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Gareth Fullerton

'Exhausted' David Healy coy on Linfield future as he plans well-earned break

An "exhausted" David Healy is planning a well-earned break after landing his fifth Irish Premiership title with Linfield.

The Blues beat Coleraine 2-0 on the final day to make it four Gibson Cups on the bounce.

Healy's stock is rising with every season at Windsor Park, with speculation continuing to mount over the former Northern Ireland striker's future.

Read more: Linfield captain Jamie Mulgrew aims dig at rivals as he savours 10th title success

When asked what opportunities could present themselves, Healy told the BBC: "The only eyes I want on me tonight are the staff and players, and the board.

"I have absolutely loved the challenge here at Linfield. It has never been straightforward. There has always been something happening.

"I am going to take a break now. I need a break. I am done and exhausted.

"I will take a little bit of time off.

"The fans at the end today reminded me of why I enjoy being here. But again it can be a long summer at times, and sometimes I think my own players get bored of me because I have been here so long.

"I know probably some of the board people get bored of me and get sick of my ideas."

Healy accepts he still hasn't won over all of Linfield's fans, despite winning five titles including four on the bounce.

He has also won two doubles since arriving at Windsor Park back in 2015.

"I have never quite won the supporters over, but we have won another league title," he said.

"And the genuine Linfield supporters, I'd like to thank them from the bottom of my heart. And the players for giving me the support and help and whatever else going forward.

"To the other minority, the small percentage, who still don't give the players the backing or whatever else, it is their loss."

Healy signed a new three-year contract with Linfield last summer, committing him to the club until 2024.

Asked whether it will be hard to keep hold of the 42-year-old, Linfield chairman Roy McGivern said: "You'll have to ask David that question.

"From our point of view he is under contract here and we want to keep him. He has been a superb manager for us and David loves this club.

"You can see by the delight on his face today, I don't think David is going anywhere."

Read more: The final day of the Irish Premiership title race as it happened

Read more: Shayne Lavery, the 'constant menace' striving to be better at Blackpool

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