SOCCER: Finn Harps have suffered a body blow following the news that assistant manager James Gallagher will not be returning to the club next season.
Gallagher, a former player at Celtic FC and St Patrick's Athletic played for Finn Harps over 100 times, before severe knee problems forced him to retire at the age of 30.
He was one of the finest goalkeepers in the League of Ireland, prior to his decision to retire.
He was appointed assistant manager in 2009 under Paul Hegarty - but after Hegarty resigned Gallagher was given the job on a permanent basis.
Gallagher done well initially on a shoestring budget and was rather hastily sacked by the Finn Harps board who decided to sack him after just SIX league game.
He returned to the club in 2014, when Ollie Horgan was appointed manager.
Over the last two seasons the pair have done fantastic work which culminated in Harps gaining promotion back to the top-flight in November.
However, Gallagher has been forced to step down from his role as assistant due to work and family commitments.