Boro boss Kelly declares an interest in international job
..... but the Athletic manager insists any position would be alongside current role
Scarborough Athletic manager Darren Kelly has declared his interest in the vacant Northern Ireland Under-21s job - but insists it would be a dual role alongside his current position with the Seadogs.
The Boro boss has been linked with the part-time position after Ian Baraclough’s promotion to the senior team.
Kelly said: “I think that if you’re doing a half decent job somewhere, you’re going to be linked with jobs,” he said.
“Quite a few people have got in touch with me about this, people who have tracked my progress in England and it really got me thinking. I’ve really done my due diligence into it and I’m interested.
“Thinking ahead, I think I can show a lot.I’ve always believed in my ability. I took a deep breath and came back.
“The way I was going to do it anyway was start at the bottom and work my way up so I effectively did that, with a lot of learning and for the last number of years things have been going very well.”
Boro boss Kelly insists this role wouldn’t lead to him leaving the Seadogs, adding that he’s loving his time in charge at the Flamingo Land Stadium.
He added: “I’m loving working for Scarborough Athletic and I’m working hard at the moment to assemble a strong squad for the new season.
“We can’t get back out there soon enough, and I’m looking forward for us to be getting together as a group soon.”
On the role, Kelly added: “I have the qualifications and experience and think this would be a role I could stand out in.
“I’d be interested in this because I believe I could have an influence, especially in Derry.
“Having a Derry man in the role there’d be a better chance of persuading players, because my background is there.
“Ian Baraclough said he wants to compete with Stephen Kenny for the boys of Derry and I believe I would have influence because I’ve been there and done that.
“I think I can offer a lot. I was lucky to work under some great managers and I’ve picked up things that worked.
“I can coach, I can manage and I’m equipped with other strengths that can help.
“I’ve had a couple of interviews in the Football League but they’ve gone with experience, but I don’t think I’m too far off.”