Derry football: Paddy Tally appointment set to end Oak Leafers’ four-month search

The Galbally native had a stint in Brian McIver’s Derry management team after being part of James McCartan’s backroom team when Down reached the 2010 All-Ireland.

After a stint as Galway coach, Tally worked as Down manager between 2019 and 2021 before taking on the Kerry role after O’Connor’s return to the Kingdom post.

In September, Tally committed to Kerry again for 2025 but in a new performance coach role with Cian O’Neill having being appointed as head coach in O’Connor’s management team.

Previous Derry boss Harte stepped down as manager in early July after one season in charge following the county’s All-Ireland quarter-final exit at the hands of Kerry.

Harte, a shock appointment 14 months ago, guided the Oak Leafers to a National Football League Division One title but oversaw a difficult championship campaign.