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Galway Manager

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Topic: Galway Manager
Posted By: tribalarmy
Subject: Galway Manager
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2009 at 1:27pm

Search begins for another manager

GALWAY United have started the process of appointing a new manager following the shock departure of Ian Foster late on Friday, with the club advertising the position on its website last night.

The Terryland Park-based outfit are in the hunt for their fifth manager in just 20 months after Foster walked out on the remainder of his contract on Friday to take the reins at Dundalk, saying the fact he was owed money by United allowed him to speak to the Oriel Park club, despite United refusing him permission to do so.

Speaking to Sentinel Sport from England yesterday, Foster insisted he was well within his rights to speak to Dundalk as a portion of his wages from United was outstanding, which he claimed was a fundamental breach of his contract, and he believes United do not have a leg to stand on should they pursue either him, Dundalk, or both, with a compensation claim.

“I got advice from the FAI and from the League Managers’ Association [in England]that I was within my rights to speak to whoever I wanted as I was owed money by United. Look, I don’t want to dig out anyone at the club, but I was owed money and I couldn’t get any assurances from the club so I had to make the decision that was right for me,” Foster said yesterday.

“I left on amicable terms, I am genuinely disappointed to be leaving Galway as I really enjoyed my time there and I worked with a very good bunch of lads, but I couldn’t get assurances on my own wages, never mind on a budget for next season.

“Portia [Foster’s wife] is expecting our first child in February, and I needed assurances on wages. She is coming over with me in January, we would have settled in Galway as she really liked it there any time she was over, but I will have a family to think of in February and I needed assurances on wages, which I didn’t get. Another club put an offer on the table and I thought it best I took it,” he said.

United CEO Nick Leeson admitted to Sentinel Sport yesterday that Foster – who had another year to run on his contract – was owed money by the club, but he insisted it was “an exceptionally small fraction of the €100,000 he would have got from the club in the past two years”.

“Ian Foster is Friday’s news – today is Monday, I’ve forgotten about him already. The question surrounding him being owed money and that being a breach of his contract is a legal issue, and I don’t want to get in to it, but we will be issuing a compensation claim against Dundalk,” Leeson said yesterday.

Leeson said the club would cast the net far and wide in the search for a new manager, and insisted there would be no “pre-judgements” made about any candidate. Potential candidates will undergo an “intensive interview process”, he said, and while he wouldn’t be drawn on any favourite for the job, one gets the sense from what he says that the club may opt for someone already based in Galway.

“We will advertise locally, nationally, and internationally, and we don’t have someone in mind. I am not going to say we want someone local, but one aspect of the job is that we need better integration with the local league, something we have not had with the last two managers [Foster and Jeff Kenna] for one reason or another,” he said yesterday.

A number of local names have been mentioned since Friday, but the majority of those contacted by Sentinel Sport yesterday ruled themselves out of the equation, including Stephen Lally, Derek Rogers, Johnny Glynn, Mark Herrick and Jim Noone.

Tony Mannion – who has had three previous spells as manager at United, and would be a popular choice with many fans – was uncontactable as he was travelling to Holland in his role as Coach Educator with the FAI, but it is understood he would be unable to comment owing to his role with the FAI.

Two people have confirmed to Sentinel Sport their interest in the job. Tom French, who was Foster’s assistant manager last season, and has also worked at the club in the role of trainer, said he will be throwing his hat into the ring, as will former United manager Paul ‘Ski’ McGee.




Replies:
Posted By: Barry
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2009 at 5:29pm
good jon for who ever takes it


Posted By: Claret Murph
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2009 at 1:39am
I did hear that a couple from Paris are in the running , Micky & Minnie

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Lansdowne Road debut aged 52 and 201 days .


Posted By: RogerMilla
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2009 at 4:02am
not fcuking ski please

-------------
The first time the Devil made me do it. The second time I did it on my own.


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2009 at 4:10pm
United players reveal Foster had ‘lost’ the dressing-room

by Keith Kelly

As the dust settles on the sudden departure of Ian Foster as manager of Galway United on Friday, it is emerging that things were not as rosy as many believed during his short tenure at the club.

