Former Derry City assistant manager Paul Hegarty is the new manager of Finn Harps, the club announced today.

Hegarty left Derry after their FAI Cup triumph over St Patrick's Athletic and has now signed a two-year contract with the club over the border in Donegal.

In a press conference this afternoon, Hegarty wasted no time in outlining his desire to take the Ballybofey club back to the Premier Division.

"If Derry City and Sligo Rovers can go full-time then so can we. A lot depends on the ambition of the club, but I remember as a player how we packed Finn Park out. I want to see that again and I would not have taken the job if I did not think Harps can do it," he said.

Hegarty dismissed rumours that had been thinking of joining former City boss Stephen Kenny at Dunfermline, claiming the idea was always a "non-runner".

The former Harps, Derry and Coleraine player said that he was anxious to tie down the bulk of the existing squad and had already made a list of potential external targets, including former Derry players.