Paddy McLaughlin: Ex-Cliftonville manager leaves position as Derry City assistant boss

Paddy McLaughlin left his position as Cliftonville manager to become Ruaidhri's assistant at Derry City in April 2023

Former Cliftonville manager Paddy McLaughlin has left his position as assistant boss of League of Ireland Premier Division side Derry City.

It is understood that McLaughlin was informed in December that he would no longer be working with the Derry City first team.

The ex-Candystripes player was appointed as Ruaidhri Higgins' assistant in April 2023.

McLaughlin was not present as Derry players began pre-season training.

The 44-year-old is believed to have been told of the decision after a meeting with Higgins before Christmas.

McLaughlin was highly regarded as a manager in Northern Ireland after guiding Institute to the Irish Premiership before a successful spell with Cliftonville, where he won the County Antrim Shield and League Cup.

The Reds finished just one point behind Linfield in the 2021-22 Irish Premiership title race.

After having been in charge of the north Belfast side since 2019, he left Solitude to become Higgins' assistant as the Brandywell outfit finished second in the Premier Division behind champions Shamrock Rovers.

McLaughlin was less than a year into a two and a half year contract with Derry when his departure was confirmed on Monday.

He had succeeded Alan Reynolds as Higgins' right-hand man.

In a statement on the club's website Derry said, "We wish Paddy every success in his next role, and we would hope to see him at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium supporting his hometown club when his schedule allows."

In November, McLaughlin told BBC Sport NI that he was "frustrated and annoyed" with rumours saying that he had agreed to become the new manager of Cork City, with Tom Clancy subsequently being appointed to the vacant post at the Turner's Cross club.