Foster is being lauded by the majority of United fans for steering the club clear of relegation in the season just ended with a young and inexperienced squad and an almost non-existent budget, but while it appears he will be missed by the majority on the terraces, it seems the dressing room is a different matter.

United players confirmed yesterday to Sentinel Sport that relations between Foster and his squad were fractious for a large part of the season, with one player claiming the manager had “lost the dressingroom” during the Summer, a claim backed up by another player.

Foster is believed to have had heated arguments at different times with a number of the more senior players in the squad, and while most of the players contacted yesterday did not want to go into detail, it is believed that Foster’s tactics were one of the main causes of friction between him and the players.

“There were massive arguments with what I would call certain key players, and yes, I think it is fair to say he did lose the dressingroom during the season. That said, he did keep us up, so you have to hand it to him, but relations weren’t good with him,” said one player yesterday.

Another player confirmed the allegations about serious arguments, but said that “what’s done is done, we’re not going to dwell on it, and we have to look to the future and get the right manager in at the club”.

One player who did speak on the record was Derek O’Brien, and he said that while he was surprised that Foster left the club, he thinks it was the wrong decision.

“United took a chance on him, he came here as a physio, he wasn’t an assistant manager, he was Jeff Kenna’s friend. He became an assistant to Jeff, and then got the manager’s job, United gave him his chance and I think he owed it to the club to at least see out his contract,” O’Brien said.

When asked what impact Foster’s departure would have on the club, O’Brien was in positive mode, saying the club moved on following the departure of Kenna, and would do so again.

“It will be difficult in terms of continuity, and in a way he will be missed - he got the results and it is all about results, so there is that. That said, we moved on without Jeff, and we’ll do the same after Ian,” he said.

O’Brien said Foster’s departure would not mean a lot to players in terms of contracts - all of United’s players from the 2009 season are out of contract - as he said that while players have to wait for a new manager to be appointed before contract negotiations can open with any of them, it would have been the same if Foster was still in place.

“If he was still here, we’d be waiting until the new year anyway until a budget was sorted out and we were approached with contracts, so in that sense it doesn’t make much difference,” said O’Brien.

The majority of the players Sentinel Sport spoke to said their preference for manager would be someone based in Galway as they would know the workings at United, as well as being aware of the talent out there on the local junior scene.

One person who is flagging his credentials in this area is United legend and former Irish international Paul ‘Ski’ McGee, one of the two people who confirmed their interest in the job when contacted by Sentinel Sport yesterday.

McGee - who had a spell as player/manager of the club from August 1989 to April 1990 and is United’s all-time top scorer with 97 goals (74 in the league, 18 in the League Cup, one in both the UEFA Cup and FAI Cup, and three in the now defunct First Division Shield) - said his role in the FAI U21 League win with Salthill Devon a couple of seasons ago is proof of his established links with the local soccer scene.

“If Galway United want a winner, they should look my way. Of course I would be interested in the job at United, as they are a Premier Division club looking to go in the right direction.

“I am living locally and I am very proud of what I achieved as a player with United, as well as a manager in 1989/90 [United finished eighth in the 12-team Premier Division, 11 points clear of relegation]. I have the experience having managed Limerick, as well as United, and as assistant at Cork City. I haven’t been approached, but I will be applying for the job,” said McGee, who won 16 caps for the Republic of Ireland, scoring four goals in that time.

Another confirmed applicant for the position is Tom French, who was Foster’s assistant in the 2009 season. French is believed to be very popular in the United dressing room, and sees the job as manager as a natural progression in his career.

“I joined the club as trainer [under Tony Cousins] and was assistant manager last year, so I think it is a natural progression for me. If I wasn’t to apply, I would see it as a desire not to move on, and that is not the case, so yes, I will be putting my name forward,” he said.

McGee and French were two of a number of potential candidates contacted by Sentinel Sport yesterday, and they were very much the exception to the rule as the majority of the rest all ruled themselves out of the equation.

