Declan Devine has said he was “gutted” his to lose his job as manager of Derry City.
Declan Devine with the FAI Cup which he led Derry to last year.
The 40-year-old ended a 14 year long association with the club as a player, coach and manager when he left the Candy Stripes by mutual consent yesterday evening.
The former goalkeeper’s departure followed a meeting with the club’s chairman and vice-chairman during which it was agreed he would leave the club.
Devine said: “It was well documented I wanted to stay but we came to the conclusion that it was best we part our ways and I had said when it was my time to leave I would hold my hands up as well.”
The former boss, who led to Derry to FAI Cup success last season, said he found his departure “difficult” to accept.
He added: “I still believe in my ability I feel proud of the job I have done at Derry City Football Club. It is difficult to accept but it is part and parcel of it.”
And he said he was “thankful” to the club’s board of directors for the opportunity they gave to him to manage the club he loved.
He added: “I am very grateful for the opportunity I was presented with.
“I am extremely proud of the job I have done. It has been a fantastic opportunity and I am honestly delighted with the backing from the board of directors and the players and the from my backroom staff.
“I am disappointed at this moment in time but you have to move on and be psoitive and football is a big game and you have to be a big person to deal with it.”
He added: “I ask people to get behind the football club and back the board of diretors in their msision to find a new manager and I will certainly be back on the terraces as a supporter.”
He concluded: “I will take a couple of days and gather my thoughts and I look forward to the future. I am young and still believe I have a huge role to play in football and am looking forward to the future.”
Meanwhile, Roddy Collins, who has just led Athlone Town to the First Division title and former Brandywell favourite and former Finn Harps manager, Peter Hutton, are among the forerunners to replace Devine as the Brandywell team boss.
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