‘New’ club all set for season
First game Friday in Tolka
WEXFORD F.C. was formally launched at a press conference in the Talbot Hotel on Sunday.
The re-branding of the club previously known as Wexford Youths was well attended by former Youths officers and supporters as they listened intently to what is envisaged for the new season.
Wexford F.C. feel they have won over the full support of the F.A.I. following their comprehensive submission in seeking a licence, with the announcement on the application to be made this week.
Wexford F.C. will still have the full facilities of Ferrycarrig Park available, having negotiated their way through a couple of difficult months as they tried to salvage League of Ireland football for the county.
Finance Officer, Ray Noonan, outlined to those present the difficulties the club encountered through the M& J Wallace issue that arose following that company moving into receivership.
However, he spoke of some €6m put into the club since its inception by Michael Wallace through his company, which was done without any bank loans. He said that the Ferrycarrig Park project was the brainchild of Wallace.
He said the club had submitted a comprehensive application for league status. He felt there is strong grounds for optimism when the licences are distributed this week.
Noonan felt they needed the support of the people of Wexford now more than ever to ensure top flight soccer for the county.
New manager Damian Locke spoke of looking forward to the new season, having gathered a squad of players, with many resigned while also having signed some additional quality players.
He said they had enjoyed quite an impressive pre-season so far, with plenty of new faces along with familiar faces in the squad.
He announced former women’s manager, Will Doyle, as assistant manager, with Eamonn Doyle, brother of Will, as goalkeeping coach. Mark O’Connor will look after strength and conditioning, and Nigel Fitzharris will continue as club physiotherapist.
The new season will be very exciting because they have so many new faces claimed veteran netminder Graham Doyle.
Doyle spoke of the youth of the side and the opportunities which the club presented without having to travel. It’s a great opportunity for young players, he added, as it’s a new club offering a fresh start.
Secretary, Barry Devereux, spoke of the club being one hundred per cent behind their new manager. He also told the gathering that the F.A.I. had given assurances for the further development of Ferrycarrig Park.
The marketing of the club is essential, he said, and they would be willing to talk and meet with any company. Any company interested in sponsoring the club may contact Wayne Gregg for full details.
Wexford F.C. will open their 2017 league season away to Cobh Ramblers on Saturday, February 25. On Friday next they play Shelbourne in the Leinster Senior Cup at Tolka Park (7.45 p.m.).