Another Premier scalp for the Seagulls
PAUL KEEGAN boasts quite the footballing CV. He earned a move to Leeds United as a teenager and would return to England years later with Doncaster Rovers.
Now in the autumn of his career, he knows his playing days won’t rumble on forever and he credits one man with helping him to decide on the latest chapter.
‘It was the manager. I spoke to him a few times.
‘Bray had troubles last year and there was a bit of negativity around the club and they got relegated so the perception from the outside looking in (isn’t great) but things have changed.
‘The new owner came in and Gary came in as well and he wants to do everything right. Gary’s enthusiasm about what he wanted to do was brilliant.
‘He brought me on board and I fully believe in what he wants to do and what he wants to implement for the future too; it’s not just a quick-fix.
‘He wants to build a good club – him and the owner. They want to build a club back and sustain and get back into the Premier Division. They want to get the community back involved with the club and get the crowds back up as well.
‘His drive persuaded me. He sold the club to me and I’m proud to be part of a club that’s building to go up rather than a club on the way down.’
Cronin and Keegan were almost team-mates once upon a time but the former left Drogheda United as the latter joined.
They already knew of each other by that stage thought as Kevin Cronin - younger brother of Gary - had spent time at Leeds United alongside Keegan.
The veteran midfielder would be an obvious choice as captain for the Seagulls in 2019. Bookmakers will have you believe that Wanderers will finish second fiddle to Shelbourne but that wouldn’t be ideal for Keegan as he is due to be wed between the end of the regular season and play-offs!
As for Cronin and his on-field general, the early signs suggest it could be a match made in heaven.