Marty Quinn took charge of Coleraine in 2000

There had been intense speculation linking Quinn with the Newry post and the Belfast man did hold discussions with the Marshes outfit.

Pat McAllister was tipped to become Quinn's assistant at Newry but he has opted to stay at Donegal Celtic.

Dundalk manager John Gill is now being linked with the Newry job.

Quinn told BBC Sport that he had "never fully committed" to taking the Newry job despite reports that he had agreed to make the move.

"Probably, it was a reaction to us going out of the (Irish) Cup in midweek last," said Quinn.

"The Newry offer came up and I spoke to Newry and was very impressed with what they had to say with the contract and everything was fine.

"But having had good chat with several people, I'm totally focused on the job in hand at Coleraine and I'll be signing a three-year contract very shortly."

Quinn acknowledged that he had received a host of "texts and calls", imploring him to stay at the Bannsiders.

"That sort of swung things back to Coleraine, not that I had ever made my mind up. It had a big influence on my final decision."

Newry are seeking a new manager following Roy Coyle's decision to part company with the club earlier this month after four successive league defeats.

Since then, the club, guided by caretaker boss Ollie Ralph, have lost two more league games although they did beat Ballynure Old Boys in the Irish Cup sixth round.

Newry have dropped to 12th place in the table.