Ruaidhri Higgins returns to join management team at Dundalk

Dundalk have announced that former midfielder Ruaidhri Higgins has replaced the departed Gerry Spain in the club’s management team.

Spain left the Lilywhites earlier this month after four highly successful years as a coach and opposition analyst, a role which will now be filled by Higgins.

The Derry native played for Stephen Kenny’s side in 2014 and was an integral member of the team who delivered Dundalk’s first league title in 19-years, before moving on to sign for Coleraine in the Irish Premiership.

Higgins departed the Bannsiders in December and is now looking forward to the first non-playing job of his professional career.

Speaking to dundalkfc.com, the 33-year-old said: “I am delighted to be back albeit in a different role.

“When I left Dundalk, I planned to play until I was 33 or 34 but you never know what’s around the corner in football.

“I parted company with Coleraine about a month ago, and I wanted something fresh,” the former Coventry City academy player said.

“I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to continue playing because I had slight doubts. I decided that if I had any doubts about playing to knock it on the head and I was fortunate enough that Stephen offered me a very good opportunity.”

He concluded: “I am looking forward to it and I am going to give it my best.”