Higgins staying with Derry following Barnsley interest

Derry City boss Ruaidhrí Higgins will not be taking over at English League One side Barnsley.

Higgins was on the radar for the South Yorkshire club as they look to replace Michael Duff.

The former Republic of Ireland opposition analyst, who took over at the Brandywell from Declan Devine in 2021, travelled to the Faroe Islands with assistant boss Paddy McLaughlin and director Sean Barrrett over the weekend to watch Derry's Europa Conference League opponents HB Torshavn.

It's believed the Tykes, who lost to Sheffield Wednesday in the League One play-off final in May, had considered the Limavady man for their position.

However Higgins was one of a number of potential targets for Barnsley and they are set to look elsewhere.

It's a boost for Derry as a departure couldn't have come at a worse time for the Candystripes.

The Foylesiders, who sit in third place in the Premier Division six points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers, face Sligo Rovers on Friday night, then travel to Torshavn next Wednesday as they start their European campaign, before beginning their defence of the FAI Cup with a home tie against Athlone Town on 23 July.

The 38-year-old, who will celebrate his 100th game in charge at Shelbourne on Friday night, was linked with a move to Notts County last year.

The hierarchy at Barnsley valued Higgins' possession-based style of football and was one of the reasons he came on their radar for the role at Oakwell Stadium.

Derry are expected to strengthen their squad with Scottish striker Daniel Mullen joining the club in the coming days.

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