Paddy Tally set to be named as new Derry senior football manager

Paddy Tally is in line to become the new Derry senior manager, bringing an end to a four-month search for a replacement for Mickey Harte.

The former All-Ireland winning manager left his role as Oak Leaf boss in July following disappointing Ulster and All-Ireland campaigns, but there was no quick replacement as a number of candidates ruled themselves out of the role.

Tally was part of the Tyrone panel which was beaten in the 1995 All-Ireland final before then going on to coach Tyrone to their first All-Ireland title under Harte in 2003.

While no date has yet been set for his official appointment, it is understood that the Derry County board will put Tally’s name forward to clubs for ratification as their new senior football manager.

More recently, Tally coached Kerry to an All-Ireland title under Jack O’Connor before being named as the team’s Performance Coach for 2025.

Tally will replace Harte, whose time at Derry was considered a disappointment, despite the high of defeating Dublin in a thrilling game to deliver the National Football League title.

The Oakleafers will begin their defence of their title against Tyrone in January and have been drawn to face Donegal in the opening game of the Ulster Senior Championship.