Linfield manager David Healy said he is “content” at Linfield after rejecting the opportunity to take the Raith Rovers job.
Healy turned down the chance to take over at the Scottish Championship side at the end of August and instead signed a contract extension to remain manager at Windsor Park until 2026.
And while he admitted there were “discussions” about the move, he was happy to extend his stay with the Blues, where he has been in charge since 2015.
“My decision was based on the opportunity I still have at Linfield and I still feel I have the backing from the people there,” said Healy.
“I signed players in the summer and I have shown a lot of commitment in terms of bringing them in and they have shown commitment to me.
“Some of the players, no disrespect to the club, might not have signed for Linfield if I wasn’t manager.”
‘Family commitments swayed me to stay’
Healy has won five Gibson Cups, two Irish Cups, three League Cups and one County Antrim Shield during his time in charge.
The 45-year-old added that his family played a huge part in his decision to stay with the Blues and he is ready to help Linfield push for more trophies.
“The family commitments eventually sway you too, this is the longest I have set down roots,” Healy explained.
“As a player you don’t have a choice, if you’re not playing at your club you move on or go out on loan. As a manager you have a choice at times, and I am content with where I’m at and I look forward to the challenges we have ahead.
“I have achieved quite a lot in the game and if I never manage another club other than Linfield with the success we had and hopefully continued success, I can be content with what I’ve done.”
Larne game ‘not the be all and end all’ in title race
Linfield are unbeaten so far this season, with four wins and a draw in their opening five games.
They sit 12 points ahead of Larne, who they meet on Saturday at Windsor Park, although the reigning champions do have three games in hand.
Healy believes the pressure will be on Larne to perform given they are the defending champions and yet to win in the league this term.
“I had time with Tiernan [Lynch] at the Northern Ireland against Luxembourg game and we were bantering back and forth,” he said.
“He has put a little bit of pressure on saying, ‘it’s Linfield’s league to lose,’ etc, but when you win the league back to back, the pressure from within increases.
“With the size of the squad Larne now possess, with the depth and quality, it is going to create a huge problem for us.”
While acknowledging it is an important game, Healy was keen not to dilute the significance of a victory against their title rivals at this early stage.
“We have started the season OK and it is too early to say a game like this is going to determine the way the league title is going to go between us and Larne.
“You have Crusaders, Glentoran and Cliftonville, so there will be other teams in and around fighting.
“I don’t think it is the be all and end all win, lose or draw on Saturday, but we want to go and perform.”