Healy quits as Derry manager

Felix Healy resigned as manager of Derry City last night following the Brandywell club's poor start to their current National League campaign.

Derry have recorded just two wins from nine games, defeating newly-promoted sides Bray Wanderers and Waterford United. Former Northern Ireland international Healy openly admitted two weeks ago that he was considering his future following a Derry's defeat by Bohemians at the Brandywell. But 48 hours later he experienced a change of heart and decided to remain in the hot seat.

Clearly disappointed at his side's 2-2 draw with UCD on Sunday, Healy met with his chairman, Kevin Friel, last night and announced his decision to leave his home town club.

Confirming the news, Friel said that Healy had decided to step down after almost four years in charge and the Derry City board of directors had accepted his resignation.

The move comes in the wake of increasing pressure on Healy after he openly criticised a number of his senior playing staff. Against UCD, star striker Liam Coyle and Derry's longest serving player Paul Curran were both axed from the starting line-up.

Healy had been at the helm since December 1994 and during his tenure the 43-year-old guided Derry to the Premier Division championship in 1996, securing the league by a record-breaking 10 points. He also led the "Candystripes" to an FAI Cup success the previous year while also finishing runners-up to Dundalk in the Premier Division.

Commenting late last night the Derry chairman publicly thanked Healy for his efforts during his reign and wished him every success for the future.

And his managerial career is expected to continue in the Irish League where his former club, Coleraine, are expected to express an immediate interest in re-signing their former boss.

For next Sunday's game against Finn Harps, Derry City are expected to appoint current assistant boss Kevin Mahon as a caretaker manager until a suitable replacement can be found.