Former Cardiff City defender Darren Purse has stepped down from his role as the club's Under-21s manager to take charge of Sligo Rovers.
His primary mission will be steering the League of Ireland Premier Division side away from relegation, as Sligo currently sit five points adrift of safety with 12 matches remaining. Purse takes over on an 18-month contract following the departure of John Russell to rivals Shelbourne.
"It's a really good football club, and one I'm looking forward to taking places," said Purse.
"You can have a long-term plan as much as you want, but the big thing for us is winning games over the n
ext 12 and staying in this divisi on."
During his coaching tenure, Purse helped develop several young players who contributed to Brian Barry-Murphy's senior team securing an immediate return to the Championship as League One runners-up.
In the interim, Matthew Bloxham will manage Cardiff's Under-21s alongside Head of Academy Coaching Dane Facey while the club searches for a permanent successor.
"We're sad to lose Darren as our under-21s lead coach," said academy manager Gavin Chesterfield.
"His tireless worth ethic and selfless approach to player development means he can be very proud of the impact he has made upon our players and culture."
