Nigel Keady appointed Galway United under-19 coach

Galway United have appointed former player Nigel Keady as their new under-19s head coach.

The defender spent seven seasons with the Tribesmen between 2000 and 2006 before moving on to short spells at Limerick, Athlone Town and Mervue United.

He spent the 2015 season as under-19s assistant coach under new head of football development Johnny Glynn, who believes the continuity will help the squad next year.

"I'm delighted to have Nigel officially on board," Glynn told the club's website.

"Nigel was part of my backroom staff for the last two seasons and we worked very well together. He's an excellent coach and there is great continuity now with him on board.”

Galway’s under-19 side managed to make the final of the competition last year, losing 4-1 to eventual champions UCD.

Keady revealed his eagerness to build on last season’s accomplishments as well as provide players for the first team.

"Last year, we reached the under-19 final, but our main success was having a number of players who went from under-19 level straight into the first team,” he said.

“That will be the aim again in the coming year.

"It's great to have success as a team, but the basis of the under-19s is to provide an opportunity for players to break into the first team. That's what we deem successful.

"It's important we provide everyone in Galway and further afield with this chance to get to the top level, so that will involve working with all the clubs.

"I've been heavily involved in the emerging talent programme, which is in place for the best players to progress. We have the players from under-12s right through to under-16s level.

“As a club, we have a good insight into all the players from Galway, Roscommon, Mayo and Clare and it's an exciting time."