In a major announcement on Monday, Derry City confirmed reports over the weekend, that former player Paddy McCourt would be returning to the club.
However, it’s not in a playing role, as the 34 year-old will be the new Head of the Youth Academy at the Brandywell.
The midfielder will continue his playing role with Finn Harps until the end of his current contract, will ends at the end of the season. It’s likely that McCourt will hang up his boots once his contract ends.
Derry confirmed that the Board of Directors had been working alongside Manager, Kenny Shiels, to identify ways of enhancing and re-structuring the support network for City's underage squads, and see Paddy as the perfect fit for those plans.
His experience, profile and ambition are exactly what the club feels is required to get the best out of the potential pool of talent both in this city and beyond.
The new role will mean Paddy will oversee the progress of the under-13's, under-15's, under-17's and under-19's and their managers will report into the new Head of the Academy.
Paddy spoke about his new role saying,
"I'm really happy to be coming back to Derry City and in particular to have the opportunity to oversee this new development programme" he said, “The club has identified an area where they feel more work is needed to secure the future of the younger players as they come through the ranks and it is a challenge I am relishing."
"It looks like there will be plenty of work ahead so I have notified Finn Harps that I will be retiring when my current contract is up to concentrate fully on this role".
City spokesman Sean Barrett added that the club was sure they have got the right man.
"We are delighted to be bringing someone of Paddy McCourt's stature into this role. He is a local guy who has graced football's biggest stages and he will hopefully inspire our young boys and girls to reach for the heights that he has."
Picture Credit: Derry City FC
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