Budget cuts lead to Kevin Deery and Martin McCann departures - states Derry City boss Declan Devine

Derry City manager Declan Devine has confirmed the recent departures of assistant manager, Kevin Deery, and first team coach, Martin McCann, were down to budget cuts.
Declan Devine, Derry City manager.Declan Devine, Derry City manager.
Declan Devine, Derry City manager.

The Brandywell club confirmed last week that both Deery and McCann had left the club after two seasons with Devine revealing that cuts to his playing and non-playing staff budget following a difficult, Covid impacted season, made changes in both departments inevitable.

It was a situation which didn’t sit easy with the City boss but he believes both Deery and McCann will return to the game in the not too distant future.

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People have to understand that there was always going to be cut-backs and changes,” insisted Devine.

“I have known Kevin and Marty for a very long time and really enjoyed working with the boys. I worked with Marty for the guts of 10 years and Kevin was my captain and my assistant here. Kevin will be a huge loss to me personally, but with the pandemic and the cuts in budget - not just in the playing budget but also in the staff budget - it’s very unfortunate the two boys aren’t here again.

“We have got to work with what pounds and pence we have been given and make sure that we try to put a bit of structure into place over the next couple of weeks.

“I would certainly wish both of them the best for the future and I have no doubt they’ll be back in football again.

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“Kevin is only starting out in his coaching career and Marty has 10 years experience. I have no doubt Kevin Deery will be a huge success moving forward in whatever line of football he gets involved in.

“I class Kevin as a personal friend and someone whom I have remained very close to over the last couple of weeks. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before the two boys are back involved in the game again.”

Devine said that while he’s happy with his current coaching set-up, he may add one more person to his staff.

“At the minute I’m not talking to anybody. I’m in no rush to bring anyone in. My main focus is to strengthen the playing squad,” he added.

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“I have spoken to a lot of other coaches and managers that I know but I haven’t spoken to anyone in terms of replacing anyone.

“I will be sitting down with the board over the next week or two and potentially drawing up a list of a few people who I could potentially bring in, but at the same time, I’m happy with the technical staff that’s at the club.

“We’ll probably bring at least one more person in and hopefully we’ll be able to do that over the coming weeks but, as I said, my sole focus is on strengthening the playing squad. That’s my ultimate goal at the minute.”

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