Paddy McCourt is set to move into coaching as the Head of Derry City’s Youth Academy.
The 34-year-old is in his second season playing for Finn Harps but will hang up his playing boots in September to take up his new job at the Brandywell.
McCourt thrilled Celtic fans for five years with an incredible array of skills that produced a number of incredible solo goals.
Gordon Strachan agreed a £200,000 fee with Derry City for the winger in 2008 but it was under Tony Mowbray that he was given his top team chance before Neil Lennon took over.
It’s been a busy day so far, with the confirmation of an off the field addition.https://t.co/Htp7jC77Ln pic.twitter.com/0HXVpKkDSL
— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) June 11, 2018
Looking ahead to his new role McCourt told the Derry City website: “I’m really happy to be coming back to Derry City and in particular to have the opportunity to oversee this new development programme.
“The club has identified an area where they feel more work is needed to secure the future of the younger players as they come through the ranks and it is a challenge I am relishing.
“It looks like there will be plenty of work ahead so I have notified Finn Harps that I will be retiring when my current contract is up to concentrate fully on this role”
After Celtic McCourt had spells with Barnsley, Brighton and Luton before returning to Ireland where he had a short spell with Glenavon before moving to Finn Harps.
Celtic will no doubt be keeping a close eye on developments in Derry in the hope of snapping up the next Paddy McCourt.