Ian Foster new Galway United boss
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Galway United have this afternoon confirmed that they have appointed Ian Foster as manager for the forthcoming season following the intense speculation regarding the future of Jeff Kenna and his speculated move to St Patrick's Athletic. It has since been revealed that Kenna resigned his post and has in fact now taken up residence at Inchicore.
A statement has just been released on the official Galway United website which reads as follows:
Galway United wish to announce that Ian Foster has been appointed manager of the club for the next two seasons. Foster (32), who was assistant manager of the club since last April and played an integral part in Galway United maintaining its Premier Division status, will take immediate charge.
Foster takes charge of Galway United after Jeff Kenna, who last month undertook to manage the side in 2009, decided this week he did not wish to fulfill the position. While the club is extremely disappointed with this development., Galway United is delighted that Foster has taken up duties and the process of signing players for the new season is advanced. Foster's first signing has been confirmed with Derek O'Brien rejoining Galway United from St Patrick's Athletic. Foster, who will be based in Galway, will appoint his backroom team in the coming days and is really looking forward to the challenge.
"We made enormous progress in the second-half of last season and we will be looking to continue that and make a strong start to the new campaign," he said. A former player with Liverpool, Hereford United, Chester City and Kidderminster Harriers, Foster has been at Terryland Park since last April. Foster said that pre-season training will start on the week commencing January 26 and that a training camp in Ireland has been organised.
Pre-season friendlies will also be announced shortly in an intensive campaign in the build-up to the start of the new Premier Division in March. Galway United CEO Nick Leeson said that the club will be announcing several new signings in the coming days.
"We have a new sponsor on board for the next four years, a new kit deal for the next four years and a manager who is committed to Galway United FC for the next two years. "The players know and respect Ian and know that he was more than a key part in last season's recovery and his appointment assures continuity. "At this stage everyone in the club is looking forward to the start of the new season in March as we continue to build on the progress of the past few seasons," he said.
