stated in relation to his appointment that he was honored to be working for a company that gives him a lot. This club has a long history, passionate supporters, and ambition.

I’m excited to begin, meet the players and staff, and create something that will help the pitch succeed and make you proud. Play-offs are the primary focus, and we’ll do everything to finish the season strong.

Conor Loughrey will be joining me, too, in addition to me. He’ll give the coaching team real energy and detail, which I can trust and value highly.

Henry Ross, the club’s executive chairman and majority shareholder, said, “We’re excited to welcome Ruaidhr to Coleraine at a crucial time.”