Larne boss Lynch possible contender to replace Higgins

Derry City have begun the search for Ruaidhrí Higgins’ replacement, with Larne boss Tiernan Lynch a possible major contender.

A host of names have been branded about as a possible successor with the likes of Jim Crawford, John O’Shea and Ian Baraclough all being mentioned.

Closer to home the Brandywell men’s current assistant manager Paul Hegarty is sure to be a candidate as well as former Dundalk gaffer and current Bohemians number two Stephen O’Donnell, ex-City title winner James Keddy, who recently left the managerial spot at Wexford, after guiding the First Division men to the FAI Cup semi-final and just missing out on a promotion spot.

Lynch, who has lead the Inver Park men to two Irish League Premiership crowns and guided them into the Europa Conference League group stages and thus becoming the first Irish League club to reach that stage.

However what he achieved with Kenny Bruce’s backing at Larne the most impressive thing was that he took them from the First Division into the Premiership, but the whole infrastructure and work behind the scenes is something which is sure to have impressed the Brandywell club’s hierarchy.

The Invermen’s set-up both on and off the pitch is something that the Foylesiders have been keeping a close eye on and their youth academy and training complex is second to none throughout Ireland.

Lynch only recently turned down a chance to manage Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone, as it’s felt the Saints ambition didn’t match the 44-year-olds and that drive and ambition would certainly be matched with the Candy Stripes.

City chairman Philip O’Doherty backed Higgins massively in the transfer market and off the pitch he continues to pour money into the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium improvements, to be fair the Derry supporters have also come out in their numbers.

Despite what was a disappointing 2024 campaign the Candy Stripes took 20,000 fans to the Aviva Stadium last week and the potential to make Derry the biggest club in Ireland is something which would likely excite Lynch.

One man who may not be in the running is Higgins’ former assistant Paddy McLaughlin, as he looks to be a front runner for the Glenavon job.

The Lurgan Blues sacked Stephen McDonnell after their loss at Dungannon Swifts on Saturday and it’s thought that McLaughlin would be a major contender for the Mourneview Park men.

As for Higgins he conceded that leaving the club now was the right time for him.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I leave Derry City FC. As a proud Derry City man, it has been an honour to manage this football club - I have always given my all,” he wrote in his statement.

“Along with the staff, we took over on the 23rd April 2021 with the club at the bottom of the table. That season we qualified for Europe, my proudest achievement to date.

“In 2022 we won the FAI Cup for the first time in a decade and finished 2nd in the league and in 2023 we played in three rounds in Europe, again finishing second in the league.

“I am proud of all we have achieved together but I cannot deny that 2024 has been disappointing considering we were hoping to complete a domestic double and ultimately fell short.

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“I’d like to place on record my sincere thanks to the Chairman, Philip O’Doherty, for his unwavering support from start to finish.

“To the players, staff, board, volunteers and the supporters that backed us through the good and difficult times I thank you.

“I’ve had the privilege of managing some fantastic players. I have no doubt that the group will continue to compete for honours in the seasons ahead.”