Former managers Stephen Lally and Jim Noone said they had no interest in returning to the post, while Mervue United manager Johnny Glynn and his assistant Mark Herrick - both highly regarded former players who cut guided Mervue through their first season as a League of Ireland outfit - also ruled out a run for the United job.

“I am in discussions with Mervue United about next season, about the need to strengthen the squad and questioning what we have learned from this season. The club needs to look at the long term, it lost a lot of money this year despite the fact not one player got paid, so there is a lot to think about and work on,” he said.

Glynn and Herrick both comfortably fit into the ‘legend’ bracket when it comes to United, as does Derek Rogers, but he has also ruled himself out of the running, preferring instead to concentrate on his work with NUI Galway’s football set-up. Efforts to contact Billy Clery - who stepped in as caretaker for four games between the sacking of Tony Cousins and the appointment of Jeff Kenna in April 2008 - were unsuccessful.

Efforts were also made to contact another former United manager, Tony Mannion, but he was travelling to Holland as part of his job with the FAI as a Coach Educator, which involves delivering coaching courses for aspiring coaches and managers.

Given his position with the FAI, he would be prohibited from commenting on the vacancy at United, but it is thought he would be reluctant to return for what would be a fourth spell as United manager, having served in the role from September 1985 to April 1988; January 1992 to November 1995, and from October 2001 to January 2005.

One ‘outside’ name that is popping up is Mike Kerley, the former manager of Limerick - United advertised the position last night, with a deadline of Monday December 21, after which suitable candidates will be interviewed, with an appointment to be made in early 2010.


Posted By: Claret Murph
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2009 at 1:26am
Tribal , why is it that the press ( or is it Nic ) that each time a manager leaves they have to stick the knife in ?
 
It just upsets me .


-------------
Lansdowne Road debut aged 52 and 201 days .


Posted By: Mafi Mushkila
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2009 at 6:01pm
Galway to make New Year appointment

December 11, 2009

Galway United chief executive Nick Leeson has revealed that a new manager will not be appointed until the New Year.

The Tribesmen are seeking a successor to Ian Foster, who walked out on the club to take charge of Premier Division rivals Dundalk last week.

The new boss will be a fifth manager in little over two years, with Foster, Jeff Kenna and Tony Cousins having filled the role in a permanent capacity and Billy Clery stepped in on a caretaker basis.

Clery is one of those sure to be considered for the position, while local media reports suggest that Tony Mannion – who has had three stints as Terryland Park boss stretching back more than 20 years – Tom French and Paul McGee are also in contention.

But with a December 21st closing date for applications, Leeson has revealed that no appointment will be made before January.

Quoted by the Galway City Tribune, he said: “The first thing we are looking at is to reach agreement with Revenue on a payment plan for money owed to them. The manager issue has been parked until the closing date, we’ll look at all the applications, select people for interview, and we hope to make an appointment in the New Year.”


Posted By: Gouldinho09
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2009 at 6:07pm
Dave Bassett being linked with the job

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Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2009 at 6:25pm
Originally posted by Gouldinho09 Gouldinho09 wrote:

Dave Bassett being linked with the job

Confused
Where did you hear that? Can't see it happening. Most likely a local in a part time position.


Posted By: Gouldinho09
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2009 at 6:35pm
Originally posted by tribalarmy tribalarmy wrote:


Originally posted by Gouldinho09 Gouldinho09 wrote:

Dave Bassett being linked with the job
ConfusedWhere did you hear that? Can't see it happening. Most likely a local in a part time position.


A good friend of mine works with the LMA and told me Dave wants to try and manage in Ireland. He has also been linked with Cork although but the whole licence thing has put him off the job so far

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Posted By: RogerMilla
Date Posted: 04 Jan 2010 at 11:41am
any news lads ? ski still the front runner ? jaysis 


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 04 Jan 2010 at 11:45am
Tom French is the one people are saying at the moment. With either Barry Ryan or Ski as his assistant.


Posted By: RogerMilla
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2010 at 1:45am
ski looking for a way in again after the limerick debacle..
 


