Malachians Club Chairman Bill Bannon officially hands over the first team reins to Artie McAlea and his assistant Kevin McVeagh
Malachians' new first team management officially took up the position today, Monday 26th November.Acting with commendable speed the Malachians' committee filled the vacant post within two weeks, ensuring continuity and, acting along the traditional lines of the club, were delighted to offer the post to those with previous strong connections with the club.
New manager Artie McAlea was clearly equally delighted to be given the chance to manage the team he joined in 1996 as a no-nonsense full back, helping the Mals to the 1A title in his first year. Artie later went on to manage Crumlin Star, leading them to the Cochrane and Corry Cup and 2B and 2A titles in consecutive years. Artie will be assisted by Kevin McVeagh, the former Mals' goalkeeping legend, who will hope to be as successful in management circles as he has been on the disc jockey circuit.
Artie's previous management experience has led him to realise that, at this level, you cannot hope to lead a team to success without a strong backroom staff. As a result he has already enlisted brother Eddie McAlea and Colm McGuigan to his team. Eddie, another former Mal, is a qualified fitness coach, with Irish League experience at Cliftonville and Ballyclare while Colm, who played on the wing for Malachians, went on to play for Bangor. Artie explained:"the backroom boys will be involved with fitness and coaching as well as scouting, but their experience will also be invaluable to the club "
After meeting with the Mals'committee, the new management duo outlined their plans. "We are both looking forward to the challenge. Initially it will be one week at a time. High profile cup matches are very enjoyable to be involved in, but the league is the number one priority. We have three vital league matches coming up in December. This will be very much a team effort and we will be relying on the backroom staff to vary things and provide extra support"
Kevin McVeagh added. "We intend to be sticklers for time-keeping and discipline, but building that on communication and mutual respect with the players, always keeping things in perspective. Obviously we can only do that within the parameters of the club's rules". It will be interesting to see how Kevin gets on with his goalkeeping successor Paul Fay who has been going out with Kevin's daughter Karen for many years ! Keep things in perspective Kevin !!!
Artie closed the interview on a positive note. "We intend to build on the strong squad, both firsts and seconds, that already exists here. We hope to work closely with the second team management of Micky McKay, Gerry Adams and Harry Magee and encourage a stronger supporter base, both home and away as we move up the league. Success for the team and the club is what we're after "
Welcome home boys from all at Malachians. We all wish you a long, happy and successful time at the club.
The new management team highlight their plans to the committee
|
