DECLAN DEVINE HAS been appointed as the new first-team manager at Derry City on a two-year deal, with Paul Hegarty named as his assistant.

The 38-year-old was second in command to Stephen Kenny last season and takes over in the hot seat following the latter’s departure to Shamrock Rovers.

Devine, a former player for the club, was previously Youth Development Officer with City before being promoted to a first-team role, which he retained when Kenny arrived in 2004.

The pair led the Candystripes to League and FAI Cup glory until Dunfermline came calling two years later. The ex-goalkeeper returned to City, along with Kenny, in 2007 and oversaw the club’s return to the Premier Division in 2010.

Others linked with the job include former Celtic defender Willie McStay, ex Sligo Rovers and Bohemians boss Sean Connor and Paul Hegarty, another former Derry City star.

The club has seen several key players sign up for 2012 – including Gerard Doherty, Ruaighri Higgins and Eddie McCallion – but has seen others, the likes of striker Eamon Zayed, Stewart Greacen and Gareth McFlynn, leave to join sides in Iran, the Irish League and Australia.

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