Posted By: FREEWHEELER
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2010 at 5:16am
Originally posted by RogerMilla RogerMilla wrote:

ski looking for a way in again after the limerick debacle..
 
 
That Ski McGee lads? 


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We'll never die, we'll never die, we'll keep the Green Flag flying high......Shamrock Rovers will never die, we'll keep the Green Flag Flying high. 19 Leagues and 25 Cups.....


Posted By: RogerMilla
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2010 at 5:17am
Originally posted by FREEWHEELER FREEWHEELER wrote:

Originally posted by RogerMilla RogerMilla wrote:

ski looking for a way in again after the limerick debacle..
 
 
That Ski McGee lads? 
 
the one and only FW


Posted By: FREEWHEELER
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2010 at 5:25am
Grand lad Ski, too short a spell at Milltown in the 80s..........his cousin (same name) played at our LSL club for years, smashing player and all round good egg.  Would be great to see Ski back in football here.

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We'll never die, we'll never die, we'll keep the Green Flag flying high......Shamrock Rovers will never die, we'll keep the Green Flag Flying high. 19 Leagues and 25 Cups.....


Posted By: TBWRA
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2010 at 11:13am
Originally posted by FREEWHEELER FREEWHEELER wrote:

Grand lad Ski, too short a spell at Milltown in the 80s..........his cousin (same name) played at our LSL club for years, smashing player and all round good egg.  Would be great to see Ski back in football here.



Ski Mc Gee passed away earlier in 2009 R.I.P


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2010 at 11:18am
Originally posted by ps bohs ps bohs wrote:

Originally posted by FREEWHEELER FREEWHEELER wrote:

Grand lad Ski, too short a spell at Milltown in the 80s..........his cousin (same name) played at our LSL club for years, smashing player and all round good egg.  Would be great to see Ski back in football here.



Ski Mc Gee passed away earlier in 2009 R.I.P


Which Ski is this?

Paul McGee who's from Sligo, is Galways all time top scorer and played for Ireland from 78-80 is alive. He also spent a short time at Rovers in 84. This is the lad linked with the Galway job.


Posted By: TBWRA
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2010 at 11:19am
Paul Magee ex Rovers

http://www.independent.ie/obituaries/paul-magee-1372373.html


Posted By: RogerMilla
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2010 at 2:21pm
Originally posted by ps bohs ps bohs wrote:

Paul Magee ex Rovers

http://www.independent.ie/obituaries/paul-magee-1372373.html


thats not ski mcgee lads , thats jimmy mcgees son paul who died ,




Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2010 at 9:58am
Independent

Galway United are another current top-flight side that are troubled by debts and have yet to appoint a new manager, although it's understood they have been in discussions with ex-Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic defender Dave Rogers -- who was famously sacked by Dundalk last season for dropping his shorts in front of opposition fans.


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2010 at 10:13am
Sean Connor(Daily Mail), Leo Tierney & Dave Rogers (Galway Independent) Tom French & Paul McGee (Sentinal) have all applied for the United job.

Mark Herrick has been replaced as Mervue assistant manager so he should be one to watch out for as well.

Today the clubs first choice supposedly turned down the job due to financial issues. Most likely Sean Connor out of the equation so.


Posted By: Gaz
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2010 at 10:18am
Originally posted by tribalarmy tribalarmy wrote:

Sean Connor(Daily Mail), Leo Tierney & Dave Rogers (Galway Independent) Tom French & Paul McGee (Sentinal) have all applied for the United job.

Mark Herrick has been replaced as Mervue assistant manager so he should be one to watch out for as well.

Today the clubs first choice supposedly turned down the job due to financial issues. Most likely Sean Connor out of the equation so.
 
apparently he's signing back for us next season. Strange one for him to apply for a managers job anyway


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I dont email the count anymore, its been 9 months : ( He even sent me a YBIG scarf for my Birthday


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2010 at 11:45am
Shortlist is down to three now. Probably Ski, French and Tierney.


