Paddy McLaughlin appointed Institute manager following the departure of Kevin Derry

Paddy McLaughlin has been confirmed as the new manager of Institute following Kevin Deery’s departure.

The former ‘Stute skipper has been Deery’s assistant for the past two years, and has been announced as his replacement following a meeting of the club board and chairman Bill Anderson.

The 37-year-old was involved as a player when ‘Stute last played Danske Bank Premiership football in the 2014/15 season, and he has since been in the dug-out when the Drumahoe outfit have missed out on promotion back to the top flight following play-off defeats to Ballinamallard and, most recently, Carrick Rangers.

Deery’s departure came days after that 4-1 second leg defeat to Rangers, and two weeks later McLaughlin said he is pleased to take up the vacant position.

“I’m just glad it’s been put to bed now to be honest because I’ve been getting a load of texts and phone calls asking what’s happening and I haven’t really been able to say anything about,” the manager told the Derry News.

“I’m delighted to be given the opportunity by the club and looking forward I’m just excited to get into pre-season with the boys now and to start planning for the season ahead.”