The man at the helm of Coleraine is no stranger to big match days that come with intense pressure.
During his time as Derry City boss, Ruaidhri Higgins experienced the ecstasy and agony of FAI Cup finals; winning in 2022 but suffering defeat two years later.
But overcoming his own personal struggles is what he says has given him a true sense of perspective as he prepares to lead Coleraine into Saturday's Irish Cup final against holders Dungannon Swifts.
Higgins' brother Kevin died suddenly in 2023 after he suffered a heart attack in his adopted home of Sweden.
His mother Mary passed away in 2025 shortly after he took up the manager's job at Coleraine following an illness.
Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme, Higgins said working through his grief has brought him to a better place in his life.
"I am my own biggest critic, I look at myself in the mirror before I look at anyone else. That's just who I am.
"What I would say is that I feel like a different man now. I have come through a lot of heartache and struggle in my personal life.
"I'm in a really good place now with the help of a lot of people.
"And I feel I am a better manager for it and I am really enjoying what I am doing at Coleraine."
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'I feel my brother and mother are with me'
Higgins left his role as Derry City manager in 2024 by mutual consent after three years at the Brandywell.
In addition to an FAI Cup triumph, Derry finished second in the Irish Premier Division twice – in 2022 and 2023 – under his tutelage.
Higgins said while his final season at Derry City ended in difficult circumstances – with a 2-0 cup final loss to Drogheda – he is hugely proud of what he achieved and says he has taken the lessons learned from his time with the Candystripes into his approach with managing Coleraine.
"The time I had at Derry was fantastic. It didn't finish brilliantly but over the three and a half years, there's no doubt it was really successful," he said.
"During that time I had a lot of personal tragedy and difficulties. That's what I am really proud of.
"I remained manager through what were really two of the most difficult years I ever had in my life – and probably ever will have.
"No-one apart from my closest friends and family really knows what I actually went through. I am proud of myself for being able to manage a massive football club through those experiences."
Higgins says he now feels "unbelievably strong".
"I do feel my brother and mother are with me and I am really enjoying my life," added the 41-year-old, who won a League of Ireland title with Dundalk in his playing days.
"I think there are really good days ahead of me, the club, the staff, the players and everyone connected to Coleraine FC."
Hailing from Limavady, with close connections to both Derry and the north coast now too, Higgins said he feels huge support from across the north west.
"There are a lot of fantastic people who like to see others doing well," he explained.
"I have had two club chairmen in Philip O'Doherty at Derry city and now Henry Ross at Coleraine who are fantastic people.
"Philip backed me to the hilt during my time at Derry and Henry is backing me now to the hilt at Coleraine. I really appreciate what they do for me."
In terms of his message to the players – what does the manager want them to have in their minds when they take to the pitch at Windsor Park on Saturday?
"It reminds me of going into the 2022 cup final with Derry, we had European football secured going into it and I think that's a massive benefit.
"You can just totally go and focus on the game and enjoy your football.
"We've scored over 100 goals this season in all competitions – the players are playing with freedom. That's when we are at our best.
"I want them to go and express themselves, enjoy it and try and pick up the trophy. That's the bottom line."
