Wilson Waweru extends Galway stay

Galway United have announced that forward Wilson Waweru has signed a contract extension with the club ahead of the 2020 season.

Waweru played at U17 level with Galway in 2017 after signing from Mervue United before stepping up to U19’s and senior football in 2018, where he made three senior appearances.

His first team debut came at home in a 4-1 against Athlone Town before further appearances in a 3-2 win against Cabinteely and a 1-1 draw against Wexford.

The 18-year-old scored twice for Galway’s first team last season, both against Athlone Town. The first in a 4-0 away victory in April, the second in Eamonn Deacy Park in a 1-1 draw in June.

“I had an enjoyable year and I’m aiming to progress even more now in 2020.

“2019 was my first full season in the League of Ireland. I made my debut at 17, so it was hard to make the jump at first, but I learned a lot,” Waweru told Galway’s media team.

“I was signed with the under-19s last year and in 2019, but I spent a lot of time with the first team and I’m delighted Alan has recruited me again for the 2020 season, hopefully it will go well.

“I can’t wait for the new season, I want to prove myself and show that I can go and play at the top level, it’s going to be an exciting year for me,” Waweru said.

Manager Alan Murphy also spoke to Galway’s media team, explaining how quickly the 18-year-old has matured over the last 18 months to progress from U17 level to the senior team.

“The time has now rightly come for Wilson to join the first team squad as a senior player exclusively for 2020.

“Wilson has matured so rapidly over the last 18 months since leaving the under-17 grade that it is often hard to believe the athlete and footballing talent that we now have on our books.

“He struck up an impressive strike partnership with Conor Layng in his first season at under-19 level and that lead to Wilson graduating to the fringes of the first team squad and making his debut at the end of 2018 against Athlone Town,” Murphy said.

“His transformation since his first team debut has been simply incredible. He made 18 appearances including 10 starts in 2019 and while that is impressive reading, it only tells a fraction of the story.

“Wilson clocked up two goals during the season but probably should have been close to double figures if he translated the chances that he was taking week in, week out, for the under-19s in their run to the final of the competition.

“We speak about X-factor and potential when discussing Wilson’s likely impact – In 2020 the belief is we will be speaking about goals and assists when Wilson is mentioned,” Murphy concluded.