Posted By: Barry
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2010 at 7:53am
tribal pray you dont get sex case


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2010 at 8:02am
Originally posted by The Q Man The Q Man wrote:

tribal pray you dont get sex case


I am, our fans don't get on with him anyway. He gets dogs abuse everytime he comes up to Terryland since he joined Sligo in '04. Hate the man.Angry


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2010 at 10:26am
Galway near decision on new manager
by Alan Dooley
Fri, Jan 08 2010
http://extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/2807 - http://extratime.ie/...k/articles/2807

Galway United look set to announce the identity of their new manager early next week after it was revealed that they will conduct final interviews with the remaining three candidates for the job on Sunday.

The trio are believed to be former assistant manager Tom French, the club's all-time leading goalscorer Paul McGee, and former Sligo Rovers assistant Leo Tierney.

Whoever gets the job will have the difficult task of assembling a competitive squad from scratch with a little over two months until the new season kicks off. One player who more than likely won't be available to the new boss is influential midfielder John Russell, who is currently in England being assessed by former Irish international John Sheridan at League Two outfit Chesterfield and has also been linked to a move to Bohemians.

--------------------------------------------------

On a sidenote, Barry Ryan has started an FAI Coaching Course in University of Limerick


Posted By: DamoGUFC
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2010 at 10:34am
Looking like Tom French with Barry Ryan being involved too. Not a bad move either, they know the players from last season so hopefully they can re-sign the likes of Seamie Connelly, Iarlaith Daveron, Alan Murphy, Derek o'Brien, Vinny Faherty and a few more. 

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Galway United,
My love,
My passion,
My Life.


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2010 at 3:10pm
Sean Connor, the former Sligo, Bohemians and Dundalk manager, heads a short-list of three to become the next manager of Galway United. The identity of Ian Foster's successor at Terryland Park will be announced on Monday.
From the Irish Daily Mail

HATE Sean Connor, he's by far the most experienced but I don't want him at the club.Thumbs%20Down


Posted By: DamoGUFC
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 2:09pm
Sean Connor just announced as new manager..

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Galway United,
My love,
My passion,
My Life.


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 2:19pm
Not too disappointed. He's by far the most qualified out of the candidates. We're in for a tough season so everyone has to get behind him.
Welcome to Galway Sean...


Posted By: Barry
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 3:05pm
f**kkin sex case cun t i really hope galway go down


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 4:10pm
Two hours later and not a mention on the RTE website.Angry KNOBJOCKEYS


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 4:15pm
Originally posted by The Q Man The Q Man wrote:

f**kkin sex case cun t i really hope galway go down


Lots of interesting games next year with Bohs, Scumdalk and Shligo coming to town.

We are now the most hated team in the land.Clap


Posted By: Shoco
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 4:36pm
Originally posted by tribalarmy tribalarmy wrote:

Originally posted by The Q Man The Q Man wrote:

f**kkin sex case cun t i really hope galway go down


Lots of interesting games next year with Bohs, Scumdalk and Shligo coming to town.

We are now the most hated team in the land.Clap


i dont really think anyone gives a sh*t about galway


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YOUR 3 IN A ROW LEAGUE CHAMPIONS


Posted By: soccerc
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 4:57pm
Originally posted by tribalarmy tribalarmy wrote:

Two hours later and not a mention on the RTE website.Angry KNOBJOCKEYS


How are RTE and others to know if they haven't received a Press Release?


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 5:05pm
Originally posted by soccerc soccerc wrote:

Originally posted by tribalarmy tribalarmy wrote:

Two hours later and not a mention on the RTE website.Angry KNOBJOCKEYS


How are RTE and others to know if they haven't received a Press Release?


Ok, fair enough but it's on other websites.


Posted By: soccerc
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 5:09pm
Originally posted by tribalarmy tribalarmy wrote:

Originally posted by soccerc soccerc wrote:

Originally posted by tribalarmy tribalarmy wrote:

Two hours later and not a mention on the RTE website.Angry KNOBJOCKEYS


How are RTE and others to know if they haven't received a Press Release?


Ok, fair enough but it's on other websites.


...and your point?

I haven't received anything from Galway either.


