Derry City: Mark Connolly appointed director of football after calling time on career

Mark Connolly has been appointed Derry City Director of Football after deciding to call time on his playing career.

Connolly Derry left to link up With former Candystrip boss Ruidhari Higgins in Coleraine in January.

The Clones-born defender, 34, began his professional career at Bolton before spells at Crawley Town, Kilmarnock and Dundee United, where he won the Scottish Championship title in 2020.

He joined Derry in 2022 after a loan spell at Dundalk and helped the Brandywell club win the 2022 FAI Cup.

“I’m delighted to rejoin the club in a new role and I can’t wait to get started,” said Connolly.

“I look forward to working with Tiernan (Lynch, manager) and everyone at the club to help create an environment where the players, staff and academy can thrive.”

Coleraine boss Higgins said Connolly had “made a great impact on the group” during his time at the Showground as the Bannsiders won the Irish Cup for the first time since 2018.

“He probably didn’t play as much as he would have liked of late, but his high level of professionalism was the same,” Higgins said.

“Mark has been exemplary to me and my staff throughout our years working together in Derry City and Coleraine.

“Naturally at 34, you think about what’s next in your career and this new role at Derry City is a brilliant opportunity for him.

“I am not surprised that he has been offered this role as he has all the attributes to succeed. We wish him all the best in the next phase of his career.”

Derry City sit sixth in the League of Ireland Premier Division standings and host Bohemians on Friday (19:45 BST), a game which can be seen on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app.