Paddy McLaughlin no longer assistant manager at Derry City

Paddy McLaughlin has been told that he will no longer be working with the Derry City first team going forward.

It is believed that McLaughlin, who was appointed as the Candy Stripes’ assistant manager in April, was informed of the decision after a meeting with boss Ruaidhrí Higgins just before Christmas.

Derry City players returned to pre-season training last week and McLaughlin wasn't in attendance.

Speaking to Derry Now just last month, McLaughlin expressed his determination to stay at the club to see them become champions of Ireland.

“For the next two years, my sole focus will be on Derry City and trying to win a league, and playing my part like everyone does down there,” he insisted. “They all work hard and all the staff are brilliant. Ruaidhri has been good enough to give me the opportunity to come back and I feel that we’re going in the right direction.

“The professionalism right across the board, from the players to the staff is unreal. Philip has backed us in everything we could possibly ask for. I do believe we’re going to win the league within the next year or two and I want to be a part of that. I can’t stop the rumours – the rumours will come and go and it’s the same for players. These things happen, you just have to let it pass by and hopefully no-one gets too distracted by it, so my focus now is on pre-season which starts in a few weeks’ time.”