Felix Healy Becomes New Manager At Finn Park

Harps have appointed ex-Derry City manager Felix Healy as their new manager in what many fans see as a shock replacement to the recently departed Noel King and coincides with the departure of popular Ballybofey-man Sean McGowan.

'The Wizard' was assistant to both Jonathan Speak and Noel King and had taken temporary charge following their exits. He was highly involved with the youth structure of the club and is one of the highest qualified coaches in the league. His resignation will be greeted with dismay and he will be looked on as big loss for the club.

While the news that the board of directors have reacted quickly and found their man within ten days of Kings resignation will have been greeted by relief, there are quite a number of supporters who are far from happy with the appointment.

Healy won a 'treble' of major honours with Derry City in 1989 as a player and then won the Premier League title with them as manager in 1997. It was while he was boss at The Brandywell that he 'endeared' himself to the Harps faithful with comments about the Donegal club.

It is seen as a high-risk move by the Harps board. Healy has not managed since he left Derry in 1998 and there were a number of other highly experienced managers looking for the post including Jimmy McGeogh and Roddy Collins.

Although it may have divided the loyalties of many of the Finn Park faithful, all will be forgiven if he delivers that elusive league title.