Posted By: Mr.Potato Head
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 5:31pm
Originally posted by soccerc soccerc wrote:

Originally posted by tribalarmy tribalarmy wrote:

Originally posted by soccerc soccerc wrote:

Originally posted by tribalarmy tribalarmy wrote:

Two hours later and not a mention on the RTE website.Angry KNOBJOCKEYS


How are RTE and others to know if they haven't received a Press Release?


Ok, fair enough but it's on other websites.


...and your point?

I haven't received anything from Galway either.


I was just informed a press release was sent out by Utd at 8:00pm.
Extratime.ie for an example.

This is what I've been told by a reliable fellow involved with GUST.


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Landsdowne in the sun
Rovers nil United One
Are you watching Rovers scum
United til I die!!!!!!!!


Posted By: Claret Murph
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 7:04am

Total poo is what I have to say about SC . I am so upset .Thumbs%20Down



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Lansdowne Road debut aged 52 and 201 days .


Posted By: Barry
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 9:11am
Originally posted by Claret Murph Claret Murph wrote:

Total poo is what I have to say about SC . I am so upset .Thumbs%20Down

 
big time spoofer claret you here on MNS goign on about jobs in africa etc and he ends up at galway{no disrespect}
 
i find it strange given foster went to craptown and connor left Confused


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 10:40am
Over 100 were at the press conference(it helped that it was held in a pizza restaraunt)Tongue

Announced at the press conference that Sean is on a three year contract. Billy Cleary and Gareth Gorman are in his backroom staff. He will be living in Galway and pre-season training starts on Saturday.




Posted By: Shoco
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 12:25pm
like him or not, he has a good record

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YOUR 3 IN A ROW LEAGUE CHAMPIONS


Posted By: RogerMilla
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 12:52pm
yeah lets see how he goes , no huge expectation really 

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The first time the Devil made me do it. The second time I did it on my own.


Posted By: Barry
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 1:22pm
Originally posted by Shoco Shoco wrote:

like him or not, he has a good record


whats he won?hes a great record of spending money


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 2:02pm

Three year Terryland deal for Connor



Sean Connor was today introduced to the Galway public as the new manager of Galway United, having signed a three-year deal on Sunday which club CEO Nick Leeson hopes will "reinvigorate" and radically change the way the Connacht club goes about its business.

Speaking today at Connor's unveiling in Supermac's Eyre Square branch, Leeson admitted that mistakes had been made in recent times but vowed to address the matter and hoped that the stability of a long-term contract for the side's manager would be a turning point in the club's fortunes.

"It is my belief that we need to reinvigorate the football club at this time, and we have had some difficulties over the last couple of years," Leeson stated. "One of those has come from the fact that Galway United has been a team not a club, and we need to change that over the next few years. It is that reason that Sean will be signing a three year deal to make sure we change the way the club is run, and the way that it interacts with the community, and the way we deal with the local leagues.

"In the upcoming years I am sure that Sean Connor will challenge me, and hopefully during those years I will challenge Sean also. I have no doubt that we will improve our league position next year, and in the years after that as well."

Challenges of varying sorts were a recurring theme among the speakers, who included Club President Michael D. Higgins, and Leeson first outlined the challenging process of how the Board identified their number one target.

"We have undergone a very painstaking interview process over the past week or so. Two Directors of the club and an independent HR professional were used to interview the first candidates. I would like to thank everybody who applied for the job. There was a very high calibre of individual who applied. The first series of interviews were on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. A scoring process with certain criteria was used to examine those candidates, and two exceptional candidates came forth from that process.

"Of those two there was one outstanding score which was Sean Connor. Sean and one other were interviewed by myself and the Chairman on Sunday. We sought references as part of the process, but the very clear winner of that process, and the person the Directors of Galway United wanted to manage the club going forward was Sean Connor.

"Sean has an outstanding knowledge of football management, and it was very clear from the interview process that he has the drive and the ambition that is probably unrivalled in the League. Above all he is an excellent coach, and it would probably be fair to say that in the coming season we will have limited rescources at our disposal so Sean's coaching knowledge will very much come to the fore, and hopefully will drive us to the next level."

