Murphy – a former Irish League player, coach and boss – will replace Dean Smith as permanent Loughgall manager, with the latter’s departure earlier this month after over eight years in charge. He has signed a three-year deal with the Sports Direct Premiership side. "We moved swiftly to appoint a new manager, and after a thorough selection process we believe Darren is the ideal candidate to drive Loughgall FC forward,” said Loughgall chairman Sam Nicholson. “His vision and expertise will be invaluable in developing our boys and girls youth academies, our development squads and our first team. "We would like to extend our gratitude to: all candidates who expressed interest in the role, Finn Harps Football Club for their co-operation during the process, our caretaker management team for their excellent work and dedication. "We are excited to see Darren's impact throughout the club and are committed to ensuring a successful future for Loughgall FC. "We hope our fans share our enthusiasm and ambition for the club's growth." Loughgall’s official statement confirmed “the current backroom staff will remain in place” for Tuesday’s visit to Ballymena United “where Darren will be in attendance”. Finn Harps confirmed on Tuesday night that Murphy – a former Irish League player, coach and boss – had left the League of Ireland First Division club, following a Loughgall approach seeking permission to approach the 50-year-old. Once Finn Harps gave the green light for negotiations with Loughgall, Murphy felt it best to make a full break. "It would be unfair to everyone to try and juggle two different situations leading up to any outcome,” said Murphy on Wednesday. “This way, Finn Harps can make plans to move forward and I can fully focus on my circumstances.” The 50-year-old Murphy was a spectator last weekend in Loughgall’s final pre-split Premiership fixture – a 2-1 victory over Ballymena United which marked a first league win since last November and only fourth of the campaign. Legal talks over Smith’s departure were finally resolved last week with what an official statement described as “an amicable agreement”. Loughgall sit bottom of the Premiership in a second successive season at senior level, trailing Carrick Rangers by nine points with five post-split fixtures remaining. David Johnstone, the club’s general manager, was recently appointed caretaker boss for the third time in his association with Loughgall – with support from two former first-team captains in Steven Ferguson and Darragh Peden.