Paddy McLaughlin is set to take over as assistant manager at Derry City after he stepped down as Cliftonville manager.
The Reds confirmed McLaughlin's departure after four years in charge at Solitude.
As we reported on Monday morning Candystripes boss Ruaidhri Higgins was looking to make an appointment "imminently" following Alan Reynolds departure to Waterford.
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McLaughlin came close to joining Derry two years ago when Higgins looked to take his good friend to the Brandywell, but the former Coleraine and Institute defender stayed at Solitude leading the Reds to a second placed finish in the league.
But it seems the pull of his hometown club has been too strong this time.
It is far from ideal timing for Cliftonville though as they fight to secure European football for next season.
They have two league games still to play and if they fail to finish in second place they will go into the end of season European play-offs.
In a statement on their website the club said: "Cliftonville Football Club can confirm that Paddy McLaughlin has this evening stepped down as Manager.
"All at Solitude thank Paddy for his time at the Club, his dedication to the job and the trophy successes he has delivered since his appointment in 2019.
"Having provided a series of memorable highlights and Club records in his four years with the Reds, he departs with our sincere gratitude and very best wishes for the future.
"The Club will announce interim arrangements in due course and will immediately begin the process to appoint a new Manager."
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