Waterford United Football Club have appointed former Blues hero, Jim McGeough, as Manager and he will be introduced formally at a press conference on Tuesday, January 15th in Waterford.
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Waterford United Football Club have appointed former Blues hero, Jim McGeough, as Manager and he will be introduced formally at a press conference on Tuesday, January 15th in Waterford.
from btid
The enthusiasm and experience of the former Blues star, along with his proven managerial pedigree at all levels and particular experience in youth player development, made him the ideal candidate to position Waterford United for the future. His connections with past will also enable McGeough revitalise those memories of the clubs great heritage of the 60’s and 70’s, but more importantly, he brings with him a fresh set of ideas and perspectives from outside the eircom League, which at this time is struggling to find its place in Irish soccer. Jim McGeough’s proven experience in youth development and proven ability in identifying talent over the years will ensure that “The Blues” become a strong base for soccer in the South East and in time be recognised as a “centre of excellence” at all levels.
The discussions between the Board, along with other advisers outside the club, clearly established that McGeough’s achievements, added to that of his backroom team, would achieve those longer-term objectives for the club. Having lived in the United States for over twenty years, McGeough brings to the League of Ireland some strong credentials from the United States, where he was involved both as a player, following his departure from Waterford, and in more recent years as a Coach and Manager. Since 1992 he has been a coach and selector for the US Olympic Development teams and in 2001 was appointed Assistant Coach at Tampa Bay Mutiny, following the appointment of Alfonso Mondelo.
“In many ways I have never have really left Waterford” enthused new manager, Jim McGeough, “This is a challenge that really appealed to me and in my discussions with the Board it was clear we all shared the same vision of football and could all see great potential for Waterford United.”
In completing the appointment the club has also recognised the commitment of the acting managers, Brendan Rea and Paul Scully, both of whom are to return to fulltime playing roles this season given that the club is in the running for possible promotion to the Premier Division. In the case of Brendan Rea, the club has agreed a development plan to ensure that his talents are committed to “The Blues” for the foreseeable future and he will also be involved in the management of the club to ensure he can continue to have a day-today input on key decisions. The responsibilities of Giles Cheevers, the former goal keeper coach, have been extended to the full squad and along with the club management he is currently devising a plan to identify the key areas in training, fitness and coaching that need further development in the future to ensure that Waterford United incorporates all “best practices” in the team’s physical preparation.
“This is a great opportunity for Waterford United to finally get the past and the present united” said a delighted Ger O’Brien, Chairman of WUFC plc “To have someone like Jimmy willing to give the effort to see this club try to get up from this division says a lot about his competitive spirit! We are sure that he still has many friends in Waterford who will undoubtedly help him in his new role.”
McGeough, a native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, spent six years as a player in England with Sheffield Wednesday (1962-67) before transferring to the League of Ireland to play with Derry F.C. (1968) and Waterford F.C. (1969-74). At Sheffield Wednesday, Jim McGeough scored 71 career goals, and was part of the 1965-66 side that finished runner-up to Tottenham Hotspur in the First Division. With Derry F.C., McGeough earned both league and cup titles in 1968 and was part of four championship teams with Waterford F.C. from 1969 to 1974. During his career he played many representative games both for the Irish League and League of Ireland, and has played against international superstars such as Pele, Eusebio and George Best in his time.
When McGeough moved to the United States he started out as a player / manager with the New York Apollo of the American Soccer League (ASL) in 1976, winning the championship title two years later. In 1980, McGeough won another ASL title with New York United before later assuming duties with the New York Nationals. During his time in the ASL McGeough won Manager of the Year title twice, the first time at New York Apollo and for the second when he was at New York United. He also doubled as an assistant for the New York Arrows of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL), helping them to three straight MISL titles between 1980 and 1982
McGeough moved into the college ranks in 1988 at SUNY-Farmingdale, where in 11 seasons he posted a 121 games played, with 94 wins and only 8 losses record, including a Region 5 title in 1988 and a runner-up finish in 1989. Following his stint with the Rough Riders, McGeough spent two seasons as head coach of the Brooklyn Knights of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) before moving to the Hota Bavarians for the 2000 campaign. During 2001 he was also appointed Assistant Coach at Tampa Bay Mutiny until the fulltime appointment of Perry Van Der Beck late last year. Only last week the Major League Soccer contracted their league and eliminated two of the Florida franchises from the 2002 series, including Tampa Bay Mutiny
That article too long to read but a very interesting appointment for sure.