Paddy McLaughlin excited to get going as he returns to Derry City

Paddy McLaughlin is hoping to build on the recent success at Derry City after the club confirmed his return as assistant to Ruaidhri Higgins.

After a week of speculation, the former defender has returned to the club he spent eight years at, and will begin against Cork City at Turner’s Cross tomorrow.

He admits it was an opportunity he just couldn’t turn down.

“It was a no-brainer for me in terms of coming back to Derry City but the difficult part was going to tell the Cliftonville players on Monday night,” he said.

“I was kinda dreading that after four good years there but once it was done I was able to look forward to this new challenge.”

“It could probably have happened before now, but I couldn’t turn it down when this opportunity arose.”

“Derry City was my club as a supporter growing up, and then as a player. It’s the chance to be part of something here over the next few years and also the opportunity to work alongside Ruaidhri.”

“We’ve been friends for a long time and it would be brilliant if we’re able to build on the recent success at the club.”

“There is a lot of hard work involved in success- in football and in life generally. It will be up to us, the staff and the players to keep improving to reach and maintain those levels.”

“Hopefully there will be exciting times ahead over the next few seasons and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Ruaidhri Higgins has not taken long to replace Alan Reynolds, and he feels that the appointment of McLaughlin is the right one for the club.

“He has great history here and was part of the 2002 cup winning team. It’s his hometown club and I’m really pleased to have him here,” he said.

“Paddy brings a vast amount of experience and quality and he did a fantastic job at Cliftonville.”

“He’ll bring so much to the players and he gives a real balance to our staff as a group. I’m really looking forward to working with him on a daily basis.”