Ruaidhri Higgins appointed as Derry City boss

Premier Division Derry City have confirmed the appointment of Ruaidhri Higgins as their new first-team manager on a three and a half year deal.

Higgins takes over the reins of the club following the departure of Declan Devine on Thursday morning.

Devine left his role at the Candystripes with the club languishing in 9^th position in the league table.

Higgins however takes over after a recent stint as opposition analyst under Stephen Kenny with the Republic of Ireland’s backroom team.

And Kenny has welcomed the appointment of Higgins to the job he once had during his earlier management career.

“I want to wish Ruaidhri the best of luck managing Derry City,” Kenny told the FAI’s media team.

“He has a very bright future in the game, and he'll be delighted to manage his hometown club that he played with for nine seasons, and we wish him well."

FAI Chief Executive Jonathan Hill added: “Ruaidhri is a very proud Derry man and a former player with the club so this is the one job in football he couldn’t refuse.

“We wish him the best of luck with the new position and thank him for his services to the senior Ireland team.”

Derry City visit North West rivals Sligo Rovers on Saturday evening with a 6pm kick-off.