Paddy McCourt: Former NI and Celtic winger McCourt to leave Derry City
- Published
Paddy McCourt (left) and Derry manager Ruaidhrí Higgins before a game against Bohemians in 2021
Paddy McCourt will leave Derry City after eight years service as a player, Academy manager and technical director.
The 40-year-old former NI and Celtic winger has decided to pursue a "fresh challenge" a month after having a sexual assault conviction overturned.
McCourt was suspended by Derry when he was charged with the assault in February 2022.
"I feel at this time that a fresh challenge is something I need to pursue," said McCourt.
"I would like to thank the club for the opportunity as both a player and as Academy Manager and Technical Director, for which I am forever grateful," he told the club website.
"The eight years I spent at Derry City FC have been some of the most enjoyable of my career - I appreciate the club's understanding of my wishes in this regard.
"I wish the club every success in the future and look forward to attending games in the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium as a fan this season. Best of luck to Ruaidhrí Higgins, his staff and the players for the season ahead."
McCourt, who scored two goals in 18 appearances for Northern Ireland, was given a three-month suspended sentence after being found guilty last year of inappropriately touching a woman in a bar in Londonderry in January 2022.
He had denied the charge and a court in Derry quashed that conviction on 5 December after prosecutors offered no evidence.
"Patrick has been a great servant to Derry City FC in his spells at the club. He will forever be welcome in the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium and I personally would like to thank him for his efforts at the club," said Derry chairman Philip O'Doherty
"I fully respect his wishes to pursue new challenges and wish him all the best for the future."