For all his coaching expertise, in the immediate future, the job criteria is simple, yet challenging. Keep the club in the Premier Division. Not much of a new diversion from the objectives of the past few seasons for Galway United, yet one which still excites the newly installed man.

"I am very excited," Connor revealed. "The thing that attracted me is the challenge, it is a massive challenge. It is probably the biggest challenge I have taken as a coach or a manager, and I am well aware of the situation as regards resources, but the whole League of Ireland is facing a challenge. From the outside I think this is a massive club, a big city, and there is no reason why that we cannot be challenging for honours and European football.

"I had a couple of offers to go to Africa which I turned down, I had an opportunity to go back to America, and I had one or two other options, but I talked to my family, and we wanted to stay in this country. There is a challenge here to build a football club from the bottom right up, and the fact that I will be in total charge of the football side of the business is what excited me, and I really want to get my teeth into it now. I want to see what impact I can have in the history of Galway United."

"I have signed a three year contract, and it is like at any football club, I am going to test Nick, he is going to test me. I am quite sure that the ambition of this football club will more than match my ambitions, and it is going to be a long process. It is not going to be easy, resources are tight, it is going to be a difficult year, but the job is to make sure we stay in the Division, and to put structures and foundations in place so we can take this football club forward."

Connor also confirmed that his backroom staff would comprise of a much trusted lieutenant in Gareth Gorman, who has worked with him at both Sligo and Dundalk and was a player at United for four seasons, and Billy Clery, who had a spell as caretaker manager in 2008 following Tony Cousins' removal.



Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 2:03pm

Turner get-out clause may be invoked


With only the bare bones of a squad to work with and very little time or money to prepare for the new season, it came as little surprise that Sean Connor wouldn't rule out the possibility of linking up once more with one of his star pupils, Sligo Rovers recent signing Chris Turner.

Turner, who only moved from Oriel Park to the Showgrounds in November, revealed in a recent interview that he had inserted an amazingly unique clause in his contract that allowed him to leave if Connor became a manager at any other League of Ireland club.

Turner admitted to his "love" of working with the Belfast native, who has already signed him three times in brokering moves to Sligo, Bohemians, and most recently Dundalk. Speaking today of the possible additions he may make to the Galway squad, Connor admitted Turner was an option he would have to look at.

"Chris Turner always interests me because in my opinion he is the best player in the League, and if we got him here it would be fabulous. There’s no secret about the clause in his contract that he can come and sign for me. We’ll have to look at that. I’m definitely going to investigate that possibility."

Which may not have pleased the small batch of Sligo Rovers fans in attendance, but financial imperatives at the club may yet scupper that move. Connor also spoke of how he intends to unearth some fresh talent to augment the players who will remain on from last year's squad.

"I think other than Turner, players at Dundalk, it might be difficult because of the budget. There’s certainly players I would like to work with again. But I’m going to do what I did probably in the early days in Sligo and bring in players that are not known. I’m expecting two boys in from New Zealand on trial and we’ll have a couple of players over from England and Scotland.

"I am 100% confident Seamus Conneely will be here. I think John (Russell) has an opportunity to go and look at a club in England and I wouldn’t stand in his way. But if that doesn’t transpire, hopefully with what I’m doing here, I’d like him to be part of it and hopefully he’ll see that as well. Derek O’Brien and Alan Murphy have both given me commitments, Barry Ryan we haven’t met yet but we spoke and I’ll speak to other players in the coming days.

"Everybody who was here last year, we’ll try and see if they’re available for pre-season training. We’ll sit down and speak to them and see how we go. The first thing I need to do now is sit down with Nick and really iron out the budget and the finer details of that. Speak to maybe one or two players that I would like to bring in to the club, and see if I can maybe get them. I’ll be looking everywhere for players, I don’t think I should limit myself to one particular area."

Limits will be in place, though, given the precarious nature of the finances at the club. Club CEO Nick Leeson, however, was keen to point out that measures were being taken to ensure licence criteria were fully met and that financial prudence would be a priority in achieving sustainability into the future.

