Connolly appointed Derry City director of football

Connolly captained Derry City before joining Coleraine in January

Mark Connolly has been appointed Derry City director of football after his decision to call time on his playing career.

Connollyleft Derry to link upwith former Candystripes boss Ruaidhri Higgins at Coleraine in January.

The Clones-born defender, 34, started his professional career at Bolton before spells at Crawley Town, Kilmarnock. Dundee United, where he won the Scottish Championship title in 2020.

He joined Derry in 2022 following a loan stint at Dundalk. helped the Brandywell club win the 2022 FAI Cup.

"I am delighted to rejoin the club in a new role and I can't wait to get started," said Connolly.

"I look forward to working with Tiernan [Lynch, manager]. everyone at the club to help create an environment where players, staff and the academy can thrive."

Coleraine boss Higgins said Connolly "had a great influence on the group" during his time at the Showgrounds as the Bannsiders won the Irish Cup for the first time since 2018.

"He probably didn't play as much as he would've liked towards the end,. his high level of professionalism remained the same," said Higgins.

"Mark has been exemplary with me and my staff throughout our years working together at Derry City and Coleraine.

"Naturally at 34-years-old, you think about what's next in your career. this new role at Derry City is a brilliant opportunity for him.

"I'm not surprised he's been offered that role as he has all the characteristics to be a success. We wish him the very best of luck in the next stage of his career."

Derry City sit sixth in the League of Ireland Premier Division standings. host Bohemians on Friday (19:45 BST), a game that can be watched on the BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app.

BBC iPlayer to stream Derry City's home games