Darren Higginbotham says he is looking forward to getting started after it was confirmed that he has taken up the offer to stay on for a second year as manager of the Fermanagh Premier squad for the Super Cup NI.

Higginbotham enjoyed the experience last year and having got the management team that he wanted in place he decided to go back for another year.

John Quinn has been named as the assistant manager of the squad, replacing Sam Gamble who was unable to commit this year, while Nathan Cashel will continue in his post as coach and Francie Shaw as fitness coach. A goalkeeping coach is to be confirmed.

“I took my time and thought about it,” said Higginbotham. “I didn’t want to be in a position where I was not able to give the job 100 percent because that ‘s what the job requires and it is a massive tournament for the boys so they need people who are going to give it 100 per cent. I also wanted to make sure that I could get the coaches that I wanted, which I have, so I’m delighted that everything has fallen into place and to be honest I can’t wait to get started now.”

Last summer was Darren’s first experience of the competition as a manager and it had him eager for more.

“From a personal perspective, last year was a fantastic experience and it whetted the appetite for more. We are looking forward now to the first trial on Monday February 6 and to get the process started,” he added.

With both of last year’s managers reappointed - Denzil McDaniel has been confirmed as the Junior squad manager - it brings continuity to the jobs for Fermanagh and Higginbotham says that having been in the post last year also gives him a better idea of what he will be working with this time around.

“I suppose last year I didn’t really know much about the players who were available before we started but this year I would have a better idea this year having seen many of them last year. I know that it is a talented age group and there is going to be big competition to get into the final 18.

“Like last year, we will be starting this year with a blank canvass at the trials, it doesn’t matter to us about club affiliations or anything like that, and we will take it from there,” said Higginbotham.