Higgins leaves Derry City by mutual consent

Ruaidhrí Higgins has left his post as manager of Derry City, a week after their 2-0 FAI Cup final defeat to Drogheda.

The 40-year-old took over at the Brandywell in April 2021 and led the Candystripes to cup success in 2022.

Under his management, Derry finished second in the Irish Premier Division twice - in 2022 and 2023 - and fought another title challenge this season, eventually finishing fourth.

However, that league finish - coupled with cup final defeat in Dublin last week - means Derry will not play European football next season.

Speaking to BBC Sport NI after the cup final, Higgins admitted that it has been a "really tough few weeks" after missing out on a potential double.

"We have a bit of time to reflect in the next week or two and see where things are at, as you can imagine it is tough to speak now," Higgins said.

"It’s easy to lie down in tough moments, but we’ll dig deep and keep fighting and come back stronger."

Higgins' appointment in April 2021 was his first senior managerial position after working as a analyst and scout under Stephen Kenny with the Republic of Ireland national team.

The former midfielder took over a side that was bottom of the Premier Division and led them to a fourth placed finish in his debut season.

The following two seasons saw credible title challenges as they finished second to Shamrock Rovers on both occasions but silverware was forthcoming in the shape of the FAI Cup in 2022.

A comprehensive 4-0 win over Shelbourne saw Higgins win his first trophy as a manager but that first elusive league championship for the club since 1997 remained out of his grasp.

This season was seen by many as the year that Derry would end that wait. Despite holding second place for the duration of the season, a stuttering finish left the Candystripes in fourth and outside of European places for next season.