Deegan hoping to deliver success for Drogheda
LEAGUE OF IRELAND
Drogheda United manager Kevin Doherty was recently delighted to appoint Gary Deegan as club captain for the 2023 season, which starts with a tough game against Damien Duff’s Shelbourne this Friday night at Tolka Park (7.45pm), writes Paul Holland.
Meath players expected to feature are Evan Weir (Ratoath), Luke Heeney (Duleek) and 17 year old Emre Topcu (Duleek) after the recent departure of Andrew Quinn (Dunshaughlin) to Shels.
Doherty highlighted ‘the consistent high level of Deegan’s performances’ in the midfielder’s 68 appearances in his two previous seasons with the Boynesiders.
All the more impressive when the popular number 8 is approaching his 36th birthday in September!
"The annual local derby ‘friendly’ was a great experience for the team as it’s as competitive as any game. Our two new signings from Lincoln City (defender Elicha Ahiu and striker Freddie Draper) did very well and I am really looking forward to the new season," said Deegan after the recent pre-season victory over Dundalk.
"Even if we are only part-time, we focus on what we can do and not what all the other clubs are doing."
After winning two league medals and an FAI Cup with Bohemians in 2008 and 2009, Deegan was signed by Championship team Coventry City, on a three and a half year deal where he played 43 games and scored five goals.
Coincidentally an ex- Drogheda United player, Luke McNally from Enfield, is currently with Coventry (on loan from Burnley) was named on the ‘Championship Team of the Week’ last weekend.
Scottish Premier club Hibernian (managed by Pat Fenlon) signed ‘Deego’ in 2012 where he played alongside Tim Clancy from Trim. In December 2020 Clancy signed the midfielder when he was the manager of Drogheda United.
Deegan’s promising career in Scotland was interrupted when his jaw was broken in an unprovoked attack in Edinburgh city centre.
Deegan later lined out for Northampton Town, Southend United, Shrewsbury Town and Cambridge United.
The tough midfielder is widely respected as one of the best in the league and is admired for his passion, focus and commitment to every club he plays for.
He is also a huge influence on the younger players as his experience and guidance is proving invaluable over the past two years.
"People like Tim Clancy really understand what I am all about, that’s what really matters to me, when people in camp are on the same page," said Deegan.
"Being captain is a privilege and a real honour for me. We don’t have the resources that other clubs have and many players naturally opt for full-time football, but we at Drogheda always give the chance to young players to develop.
"Emre Topcu from Duleek is only 17 and has already played for Turkey’s U-18s. We rate him highly and want to make sure we look after him.
"It’s fantastic to see former Drogheda players doing so well, even just last weekend Luke McNally starred for Coventry and Killian Phillips scored the winner for Shrewsbury (3-2) after just starting his loan weeks ago from Crystal Palace."
This year’s new Drogheda United captain somehow manages to keep the plates spinning.
Only a few years ago he was seriously ill from Sepsis. He sees no reason why he can't continue at his age.
Starting work as a postman at 5am each day and with the support for the past 17 years of his partner Jayne and daughters Sadie and Darla, he still delivers in more ways than one.