EMMET MALONE

Derry City last night confirmed that Roddy Collins had left the club "by mutual consent" following a meeting with chairman Philip O'Doherty.

The Dubliner had only taken charge during the close season after guiding Athlone Town to promotion last year but his negative tactics, combined with the team’s poor start – City are seventh in the table with two wins and seven draws from 12 games – cost him the support of many fans and, ultimately, his employer.

Matters are believed to come to a head after Friday’s home defeat to Shamrock Rovers which assistant manager Peter Hutton missed due to his presence at the St Patrick’s Athletic versus Cork City match at Richmond Park.

Hutton is set to take over until the board meet next week but the former City captain and Finn Harps captain could well be confirmed to take on the position for the longer term.