Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins addresses his future after season-ending implosion for Candystripes
Derry City were in with a shot of winning the double less that three weeks ago but have finished with nothing and won't be in Europe
Under-fire Ruaidhri Higgins insists he wants to stay on as Derry City boss despite finishing the season empty handed.
The Candystripes boss has one-year left to run on his contract but will come under ferocious pressure after seeing Derry blow their chance to win a double.
Higgins’ side went into the penultimate night of the league season with two trophies still in their sights but have finished with nothing and won’t be in Europe next year.
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“The club means an awful lot to me,” said Higgins. “I get criticised for being emotionless at times but, believe me, I’m an extremely emotional person and this hurts bad. It affects your life and the people around you, but do I still have the drive and hunger? When the dust settles, my intention now is to keep going.”
Higgins continued: “I back myself. I’ve worked extremely hard to be in this position. Football is my life and results can go against you and go for you. But I’ve always remained confident in myself and have belief in what I do. I’m young, just turned 40, and there’s been an awful lot of learning this year.
“I’m sure I’ll continue to keep developing. It’s what I love, what I do and all I know. I love the game. But it’s very, very raw right now. I’ve had eight years with the club as a player, and three-and-a half as manager, so that’s over 12 years representing this club.
“I’m extremely proud of that but it’s extremely raw at this moment in time. I’m still in contract and when times are tough, you have two options. You can roll over, or you can come out fighting. I live in a city that when the going gets tough, you come out fighting and I’m sure that’s what we’ll do.
“I have a really good relationship with Philip (O’Doherty, the owner) and he has been a big supporter of mine. His support has been unbelievable. But it’s not about me. As a collective we haven’t been good. The thing that really hurts badly is that we had both trophies in our own hands and we have come up short.”
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And Higgins admits that Derry City will need to make sweeping changes to the squad next season with uncertainty surrounding a number of key players.
Will Patching is out of contract and likely to leave, while Patrick McEleney, Brian Maher and Adam O’Reilly are among the other high profile players yet to sign new seals. And the lack of European football is likely to impact the Candystripes ability to attract big names next year.
Higgins said: “There has to be a refresh and a reboot. There is work to be done, that’s for sure.”
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