Galway turn to Connor

SEAN CONNOR’S whirlwind tour of the country’s top-flight clubs resumed yesterday when the 42-year-old Belfastman was appointed by Galway United to succeed Ian Foster on a three- year contract.

The former Sligo Rovers, Bohemians and Dundalk boss said he was “delighted to be working again” after a brief close season spell when he had suggested he might pursue opportunities in Benin, Ghana or the US.

Instead, it’s to be Terryland Park, where the Northerner admits he will have to be creative with the resources available to him if he is to make an impact.

“I know people will look at the fact it’s been four clubs now in five years, but I think I did well during my two years at Sligo and left of my own accord to go to Bohemians,” he said.

“Obviously, it was a little different at Bohemians and I took some time out afterwards to clear my name, but last year was a good one for me at Dundalk and the decision to move on was ultimately mine, I was the one that looked to talk to other clubs.”

The Galway job, he says, “was not even on my radar at that point, but when I did talk to them, everyone down here did a really good job on selling the club to me and I’m excited about the potential”.

The three-year deal, he added, had been a particular attraction.

“Well, obviously it’s a bit of security, but more than that the club’s been through some difficult times, most of them lately, and the football side of the club needs rebuilding.

“They’ve had a couple of false dawns and they want me to work to bring them forward.

“It’s a big challenge, both in terms of buying in players and then getting out on the pitch and working with them, but it’s one I’m looking forward to.

“I think one of the things I’ve done well in the past is bringing players who maybe weren’t known but who’ve gone on to do well, and I’d be hoping to continue that.

“The lads may be that bit younger because of the lack of money, but that’s all right. There’s already a couple that I’ve got my eye on. The aim then would be to work with them and the strong pool of local talent to build a side that’s capable of doing well, although the first target will be to avoid relegation while staying within the budget.”

Connor has spoken to many of last year’s squad, and among the first players to signal a willingness to stay are Séamus Conneally, Derek O’Brien and Alan Murphy.

With pre-season training due to start this weekend, there is some urgency in getting the core of the squad together. But he admits it will be a few weeks before he has his panel in place.

Galway finished eighth last season under Foster, who has since been appointed to succeed Connor at Dundalk.