Sligo in hunt for manager after Adams quits

Sligo Rovers have vowed to act swiftly in appointing a successor to Mickey Adams after the manager quit yesterday citing family reasons.

While his three months in charge at the Showgrounds were unspectacular, he achieved the short-term goal of salvaging a disastrous season by keeping the team in the Premier Division.

Former Shamrock Rovers and Bray Wanderers boss Trevor Croly has been linked with the vacancy again, but it is understood the fans’ preference is a return to the club for Ian Baraclough, their league-winning manager from 2012, who was controversially sacked 16 months ago. He was most recently in charge of SPL outfit Motherwell.

“I have had to make a very difficult decision that for family reasons I will return to England,” said veteran coach Adams. “It is never an easy decision to put yourself out of work, but I have to put my family first.”

Meanwhile, Derry City, are on the hunt for a new gaffer following the resignation of Paul Hegarty. The former player ruled himself out of the running after his caretaker spell ended with defeat against Longford Town on Friday.

“I have no doubt that I will regret this in a few weeks’ time... but I think I have made the decision for the right reasons,” said Hegarty who stepped in once Peter Hutton was fired six weeks ago.

Elsewhere, Galway United have re-signed teen striker Padraic Cunningham for next season, while goalkeeper Peter Cherrie has signed a new two-year deal with Bray Wanderers.