Horgan announced as Drogheda Utd manager

Drogheda United have today announced the appointment of Robbie Horgan as first team manager, taking over from Mick Cooke.

After the pulsating FAI Cup Final defeat to Sligo Rovers, Drogheda bade farewell to Cooke, who had guided the club to European football earlier this season as well as winning their first silverware since 2007, the Setanta Sports Cup, in 2012.

Horgan, who has acted as assistant to Cooke since 2011, will assume first team duties for the forthcoming Premier Division campaign at Hunky Dory Park.

Speaking about the appointment, Drogheda United Director Noel Heeney said “Of the applications that we received, three candidates were invited to interview. All three impressed but we agreed that the plans that Robbie presented to us, his strong financial understanding and his ambition and strength of character made him the right man for the job at this time. We believe he will prove to be an exceptional manager”. 

Robbie Horgan said, “I am delighted that the members of the selection panel were so enthusiastic about my vision for the club and have put their faith in me. I have had a massive affinity with the club since first playing here as a keeper in the late 80s and in recent years I hoped that I would be given the opportunity to further my managerial career at Drogheda United. I am 100% committed to bringing the club forward to challenge at the highest level. 

"I believe that strong interaction and cooperation between all the teams involved in the club is key to a successful future and my plans involve working closely with those who look after the under 19s, under 18s and Drogheda Boys so that we continue to develop young local talent and that young people see a progression for themselves within the club. I am a firm believer that sport should be at the heart of every community and I will be working alongside the board and staff to promote Drogheda United as an important community asset that brings people of all ages and creeds together in a positive way every Friday night."

A former goalkeeper, Horgan began his career at Shamrock Rovers in 1987, before going on to play for Drogheda, St Patrick's Athletic, Shelbourne, Dublin City and Monaghan United. 

Having won the First Division with Drogheda in 1989 and again in 1991, Horgan moved to Shamrock Rovers for a second spell, which lasted eight years.

After retiring from playing in 2007, Horgan was appointed as goalkeeping coach at Sporting Fingal in 2008, before joining Cooke's coaching staff. 

Having assisted Cooke since 2011, Horgan has now made a similar transition to that of former Derry City boss Declan Devine, stepping out from his number two role, and into the limelight as a League of Ireland manager.