Kevin Deery has signed a one-year contract to continue as assistant manager to Gerard Lyttle with Sligo Rovers for the 2018 season.
The 33-year-old joined the club in September as an addition to Lyttle’s backroom team when previous assistant manager Ryan Casey was unable to continue.
He previously spent two seasons as manager of Institute, leading them to successive promotion play-off matches and an Intermediate Cup win.
Deery made 302 competitive appearances as a midfielder during almost 12 years at Derry City.
Lyttle said: “It’s terrific to have Kevin on board again. He has high standards from his playing career and the way he has started this side of the game as well to be honest. His coaching, man-management, it’s top class and it has been a big benefit to the club.
“He is straight down the middle, honest and challenges you every day which is what I want and what I like to work with.
“When he came in late last season he fitted in very well. The players know what to expect from him. He puts big demands on you and it rubs off on everyone because he is a winner. I’m delighted he is part of the club for the season ahead.”
Deery said: “I came close to promotions twice with Institute and felt it was the time to take a break. Gerard is the type of person that does his research extensively, so it was a great compliment that my name came up when he was looking for an assistant and that it fitted so well. Gerard is someone I have a lot of respect for in how he has done so far as a manager and how he operates.
“When he made the call last year it was something I was happy to take on because I know Sligo Rovers from when I was competing against them as a player and it’s a club with a great footing and full-time as well.
“I feel we have clicked really well. I think he likes someone who doesn’t just sit on the sideline. He wants you involved and we work well together.
“I feel I still have plenty to learn at just 33 in this side of the game and this role has worked out brilliantly because I love the pitchside stuff and coaching and you obviously get involved in many more aspects.
“Gerard has that extra bit of maturity and experience from Cliftonville and it’s going to be a great experience for me. It was a hectic couple of months last year. We had a lot of work to do to keep the club in the division and obviously I was just coming in late on and looking to add something.
“We stayed up and had to win a lot of games to do so. The Sligo I remember was always a footballing side and we had to adjust to win games. It wasn’t something I was used to but showed you do what you have to win games. Gerard did tremendously to put that run together as did the players and now we start looking to improve in 2018.
“It’s going to be a bit different this year hopefully, but I don’t think we are looking for a quick fix because it’s going to take a lot more effort to get the club higher up the table. It’s not going to happen overnight.
“Gerard organised many meetings in the last few weeks to get pre-season right and we’re just beginning that now. I must say I enjoyed the Leonidas game as the trip away gave me more of a feel for the club being with the chairman and treasurer as there wasn’t any time for that really last season. I’m excited to be here again, to be part of Sligo Rovers and to get the season started next month which I think we’re all excited about.”
