Higgins will lead Coleraine into next week's European play-offs New Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins says winning the Irish Premiership is the "ultimate goal" for the ambitious top flight club but progress must be made "step-by-step" in moving towards achieving that. Higgins was revealed as Dean Shiels' successor in the role on Friday and will take charge of the Bannsiders' European play-off semi-final against either Dungannon Swifts or Crusaders next Wednesday. The 40-year-old takes over at the helm at a time when the Ballycastle Road club is the subject of major investment, including from executive chairman and majority shareholder Henry Ross, and is finishing its first year operating to a full-time model. Joel Cooper, a key figure in Linfield's convincing Irish Premiership success, is among the players who will be joining Coleraine in the summer. "You want to be part of clubs who want to be successful. This club definitely wants success but you have to take it in stages as well," said the former Derry City boss. "You have to compete first, unsettle the teams above you, and the next stage then is winning. It's step-by-step. "But I'm very confident. There are a lot of smashing players here at the minute. I've seen that at first hand, players that I am really looking forward to working with." Coleraine finished fifth in the recently completed Premiership campaign and Higgins is aiming to improve on that next term. "We want to improve on the league position next year. Qualifying for Europe next year has to be the bare minimum, also challenge for silverware. Hopefully we can see that in the very near future. "I'm absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity at a club that is going in the right direction on and off the field. We have to get to a point where we're competing with the top sides. Winning the league is the ultimate dream, the ultimate goal, but it doesn't happen overnight. "I can see straight away that the levels of professionalism are really high." Higgins revealed that he had held discussions with other interested parties but the ambition of the Bannsiders persuaded him to take over the reins at the north west outfit. "I needed a breather and I enjoyed my time off but the last wee while I've started getting a bit itchy. "I've had numerous discussions with different people. I think what attracted me to this club was obviously that I played here for a small period and I started my coaching path with the academy here. "The ambition that the club have to move forward is a big, big factor. I want to be part of big games. That's what we're in it for." The former midfielder explained that there was a "bittersweet" element in taking up his new position given that it involved the departure of Shiels. "I go back quite a while with Dean and professionally I think he's an excellent coach, a brilliant person, who comes from a really good family. "It's bittersweet in many ways. You're coming into a brilliant job but you're taking on the responsibility from someone who you've got a lot of respect for." Higgins believes there is plenty of cause for optimism for the future, starting with next week's play-off encounter which would give the club a shot at securing a place in the Uefa Conference League qualifiers and the lucrative rewards that flow from that. "We'll not know until after the cup final who we've got but regardless of who it is it's something to whet the appetite and look forward to. "Dean and the club recruited really well in the last window and got some positive results. "There's a very good core group here and with a few smart additions in the summer window we can have a really good attractive side. We want to make this place really difficult to come to."
Winning league 'ultimate goal' for new Coleraine boss Higgins
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Ruaidhri Higgins Sets Ambitious Goals as New Coleraine Manager"
Bbc News
7.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Ruaidhri Higgins, recently appointed as the new manager of Coleraine FC, has expressed that winning the Irish Premiership is the club's 'ultimate goal'. However, he emphasizes the importance of progressing step-by-step to reach this ambition. Taking over from Dean Shiels, Higgins will lead the team into a crucial European play-off semi-final next week. The club is currently experiencing significant investment and is in its first year operating under a full-time model, which Higgins believes will enhance their competitiveness. He pointed out that players like Joel Cooper, who contributed to Linfield's successful season, will be joining the squad, further strengthening their chances for improvement. Higgins stated, 'You want to be part of clubs who want to be successful... but you have to take it in stages as well,' indicating a clear understanding of the need for gradual development in their pursuit of success.
Higgins, who previously played for Coleraine and began his coaching career there, noted that while he is excited about the opportunity, there is a bittersweet aspect to succeeding Shiels, whom he respects greatly. He aims to improve on the club's fifth-place finish in the previous season and believes qualifying for European competitions should be the minimum expectation moving forward. With high levels of professionalism evident at the club, Higgins is optimistic about assembling a competitive team. He expressed confidence in the existing core group of players and the potential for smart additions in the summer transfer window. As they prepare for the upcoming play-off, Higgins is eager to establish Coleraine as a formidable opponent in the league, stating, 'We want to make this place really difficult to come to.'He emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation and fostering a winning mentality within the squad to achieve their long-term ambitions.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents insights into Ruaidhri Higgins' appointment as the new manager of Coleraine FC and outlines his ambitions for the club. Through this announcement, the narrative seeks to instill a sense of optimism and determination within the community surrounding Coleraine FC.
Goals and Aspirations
Higgins emphasizes that winning the Irish Premiership is the club's "ultimate goal," indicating a clear ambition for success. By stating that progress must be made "step-by-step," he adopts a pragmatic approach, suggesting that immediate success is not expected but rather incremental improvement. This can serve to manage expectations among fans while also reassuring them of a long-term vision.
Investment and Support
The article highlights significant investment in the club, particularly from executive chairman Henry Ross. This financial backing suggests that the club is not only focused on immediate results but also on building a sustainable future. The mention of new players joining, such as Joel Cooper, aims to generate excitement among supporters about the potential for improved performance next season.
Community Engagement
Higgins' comments about wanting to be part of a successful club resonate with the local community's aspirations. By expressing confidence in the existing players and the club's direction, the article reinforces a collective identity and ambition that can unify fans and stakeholders. This narrative is designed to foster a positive atmosphere and encourage community support for the team.
Potential Manipulation
While the report is largely optimistic, one could argue that it may downplay the challenges ahead. The statement that winning the league is an "ultimate dream" but not achievable overnight could be seen as an attempt to soften the blow of potential setbacks. The language used is motivational, which might lead some to perceive it as slightly manipulative, as it aims to keep the morale high despite the realities of competition.
Reliability of the Information
The article appears factual, drawing on Higgins' own words and the context of his appointment. However, the inherent optimism and ambition may lead some readers to question the feasibility of the goals expressed. The portrayal of the club's future is optimistic, but it lacks specific details on how these aspirations will be achieved, which may affect its overall reliability.
Broader Implications
This news could positively influence the local economy by boosting community support for the club, potentially leading to increased attendance and local business engagement. The emphasis on professionalism and ambition may also attract new sponsors or partners, enhancing the club's financial stability.
In conclusion, the article serves to promote a hopeful narrative surrounding Coleraine FC's future under new management. By focusing on the aspirations and investment in the club, it aims to rally community support while managing expectations regarding the timeline for success.