Loughgall confirm appointment of Darren Murphy as new manager

Darren Murphy has been officially unveiled as the new manager of Loughgall.

The Irish League Premiership strugglers have appointed the former Finn Harps manager on a three-year contract.

The 50-year-old stepped down as Harps manager on Tuesday night having opened talks with Loughgall.

Murphy has been installed as the full-time manager at Lakeview Park.

"We moved swiftly to appoint a new manager, and after a thorough selection process, we believe Darren is the ideal candidate to drive Loughgall FC forward,” Loughgall Chairman Sam Nicholson said. 

"We are excited to see Darren's impact throughout the club and are committed to ensuring a successful future for Loughgall FC. We hope our fans share our enthusiasm and ambition for the club's growth.

“His vision and expertise will be invaluable in developing our boys and girls youth academies.”

Murphy succeeds Dean Smith who recently left the club after almost nine years.

Harps will not be entitled to compensation after agreeing to release Murphy from the contract he penned in November.

Murphy informed Harps on Sunday that he wished to hear an offer from Loughgall, who approached senior Harps officials at the weekend seeking permission to open talks.

After resigning as Harps boss, Murphy told Donegal Live: I just wanted to make this decision at the other side so that I have the clear head to think about the other decision. It is very difficult to make decisions when you’re trying to juggle two things. 

“I had to be free from one to look at the other and that is just where I was at and where we sit now.

Read next: ‘I had to look at myself and what is best for me’: Darren Murphy

“There has been no fallout. There are no untold truths here and nothing that people have to dig to find out. There is nothing in it at all; it was just purely where I am in my own life.”