David Healy: Linfield ‘determined’ to retain manager despite Raith approach – chairman

Linfield chairman Roy McGivern says the club “remain determined” to retain David Healy’s services as manager despite Raith Rovers’ apparent efforts to lure him away from Windsor Park.

Healy is understood to be Raith’s preferred candidate to succeed Ian Murray, who was sacked just one match into the new Championship campaign in Scotland.

Linfield confirmed on Friday that they had received an official approach from the Scottish club but McGivern’s comments on social media on Saturday evening made clear he has not given up on Healy remaining with the Irish Premiership club.

“We remain determined to retain the services of our manager David Healy to drive us onto further success this season and beyond,” said the Linfield chairman.

Speaking after Linfield’s 5-1 hammering of Loughgall, Healy’s assistant Ross Oliver said that the Northern Ireland great “loves the club and wants to be here”.

Rovers finished second in last season’s Scottish Championship and missed out on top-flight promotion after a play-off defeat.

Healy has one year left on his current deal at Windsor Park.

“As long as David Healy is here, he does the job and again, he loves the club and everyone knows what the club means to him and he’ll continue to do the job,” Oliver told BBC Sport NI.

“His record speaks for itself, as I alluded to earlier, he loves the club and wants to be here.”