Ruaidhri Higgins has left his post as manager of Derry City, a week after their 2-0 FAI Cup final defeat to Drogheda.

The 40-year-old took over at the Brandywell in April 2021 and led the Candystripes to cup success in 2022.

Under his management, Derry finished second in the Irish Premier Division twice – in 2022 and 2023 – and fought another title challenge this season, eventually finishing fourth.

However, that league finish – coupled with cup final defeat in Dublin last week – means Derry will not play European football next season.

In a statement on Friday, Higgins admitted that the 2024 season had been “disappointing” but that it had been “an honour” to manage the Candystripes and that he had “always given my all”.

“I am proud of all we have achieved together but I cannot deny that 2024 has been disappointing considering we were hoping to complete a domestic double and ultimately fell short,” Higgins said.