Darren Murphy confirms Finn Harps pre-season plans, tells fans: 'Players are here for you’

Finn Harps manager Darren Murphy says that any players on his roster are those who ‘want’ to be at the club.

Murphy addressed the annual general meeting of the Finn Harps Co-Operative Society Ltd on Sunday night: ‘The players are here for you’.

Murphy was initially recruited as Dave Rogers’ assistant and took over as caretaker manager following Rogers’ departure in September.

Now holding the reigns, Murphy has confirmed that Derry City and Sligo Rovers will visit Finn Park in pre-season and has been content with his business so far in the closed season.

Thirteen players from the 2023 panel have already agreed contracts while Max Johnston and Darragh Coyle have been elevated to the first team panel.

“Each and all have agreed to a pay cut to stay,” Murphy said. “Even a few of the young players have agreed to a few pound off as they know the predicament that we are in.

“Other managers are quite surprised that we are in the position that we are. At the moment, we have only lost two and two more will go on the transfer list.”

Murphy confirmed that Derry City will come to Finn Park on January 14 with another friendly between the two clubs scheduled for January 27 at the Brandywell. In between times, Harps will go to Inishowen League side Gleneely Colts on January 21 as part of an open day at Glenview Park.

Before the start of the 2024 season, Sligo Rovers will come to Finn Park in early February.

Murphy said: “The friendlies are ideal and will build a good strong bond and relationships.”

Murphy has recruited Eamon Curry as assistant manager while Harps legend Kevin McHugh has been confirmed as assistant coach and head of development. McHugh will continue to work as Harps’ head of academy.

Physio Nichola Ayres will stay in place and Georgie Keys will assist on home match days. Dougie McNulty continues as kit manager and Shane Elliott remains in a liaison role.

Tommy Walsh and Russell Porter, who have been confirmed as Harps’ new U19 and U17 head coaches, will also be involved in first team sessions.

Murphy said: “I would like to pay thanks to the supporters. The players are here for you.

“I will do my best for whatever length of time that I am here. I certainly won’t overstay my welcome here, but it has been so far, so good.

“Hopefully results will improve. The only thing that I will promise is that the players will play for you.”

Harps Chairperson Ian Harkin said Murphy was a ‘steadying influence’ after Rogers parted company with the club, less than a year into a four-year term.

Harkin said: “The players seemed to have a bit more joy and a bit more freer. That probably influenced us in Darren’s appointment.”