Stephen McNutt is new Finn Harps first team coach

Buncrana man Stephen McNutt is the new first team coach at Finn Harps.

McNutt has been elevated by new manager Dave Rogers and will continue to oversee the Harps Under-19s.

A former Harps player, having featured for three seasons under Patsy McGowan in the 1980s, McNutt rejoined the club in 2021 as Under-19 manager.

He has also managed Buncrana Hearts and been the head of the FAI’s Emerging Talent Programme in Donegal in recent years.

“Me and Stephen go back a long way and I am big into promoting from within,” Rogers told Donegal Live.

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“The work the guys are doing in the academy is brilliant. Stephen is a great addition. He has great knowledge and he's a great person as well.”

Darren Murphy is Rogers' assistant manager with Alan Cooke appointed as goalkeeping coach and Lorcán Mason was unveiled as head of performance.

Rogers says he is working off a 'hybrid' programme with the club's young players and full-time recruits, adding some morning sessions to the weekly schedule for those players.

He said: “Players want to be out on the field and the only way we will get better is by getting as much action as possible on the training pitch.”

Harps began their pre-season programme on Friday night with a 0-0 draw at Dundalk before losing 6-0 at Derry City on Sunday.

The preparation ahead of the February 17 First Division opener against Galway United continues this Friday when Harps face Bohemians.

Rogers said: “It was a tough ask playing two of the top teams in the country in a 36-hour period.

“They have to be brave enough to accept these challenges and they are learning well.”