Gallagher to stay at Finn Park
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James Gallagher has decided to continue as manager of Airtricity League First Division side Finn Harps, the County Donegal club has confirmed.
Gallagher was offered the chance to continue in the role following a Special General Meeting of the club's shareholders three weeks ago, however the former goalkeeper took careful consideration before announcing this afternoon that he had agreed to remain as manager.
Much of Gallagher's thoughts centered on the club's budget for the 2011 season, which is to be reduced from the 2010 figure. Gallagher last week confirmed that the budget would be 'less than what we worked with this season' and confirmed that 'certain things needed to be sorted out' in the financial end before he would commit.
Gallagher met with the club's board last Monday night to discuss the formalities and with those ironed out, the club have expressed their delight at having the manager's position filled.
Club Chairman Joey O'Leary said: “We offered James the role of Manager a couple of week’s ago, and I’m delighted that he has agreed to remain on.
"We have come through a difficult season and finished on somewhat of a high with seven points from a possible nine in our last three games. The aim now for James, myself and the club is to build on that and push on in 2011.”
With only goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher and striker Kevin McHugh in contract, Gallagher's first task now will be to tie up those players from the 2010 squad whom he wishes to retain at the club.
Exciting young midfielder Stephen McLaughlin has been in talks with Derry City recently regarding a possible move to the Brandywell, while Harps' 2010 skipper Packie Mailey is also said to be alerting the radar of Candystripes boss Stephen Kenny.
Gallagher will be keen to keep both players at Finn Park and will also begin a trawl for new blood in the coming days and weeks, with former defender Paddy McLaughlin and Donegal man Gareth Harkin - who were this week placed on Coleraine's transfer list - likely to be among his targets, should the Finn Park finances allow it.
Gallagher took over in May 2009 following the departure of Paul Hegarty. He has taken charge of Harps on 62 occasions. 2010 was his first full season as manager, when Harps finished eighth in the First Division.
Harps have also confirmed that Paddy Foy has been offered the chance to remain on as the club's A Championship and U19 manager.
Gallagher was offered the chance to continue in the role following a Special General Meeting of the club's shareholders three weeks ago, however the former goalkeeper took careful consideration before announcing this afternoon that he had agreed to remain as manager.
Much of Gallagher's thoughts centered on the club's budget for the 2011 season, which is to be reduced from the 2010 figure. Gallagher last week confirmed that the budget would be 'less than what we worked with this season' and confirmed that 'certain things needed to be sorted out' in the financial end before he would commit.
Gallagher met with the club's board last Monday night to discuss the formalities and with those ironed out, the club have expressed their delight at having the manager's position filled.
Club Chairman Joey O'Leary said: “We offered James the role of Manager a couple of week’s ago, and I’m delighted that he has agreed to remain on.
"We have come through a difficult season and finished on somewhat of a high with seven points from a possible nine in our last three games. The aim now for James, myself and the club is to build on that and push on in 2011.”
With only goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher and striker Kevin McHugh in contract, Gallagher's first task now will be to tie up those players from the 2010 squad whom he wishes to retain at the club.
Exciting young midfielder Stephen McLaughlin has been in talks with Derry City recently regarding a possible move to the Brandywell, while Harps' 2010 skipper Packie Mailey is also said to be alerting the radar of Candystripes boss Stephen Kenny.
Gallagher will be keen to keep both players at Finn Park and will also begin a trawl for new blood in the coming days and weeks, with former defender Paddy McLaughlin and Donegal man Gareth Harkin - who were this week placed on Coleraine's transfer list - likely to be among his targets, should the Finn Park finances allow it.
Gallagher took over in May 2009 following the departure of Paul Hegarty. He has taken charge of Harps on 62 occasions. 2010 was his first full season as manager, when Harps finished eighth in the First Division.
Harps have also confirmed that Paddy Foy has been offered the chance to remain on as the club's A Championship and U19 manager.
About Chris McNulty
Chris McNulty is one of extratime's Northwest correspondents, covering Finn Harps and Derry City. Has worked as a sports writer with the Donegal News since 2007. View Full Profile