Dave Rogers has been announced as the new Finn Harps manager on a four-year deal.
The Liverpool-born Rogers joins the club from Premier League club Nottingham Forest, where he was the club’s Under-21 Manager.
He also held the assistant manager role of the Indian national team and has been involved with the Liverpool Academy.
As a player, he won three Premier Division titles with Shelbourne between 2003 and 2006 and has played for Derry City, St. Pat’s, Dundalk, Cork, Limerick and Drogheda amongst others in Ireland.
Rogers told FinnHarps.ie: “I’m delighted and excited to be appointed as the new Manager of Finn Harps FC on a full-time contract.
“Once the board made initial contact I could sense and feel the passion and pride they have in taking the club forward both on and off the pitch and also to speak and deal with positive and realistic football people was a big factor.
“The fact that I’m am signing a long-term contract and basing myself permanently in Donegal shows the ambition and vision and commitment of both myself and the Board of Directors to create a real culture and identity for Finn Harps FC and along with a thriving academy, continuing to implement an array of structures and foundations to enable short term gains and long term stability.
“Ballybofey has always been a tough ground to play at and the fans and community have always displayed fantastic energy and support towards the players and staff so I’m proud to be tasked with delivering a brand and style of football that will engage and embrace those traits with enthusiasm and to play on the front foot.”
Finn Harps Chairman Ian Harkin said: “I’m delighted to have Dave on board. 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.”
