Paddy McCourt will return to Derry City in September to take up a role as the head of the club's youth academy.
The dazzlingly talented 34-year-old winger is currently plying his trade with Finn Harps in the First Division, but he will hang up his boots at the end of the campaign and link up with his hometown club.
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McCourt will oversee the progress of the Candystripes' Under-13s, Under-15s, Under-17s and Under-19s teams.
"I’m really happy to be coming back to Derry City and in particular to have the opportunity to oversee this new development programme," he said.
"The club has identified an area where they feel more work is needed to secure the future of the younger players as they come through the ranks and it is a challenge I am relishing.
"It looks like there will be plenty of work ahead so I have notified Finn Harps that I will be retiring when my current contract is up to concentrate fully on this role."
McCourt has played for Derry, Shamrock Rovers, Celtic and Barnsley in a career defined by mazy dribbles and spectacular solo goals.
It's made him a cult hero wherever he's gone but the 'Derry Pele' is coming home for a new chapter as the curtain comes down on his playing days.
