Derry City back in league action after highly dramatic week at the Brandywell

Derry City vs. Sligo Rovers

Tonight, 7:45pm

Derry City are back in league action tonight after a highly dramatic week at the Brandywell with manager Ruaidhri Higgins insisting he remains fully committed to the club. 

The Derry City boss reiterated his commitment to the club after English League One side Barnsley made an official approach to speak to him over the vacant manager’s role at Oakwell. Higgins spoke with The Reds on more than one occasion at the start of the week and was considered a frontrunner for the role as a result before they appointed Neill Collins as Head Coach.

“To be honest the Barnsley stuff came completely out of the blue," insisted Higgins. "The club received an approach and I was granted permission and I had a couple of conversations. I certainly didn't put my name in the hat that's for sure, I was approached via the club and that's where that is now.

"We're now really looking forward to the future at this club, I have been totally committed to Derry City and I remain totally committed to the club. I love it here and Philip (O'Doherty Chairman) and Sean (Barrett Director) and the club have been absolutely brilliant to me from day one. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season, we've worked extremely hard over the last couple of years to have a strong group here. One thing is for sure that my commitment can never be in question."

Having won just once in the last seven games, City are desperate for a win against Sligo. New signing Paul McMullan is available to make his debut while Will Patching may return after a long spell on the sidelines.  

"It's our last league game for a month, so we need to try and pick up the three points and bounce into Europe," Higgins said.

 "We know that European games capture the imagination of the people here, they love European fixtures and we're looking forward to those ties, but we have business to do on Friday and hopefully we can get three points on the board and then we can look forward to the rest of the season."

Meanwhile, City yesterday confirmed the signing of Scottish striker Danny Mullen on a long-term deal.

The 28-year-old began his career at Livingston before spells at St Mirren, Dundee and Partick Thistle and City are believed to have seen off competition from a number of clubs in both Scotland and Ireland for his signature.

"I really like his attributes,” Higgins said. “Danny is a proven goalscorer and he will add more quality to the group. We've had a look at him in training this week and I'm confident he is going to fit in really well.”