Mahon parts company with Derry

Kevin Mahon has resigned as manager of Irish UEFA Cup hopefuls Derry City FC following a poor run of form.

Asked to leave
Mahon, whose former charges face Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia in the UEFA Cup preliminary round in August, stepped down on Saturday night at the request of his board of directors.

Tough campaign
Derry spent much of last season in the drop zone but avoided the threat of relegation on the final day of the league campaign, before securing European football with their FAI Cup win against Shamrock Rovers FC.

Poor start
Mahon, a former Derry player, had been in charge since 1998 but a disappointing start to the new campaign, coupled with a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Longford Town FC, signalled the end.