Collins leaves Derry by ‘mutual consent’

Roddy Collins tenure as manager of Derry City ended last night.

The Candystripes released a statement saying the Dubliner had left the club “by mutual consent” following a meeting with club chairman Philip O’Doherty.

Peter Hutton is expected to take over as caretaker boss.

Derry face Cork City next Friday night, and City boss John Caulfield says a top-four finish is Cork City’s target for the season.

Cork’s terrific unbeaten start to the league season ended with back-to-back defeats. Nevertheless, Caulfield believes his players redeemed themselves in Friday’s last minute 3-2 defeat at champions St Patrick’s Athletic, after the previous week’s 4-0 trouncing in Dundalk.

“After last week there were question marks about players, but I felt we’d bounce back and never doubted the character,” says Caulfield. “We gave a fantastic account of ourselves [against Pats] and I’m bitterly disappointed not to get something.

“A lot of the players here haven’t played high profile matches. There is no pressure on you in games when you’re in the bottom half of the table coming towards the end of the season. Pressure is playing in front of 5,500at Turner’s Cross. That’s what our lads have to learn, and they will.”

Asked for his target for the season, Caulfield replied: “Top four. We’re home next Friday and Derry have a big side. There will be a big crowd. There will be no panic and I still think we will do fine during the season.”