Harps chairman Ian Harkin says new manager Rogers 'blew us away' at interview

Ian Harkin, the Finn Harps chairman, says the club were blown away by Dave Rogers in the interview process to succeed Ollie Horgan as manager.

Rogers was this afternoon unveiled as the new manager of the Ballybofey club and his chairman believes he will be the man to lead the club into a new era, one in which they aim to be in their new stadium in Stranlorlar in July 2024.

"Dave was the standout candidate and his presentation blew us away, with the detail, the experience, the man’s hunger for continuous education," Harkin said. "This is something he has been actively seeking. It was an easy decision for us.

"We have a vision in regards to our stadium. We’ve several partners - the government, the FAI, the local council - in regards the stadium and all that has been asked of us has been submitted. It will be a modular, quick-build, although the grass will take longer so we’re looking at July 2024, so success on the pitch is also a part needed.

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

Dave Rogers was officially unveiled as the new manager of Finn Harps this afternoon in Letterkenny and the enthusiastic Scouser spoke of his dreams and visions for the Ballybofey club

"We must start the footballing project, with a style of play and we will in time look at a professional environment. You have to be looking at going straight back up, even with the play-offs, but we can see the bigger picture. We have given Dave a long-term contract. We know this will take time."

The 47-year-old Rodger’s coaching journey has taken him across the world, working with the Liverpool FC International Academy in America, South Korea and India. He has also managed in India with DSK Shivajians FC, and more recently in America with FC Arizona. 

"I’m delighted to have Dave on board," Harkin added. "We were aware of his reputation as a coach having completed his Pro licence alongside people close to the club and we identified him as someone we wanted to speak to from the outset.

"As a club the opportunity to go with a full time manager was too big an opportunity to miss, Dave has a huge experience in our league and in developing players in 3 different continents. He was a leader on the field and a huge one now off the field. He is a huge advocate for developing our own talent. It's going to be an exciting journey, personally I can't wait for the new season to start.”