Roddy Collins' reign at Derry City was a short one.
The manager was in charge at The Brandywell for less than a season in 2014. Despite his testing spell in Derry, he told Newstalk Breakfast that the had fond memories of Ryan McBride.
McBride was found dead in his bed on Sunday, 24 hours after playing in Derry's 4-0 win over Drogheda United in Buncrana. The Derry City captain led the side towards the top of the Premier Division, winning all four of their opening games.
Collins said the news of McBride's passing was "devastating." "I couldn't believe the news last night, when it came through."
177 games, 57 of them as captain, 13 goals. A million memories for me and any other @derrycityfc or LOI fan that had the pleasure to watch. pic.twitter.com/qLUA4iDO6O
— Kevin McDaid (@mariborkev) March 20, 2017
The manager said the defender "was a great kid, an absolute great young fella."
"He was genuine, unassuming, hard as nails, old-fashioned. Just a good man."
"You manage hundreds of players throughout your career. A few of them stick in your memory. He was one that did because he was so genuine."
"He was an absolute trojan. He was quiet, wasn't vocal, but was as tough as they come."
"Ryan would leave an impression on everybody, because on a football pitch, you expose yourself to everybody and he always gave 100%. Everyone loved him for that."
"He would go through a brick wall. That was his forte."
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