Ruaidhri Higgins will remain as Derry City manager despite interest from League One club Barnsley.
Higgins held talks with the Oakwell outfit but, after taking training today, will be in the dugout for Derry City's Premier Division clash with Sligo Rovers at the Brandywell tomorrow night.
The 38-year-old celebrated 100 games in the Candystripes' hot-seat last Friday, when his side drew 1-1 with Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
READ MORE: Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins linked with Barnsley move
He then travelled to the Faroe Islands to watch Derry's upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League opponents HB Torshavn, before speculation blew up that he could join Barnsley in time for their pre-season friendly with Flyde this weekend.
"I'm really, really committed to this and it was never certain that I was going to go anyway," said Higgins, speaking at a press conference in Derry this afternoon.
"I genuinely don't feel that my commitment to this club can ever be questioned.
"I didn't go looking for anything, let's be assured of that, and I never will go looking for anything."
Higgins explained that Barnsley approached City last week for permission to speak with him.
"That was granted, I spoke to them and had a couple of conversations. That's where it ended," he added.
"I can't control media speculation and I can't control what goes around. I have never applied for a job and I will never apply for a job when I am manager of Derry, I will assure you that.
"People aren't privy to private conversations that go on, but it was never, ever a foregone conclusion."
Derry are currently in third place in the Premier Division, four points off leaders Shamrock Rovers, and are the reigning FAI Cup holders.
"I've two-and-a-half years left on my deal and that is where it's at," Higgins said.
"I love it here and the club have been brilliant to me, the supporters have been brilliant and I've never indicated, at any point, my desire to ever leave this football club.
"They are a big football club and it shows, as a club, we are going in the right direction.
"Don't get me wrong, results haven't been brilliant of late, but the club is going in the right direction and we are trying to do things right here.
"The players know how committed I am to this football club. I work night and day to try and help this football club and will continue to do so until the day I am told any different.
"The players know the work that we all put in here. We are all very together and we want to take this club forward."
Barnsley lost manager Michael Duff to Swansea City last month after he guided them to the League One play-off final, where they were beaten by a last minute goal by Sheffield Wednesday.
It is believed Higgins' innovative ways made him a front-runner for the vacant post that has gone to Neill Collins today.
Meanwhile, Derry have confirmed the signing of striker Danny Mullen, who previously played for Livingston before spells at St Mirren, Dundee and Partick Thistle.
“I really like his attributes," said Higgins. "Danny is a proven goalscorer and he will add more quality to the group.
“We’ve had a look at him in training this week and I’m confident he is going to fit in really well.
“Himself and Paul McMullan are new players that our supporters will hopefully enjoy watching, and we’re working hard to have them both registered in time to feature in the match-night squad for Sligo Rovers tomorrow.
“We’re coming into a very busy part of the season between the league, the start of the FAI cup and our European journey, but it’s something we can all really look forward to."
