All not Hunky Dory in Drogheda
Credit:
Darius Kierans has stepped down from first team relations at Drogheda United with immediate effect.
It is often said that the football year is like a roller coaster, full of highs and lows. The 2010 season has been nothing but dramatic for Drogheda United. However with optimism, hope and positivity in spades, it seems that despite the efforts on the field, it just hasn't been the year of the Drog.
In a year that has seen the claret and blue team pick up only four victories; they have had as many managers. With that record, it is unsurprising to see Drogheda five points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Premier Division.
The latest change in club personnel comes off the back of manager Brian Donnelly’s resignation last week. Darius Kierans, Director of Football at Hunky Dory Park and assistant manager, took over in wake of Donnelly’s untimely departure. Kierans, although ever present since mid-season when Alan Matthews stepped down, could not be appointed head coach due to licensing technicalities.
With regards to this latest news the players of the football club have issued an independent statement saying:
"We the players of Drogheda United FC would like to thank Darius Kierans for his efforts during his time with the First Team squad. We feel that during his time involved with the squad, Darius has been very professional in his role as coach and also in his approach to games both on and off the field.”
The statement continued: “We would like to acknowledge that the role played by Darius during what were difficult times for everyone involved in the club is greatly appreciated and we believe that when Darius completes his ‘A’ licence in 5 weeks time, he will be one of the most sought after coaches in the country.
“We would like to wish Darius well in his next role which we are sure will not be too far away. The players would also like to thank Rory Kerr and Brendan Keeley for their efforts this season and wish them well in the future", the statement read.
Drogs are expected to announce ex-Monaghan United man Bobby Browne as their new leader going into the final five league games of the campaign. Browne, once a Drogheda player and coming from Leinster Senior League side Malahide United is expected to be unveiled, with his new backroom staff, within the next 48 hours.
The Drogheda United board of management have also released a statement thanking Brian Donnelly and Darius Kierans for their work and the expected appointment of Bobby Browne.
STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD DUFC:
"The board of Drogheda United confirms that following the resignation of 1st team Manager, Brian Donnelly last week, it is at an advanced stage of discussions with Bobby Browne in relation to the vacant managerial position. Final discussions will take place between Mr. Browne and the board on Thursday on his return from Estonia. It is expected that he will take training on Thursday night in preparation for Drogheda United's game against Sligo Rovers on Saturday."
"The club would like to thank Mr. Donnelly for his contribution over the last number of months and wish him well in the future."
"Darius Kierans will be stepping away from involvement in 1st team affairs but it is expected that he will continue to play a pivotal role in the club. Darius has shown tremendous dedication to the club during what has been a very difficult season both on and off the pitch and the club wishes to acknowledge his trojan efforts under exceptional circumstances."
"The club also wishes to convey its sincere thanks Rory Kerr and Brendan Keeley for their commitment to the club during the season. Rory Kerr will continue working with the youth teams, which he had been doing in conjunction with 1st team duties since May."
It is often said that the football year is like a roller coaster, full of highs and lows. The 2010 season has been nothing but dramatic for Drogheda United. However with optimism, hope and positivity in spades, it seems that despite the efforts on the field, it just hasn't been the year of the Drog.
In a year that has seen the claret and blue team pick up only four victories; they have had as many managers. With that record, it is unsurprising to see Drogheda five points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Premier Division.
The latest change in club personnel comes off the back of manager Brian Donnelly’s resignation last week. Darius Kierans, Director of Football at Hunky Dory Park and assistant manager, took over in wake of Donnelly’s untimely departure. Kierans, although ever present since mid-season when Alan Matthews stepped down, could not be appointed head coach due to licensing technicalities.
With regards to this latest news the players of the football club have issued an independent statement saying:
"We the players of Drogheda United FC would like to thank Darius Kierans for his efforts during his time with the First Team squad. We feel that during his time involved with the squad, Darius has been very professional in his role as coach and also in his approach to games both on and off the field.”
The statement continued: “We would like to acknowledge that the role played by Darius during what were difficult times for everyone involved in the club is greatly appreciated and we believe that when Darius completes his ‘A’ licence in 5 weeks time, he will be one of the most sought after coaches in the country.
“We would like to wish Darius well in his next role which we are sure will not be too far away. The players would also like to thank Rory Kerr and Brendan Keeley for their efforts this season and wish them well in the future", the statement read.
Drogs are expected to announce ex-Monaghan United man Bobby Browne as their new leader going into the final five league games of the campaign. Browne, once a Drogheda player and coming from Leinster Senior League side Malahide United is expected to be unveiled, with his new backroom staff, within the next 48 hours.
The Drogheda United board of management have also released a statement thanking Brian Donnelly and Darius Kierans for their work and the expected appointment of Bobby Browne.
STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD DUFC:
"The board of Drogheda United confirms that following the resignation of 1st team Manager, Brian Donnelly last week, it is at an advanced stage of discussions with Bobby Browne in relation to the vacant managerial position. Final discussions will take place between Mr. Browne and the board on Thursday on his return from Estonia. It is expected that he will take training on Thursday night in preparation for Drogheda United's game against Sligo Rovers on Saturday."
"The club would like to thank Mr. Donnelly for his contribution over the last number of months and wish him well in the future."
"Darius Kierans will be stepping away from involvement in 1st team affairs but it is expected that he will continue to play a pivotal role in the club. Darius has shown tremendous dedication to the club during what has been a very difficult season both on and off the pitch and the club wishes to acknowledge his trojan efforts under exceptional circumstances."
"The club also wishes to convey its sincere thanks Rory Kerr and Brendan Keeley for their commitment to the club during the season. Rory Kerr will continue working with the youth teams, which he had been doing in conjunction with 1st team duties since May."
