Former Derry City manager Declan Devine has taken to Facebook to thank fans for their support and hail the Candy Stripes the “best club in Ireland.”
Former Derry City manager Declan Devine.
The former goalkeeper ended a 14 year association with his home town club when his tenure at Brandywell was ended by mutual consent.
Devine’s reign at Candy Stripes came to an end despite winning the FAI Cup last season and finishing fourth in the Airtricity Premiership this year – a position which could see Derry play in next season’s Europa League if Sligo Rovers, who finished third in the league, defeat Drogheda United in Sunday’s FAI Cup final.
His message posted on Facebook reads: “I’m sorry i haven’t been on here in a long time and am amazed to come on today and see so so many kind and supportive words from a lot of true friends. It’s been a very tough weekend but I am extremly proud to have supported, played, coached and especially managed the best club in Irish football.
“I am proud of my time at the club and ask now that everyone gets right behind the next man to get the job, whoever it might be. Thanks again for the many many kind comments.”
He signed the post “Declan CTID” (City Till I Die).
Meanwhile, Drogheda United manager Mick Cooke has spoken publicly about his desire to succeed Devine.
Following a breakdown in his relations with the Drogheda board of directors, Cooke will be out of a job following Sunday’s FAI Cup final against Sligo.
The 62-year-old has made it no secret he would like to be the next manager Derry or Cork City, who are also without a team boss.
He said: “I’d love to get a big club to manage. I think with my experience and all I’ve done in the league I’d be well capable of managing any club in the league.”
He also confirmed he would be prepared to move to either city.
“I’ve nothing to hold me down. My children are grown up and my wife will give me the full backing anywhere I go.”
Cooke said he was still in the dark as to why Drogheda will dispense with his services at the end the cup final clash.
“It’s a mystery to me. The goal posts just kept moving in different queries by board members. Certainly, there’s no legal problem. No disciplinary problem.”
Cooke is the only man linked with the Derry job to speak publicly about succeeding Devine.
The others – Athlone manager Roddy Collins, former Finn Harps and Derry favourite Peter Hutton and ex Coleraine and Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shields – have yet to comment.
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