Football: Higgins confirmed as new Bannsiders boss

Coleraine have confirmed the appointment of Ruaidhrí Higgins as the club’s new first-team manager.

The Limavady man returns to The Showgrounds, where he ended his playing career in 2016. Higgins joins the club ahead of a crucial European play-off campaign and has already begun will working with the squad.

“I’m honoured to be taking on this role at a club that means a great deal to me," says Higgins. "This is a club with ambition, with passionate supporters, and a proud history. I’m excited to get started, to meet the players and staff, and to build something that brings success on the pitch and pride off it.

"The immediate focus is the play-offs — and we’ll give everything to finish the season strongly.

After a playing career that included spells with Derry City and Dundalk, winning the League of Ireland title with the latter, Higgins hung up his boots in Coleraine colours.

Since then, he has worked with the Republic of Ireland national team and more recently managed Derry City to silverware, including the 2022 FAI Cup and the 2023 President’s Cup.

Higgins has confirmed that Conor Loughrey will join his backroom staff.

Executive Chairman and majority shareholder Henry Ross added: “We’re excited to welcome Ruaidhrí to Coleraine at a key moment for the club.

"This is an important appointment made with both the short term and long term in mind. Ruaidhrí has my full confidence, and we believe he’s the right person to lead us into this next chapter.”