Derry City chief on Kenny Bruce's laughing response to Tiernan Lynch approach

Derry City chief executive Sean Barrett says Larne majority stakeholder Kenny Bruce was "waiting on my call" as he explained the quick move to appoint Tiernan Lynch.

Lynch was confirmed as Derry's new manager on Monday evening, three days after Ruaidhri Higgins had parted company with the Candystripes.

Barrett says Lynch quickly emerged as Derry's number one candidate, with an overwhelming majority of board members targeting the 44-year-old to fill the Brandywell hot-seat.

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Speaking on Wednesday, Barrett said: "We were unaware this was going to happen until last Friday. Ruaidhri was the manager and we were happy for him to stay on. He then decided he wanted to go.

"We sat down and looked at the DNA we needed as a club going forward. We went through a list of people, and every single member kept coming up with the name Tiernan Lynch.

"We didn't know whether we would get him or not. He ticked every box we had. His vision, enthusiasm. All the things we need as a club.

"I walked out of that room and called Kenny Bruce and asked if there was any chance we could speak to Tiernan. He laughed and said 'I was waiting on this call'."

Barrett says Lynch's vision for Derry City was "everything" the club wanted to hear.

He added: "I went and spoke to Tiernan and his vision is everything we want. What he told me, it was as if he had one ear in that board meeting we held.

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"We have a new stand getting built which should be done in February. We are hoping to have more facility upgrades and new training academy pitches.

"Six months to a year ago I went to Larne for a look around and I was blown away by what I saw. The facilities are incredible. And I knew we had to emulate this.

"So what these guys have done over the past six or seven years, it is absolutely fantastic. We are absolutely delighted with our number one choice."

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