New Finn Harps boss Rogers: 'There is a hotbed of talent in the north-west'

Finn Harps this afternoon confirmed Dave Rogers as their manager on a four-year deal this afternoon with the club and its new boss aiming for sustainability and structure in the coming years.

Rogers takes over the mantle from Ollie Horgan, who was in charge at Ballybofey for nine seasons in all - six of which were spent in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division - before their relegation in October.

A native of Liverpool, Rogers most recently worked as Nottingham Forest U-23 assistant head coach and has worked in the past with players such as Republic of Ireland international Harry Artur and Brennan Johnson and Nico Williams, who both played in the World Cup in Qatar for Wales.

“The four-year deal shows the commitment Finn Harps have in me,” Rogers said at his unveiling this afternoon at the CoLab at ATU Donegal in Letterkenny. “That means there’s a clear idea and a strategy. I hate the term part-time or full-time, you’re either professional or you’re not. It will take time here. We will have  a good journey.”

Rogers and Kevin McHugh - former teammates at Derry City in 2007 - will now link up at the Ballybofey club, with McHugh head of the academy, while the new manager - whose enthusiasm was apparent - will also draw on his contacts in the football world. He was academy manager of Liverpool's residential academy in India and filled a similar role in South Korea after a stint as assistant manager of India's national team.

“Any appointment is always a challenge,” Rogers added. “I want to build a structure with a style of play and I’m really big on the development of homegrown players who have worked with Kevin here. There’s nothing better than seeing one of your own coming through. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge at Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. I’m not a merry-go-round manager that will go from club to club to club.” 

“I want to give something back to the community, people who want to bring the club to a new era. New ambition. I could see how committed the people are here. I’m delighted to be here.  I’ve thick skin and a burning desire to make things work. People here want growth and a player pathway, a fantastic community. We have a long term vision and that’s what makes it appealing. We want stability and not be an up-and-down club.”

Rogers - who is based out of Castleblayney, Co Monaghan - won three League of Ireland Premier Division titles with Shelbourne. He also had spells at Derry City, St Patrick's Athletic, Dundalk, Cork City , Limerick, Monaghan United, Drogheda United and Bohemians.

“People talk about finances and budgets, but what about a manager or a coach that can make people better?,” he said. “That’s what I believe. Players will play for me and they will want to come here. They will be treated as human beings. I got a bit of advice, when I worked in India and I was told not to pick the club but to pick the people - that’s what’s happening here. There is a hotbed of talent in the north-west. I’m delighted to be here. 

“I’ve connections, not only in Liverpool, but at Forest and with other clubs. I have build relationships and loyalty and a trust. I’m an open book and if people want to come in and watch training that’s fine. I know a lot of good people who know I am coming here and they want to help this project. 

“When supporters see the style and the culture I will begin they will enjoy it. The board can see the long-term. It will take time and we will have patience and perseverance. I pride myself in making people better - staff, coaches and players. I’m committed to this project and am committed to Finn Harps. I won’t be shutting the door on anyone. I will sit down and have conversations and I’m more than happy to sit down with anyone. We have good people at this club already.”