Finn Harps appoint Darren Murphy as manager on permanent basis

Finn Harps have made Darren Murphy their permanent manager after he ended the season as caretaker boss.

Murphy had been assistant to previous manager Dave Rogers, who left the club in September, subsequently taking charge for the final five games of the season and earning seven points.

The Donegal club, who were relegated from the Premier Division in 2022, finished ninth of 10 teams in the First Division with 37 points from 36 matches.

Murphy holds a UEFA PRO coaching license, was previously head coach at Dungannon Swifts and also held first-team coaching roles at Linfield and Crusaders. He was Elite UEFA Academy Coach and Elite Performance Coach for the Irish Football Association and has managed Northern Ireland International sides at U16, U17 and U19 levels.

Finn Harps chairperson Ian Harkin said: "Darren's record both on the playing pitch and off it as a coach is very impressive. Having been in Ballybofey 12 months now he has built a familiarity with our community, the league itself and the players at the club.

"We are committed to developing our own and we have seen some amazing talents flourish this year, these lads all have experience now and we are confident we can push on and be competitive in 2024.

"During the year we have tied down the best of the talent in Donegal and in the off season hopefully we can bring back some of those who are playing either in the county or outside it back to Finn Harps once again to represent our club.

Murphy said: "I would like to thank Ian Harkin and the rest of the board for giving me this fantastic opportunity. After taking the team for the final six weeks of the season, it was something that I really, really enjoyed. So, when the opportunity arose to take the role in a full-time