"It has been a constant fight for us over the past couple of years", Leeson admitted, "with the difficult financial position we find ourselves in. Myself and the other Directors have made significant inroads into that since we came back after Christmas, and I think we have an exciting future ahead of us. It is exciting at the same time that we don't try to run before we walk again, and that things are managed very prudently.

"The Board of Directors financial commitment and contribution to the club is going to increase again during the course of the year. There is significant support being offered by one particular person which is seen as significant sign of intent for the club moving forward. I don't want to disclose the details who that person is, but I am sure people will be able to read between the lines as well."

Papa John's Pizza, a branch of Pat McDonagh's Supermac's empire, has been confirmed to continue as the club's main sponsor.


Posted By: Shoco
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 2:52pm
Originally posted by The Q Man The Q Man wrote:

Originally posted by Shoco Shoco wrote:

like him or not, he has a good record


whats he won?hes a great record of spending money


he did a good job at sligo, left a good foundation for bohs to win the league, and kept us up which is all he was required to do


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YOUR 3 IN A ROW LEAGUE CHAMPIONS


Posted By: Claret Murph
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2010 at 1:52am
I can't see why to be honest we have signed SC , I will tell yer it will all end in tears for us .
3 year contract is a joke as we can't aford to sack him now ...........


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Lansdowne Road debut aged 52 and 201 days .


Posted By: TBWRA
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2010 at 6:41am
No need for me to voice my opinions on this liar really , think you are all aware what i think of him 


Posted By: The GerK
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2010 at 6:58am
I was waiting for your comments alright PS


Posted By: Gaz
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2010 at 7:39am
the fact that he got a 3 yr contract must mean that Galway are pretty much guaranteed a premier lisence anyway

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I dont email the count anymore, its been 9 months : ( He even sent me a YBIG scarf for my Birthday


Posted By: Shoco
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2010 at 7:41am
Originally posted by ps bohs ps bohs wrote:

No need for me to voice my opinions on this liar really , think you are all aware what i think of him 


so is this the end of your obsession with dundalk?


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YOUR 3 IN A ROW LEAGUE CHAMPIONS


Posted By: TBWRA
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2010 at 7:48am
Originally posted by Shoco Shoco wrote:

Originally posted by ps bohs ps bohs wrote:

No need for me to voice my opinions on this liar really , think you are all aware what i think of him 


so is this the end of your obsession with dundalk?


Yeah looks like it alright


Posted By: Gaz
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2010 at 7:50am
Originally posted by ps bohs ps bohs wrote:

Originally posted by Shoco Shoco wrote:

Originally posted by ps bohs ps bohs wrote:

No need for me to voice my opinions on this liar really , think you are all aware what i think of him 


so is this the end of your obsession with dundalk?


Yeah looks like it alright
 
LOL


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I dont email the count anymore, its been 9 months : ( He even sent me a YBIG scarf for my Birthday


Posted By: FREEWHEELER
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2010 at 7:51am
Isn't it gas how whenever a new Gaffer starts somewhere they nearly always say it's one of the bigges "challenges" in their life, Jaysus change the record and tell the truth, I took the job cos being stuck under the wife's feet doesn't bear thinking about and I need the shekels.

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We'll never die, we'll never die, we'll keep the Green Flag flying high......Shamrock Rovers will never die, we'll keep the Green Flag Flying high. 19 Leagues and 25 Cups.....


Posted By: tribalarmy
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2010 at 2:44pm
Originally posted by FREEWHEELER FREEWHEELER wrote:

Isn't it gas how whenever a new Gaffer starts somewhere they nearly always say it's one of the bigges "challenges" in their life, Jaysus change the record and tell the truth, I took the job cos being stuck under the wife's feet doesn't bear thinking about and I need the shekels.


I see what your saying but this time he's probably telling the truth.
All the other teams he has managed gave him a big budget he won't be getting that at Galway €3,000 is the weekly playing budget at United next season.


Posted By: Claret Murph
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2010 at 1:41am
Yer but how much is he getting each week out of the kitty is what I would like to ask . Thumbs%20Down

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Lansdowne Road debut aged 52 and 201 days .



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