By Jonathan Hogan

 

Enniskillen Rangers have appointed Darren Higginbotham as their new first team manager, following Michael Kerr’s departure after last week’s season closer against Killen.

 

Higginbotham, who enjoyed a successful spell with Irvinestown Wanderers — guiding them back to Division One — finished the season alongside Ryan Campbell at Kesh, helping steer the club to the Mulhern Cup final. He now returns to Rangers, where he previously played and coached, this time in charge.

 

He steps in delighted to take the reins – fully aware he’s inheriting a rebuild, but in no mood to use that as an excuse.

 

“As of now my Rangers hat goes on and I will be fully focused on trying to get the club back to what it was,” said Higginbotham.

 

“From my perspective it’s an exciting proposition. It’s a lot of work, it’s not a one- or two-year job, it’s a four- or five-year job, which right now that’s my mindset, and I will be prepared for the foreseeable.”

 

While calling it a “perfect next step” in his development, the 35-year-old was quick to underline the urgency he intends to bring to the role.

 

“I fully understand and respect – and you can’t bury your head in the sand – it’s a rebuild. But I don’t want to use a rebuild as an excuse to take three and four and five years to do it.

 

“The first possible opportunity I can play my part in rebuilding the club and getting guys in the door to help, I will be doing that.

 

“From my end, it’s all about being better, becoming a better manager… And if I can restore some of the success that Michael had at Rangers, obviously in my own way, that’s what I want to do