I had to go insists ex-Derry City youth coach

John Quigg felt now is the right time to leave Derry City.

The ex-Derry City defender left the Brandywell club after over a decade of service in his position as youth coach.

Quigg felt the drastic changes made by Youth Academy Director, Paddy McCourt in such a short timeframe, made it clear to him that it was time to leave the club.

Following his appointment, the former Celtic winger has replaced all the youth coaches with the exception of Eddie Seydak. However it’s believed the former Limavady United manager will follow Quigg out the Brandywell door in the coming months.

“First off I haven’t fallen out with anyone and I want to state that straight away,” insisted Quigg.

“Derry City is my club but I feel the changes Paddy has made, and there has been a lot of changes in a short spell, has meant I feel I need to move on.

“Look, change can be good but it can also be a bad thing and as I said I feel Paddy has made too many changes too quickly.”

Quigg, who came to the club in 2006, admits he’s going to take time out but wants to return to football in the future and hasn’t ruled out management.

“For the last six or seven years I have been running Derry City’s U19’s and then the Ulster Senior League side and that takes up 50 odd weeks of the year, so I’m going to take a break,” he stated.

“However I feel I want to manage a senior club at some stage in my career, but we’ll see what happens.

“I will also keep an eye on all the youth teams at Derry City because I want them and the club to progress. As I said, Derry City is my team and I will always be a fan.

“Having worked at youth level for some 13 years I want that work to continue at Derry City and I hope they continue to bring through youth players into the first team.”

Meanwhile, McCourt was full of praise for Quigg’s efforts in a statement from the club this week.

“Derry City FC wish to put on record our sincere thanks to John for 13 years of quality unbroken service,” said McCourt.

“He is a top coach and will be a big loss to the club and we want to thank him sincerely for everything he has done here.”