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Conor McCarthy and James Sugrue. Photo: Adam Kowalczyk
KERRY Football Club will have a change in the senior management team for the 2024 season.
Billy Dennehy is moving to his original position as Sporting Director while the first team coaching group will consist of Billy’s original staff of Conor McCarthy, James Sugrue and Del O’Shea with Shane Guthrie joining as Strength and Conditioning coach.
Both Conor and James have plenty of experience at League of Ireland level, with both coaching underage LOI Academy teams in the Kerry FC structures for over five years. Both coaches formed the backroom team to Dennehy’s charges during the 2023 season.
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Speaking following the announcement, Billy Dennehy said “I think now is the best time to move into the Sporting Director role which was the original position that I was coming into the club as.
“Before the start of last season, things happened so quickly that I was asked to take the manager role of the first team, but it was always the intention to be the Sporting Director and have more of an overview of the whole club rather than one particular area.”
“I’m delighted that James and Conor along with Del, Chris, Ivan, Mark and Shane, all the people that I brought in with me got invaluable experience working at senior League of Ireland level and I’m happy that they are the team that will be taking the day to day control of the first team group.”
Billy added; “James Sugrue is somebody that I started this journey with six years ago and we used to speak about being a League of Ireland club one day and now here we are. I’m very proud for him to develop into this role along with Conor as Head Coach with his development as well.”
“I’m looking forward to settling into my role as Sporting Director looking at the general overview of the club, all the aspects that go into having a club at this level in terms of the Academy, tying them in with the first team and also in relation to the commercial element of the club and how vital that is to the overall health of Kerry FC.”
“To everyone, I would like to thank you for your support last year and we will need even more again next season. I look forward to meeting you all again in Mounthawk Park for the start of the 2024 season,” said Billy.
Conor McCarthy. Photo: Adam Kowalczyk
Kerry FC Head Coach Conor McCarthy said; “Firstly I just want to say I am delighted to be the Head Coach of Kerry FC for the 2024 season. On a personal note, this is a very proud moment for me and my family and I am very grateful for the club’s backing and support. This is a very exciting opportunity and one I can’t wait to get started with.”
“I am immensely proud to have been involved with Kerry FC over the previous five years. The club has made huge strides forward in a very short period of time. I, along with the players and staff will look to keep pushing Kerry FC in the right direction! I can’t wait to see everyone in Mounthawk Park next February!” he said.
James Sugrue. Photo: Adam Kowalczyk
Kerry FC Coach James Sugrue said; “I’m really looking forward to the new season with Kerry FC. I think this role is made for me, I love working with players and getting the best out of them. We have a lot of work now with recruitment and getting the squad ready for the new season but I’m very excited for the challenge ahead.
“Myself, Conor, Del, Chris, Mark and Ivan will do all we can to take this team to another level and with the off-field work by Billy, who has been a fantastic help with everything since we started.”
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