Locke’s the key man for Youths
New boss is native of Tralee
WEXFORD YOUTHS have announced the appointment of Damian Locke as their new manager, replacing Shane Keegan who is now with Galway United.
The 29-year-old Tralee man has over ten years of coaching experience, including working with the Republic of Ireland Senior men’s squad as assistant analyst throughout Euro 2016 campaign.
Damian has also experienced international football with the Republic of Ireland Under-18 men’s and Under-19 women’s squads as head analyst in Wales and Luxembourg.
He was a member of Youths’ coaching staff in their year in the Premier Division, and his involve- ment this season should help from a continuity point of view as life back in Division 1 beckons.
The club has also announced a new Secretary with the appointment of Barry Devereux to succeed Terry Cooke.
The 35-year-old Gorey native has been an avid supporter of the club for a long number of years, and has served as part of the committee, most recently as media officer.
‘I’m very much looking forward to taking up this challenging role. I have very big shoes to follow as Terry was a great character around the club,’ he said.
Meanwhile, the new manager will have to plan without talented defender Lee Grace who has left the club, with Cork City, Galway United and Limerick all being linked with the player.
Also on the move is Aidan Friel who is linking up with Longford Town, while it’s speculated that Paul Murphy could be joining one of his old clubs, Waterford United, whose new owner, Lee Power, has injected considerable financial backing into our southeast neighbours.
Should Murphy move, the club could find themselves without an established out-and-out striker for their opening games back in Division 1, as Danny Furlong Is currently in New Zealand and is not due to return until March.