Former League of Ireland star Russell is new Westport United boss

WESTPORT United FC has announced that former League of Ireland star John Russell has been appointed as the new manager of the club’s Super League team.

John’s recent coaching background is of the highest calibre, having been the FAI Regional Development Officer for Sligo and John has vast experience of playing the game at elite national level, having played football in the League of Ireland for the last 15 years for Galway United, St. Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers with noteworthy success, having won two FAI Cups, a League title, a League Cup and the Setanta Sports Cup.

His footballing talents at underage also earned him recognition at an international level where he has been capped by the Republic of Ireland at Schoolboys and U.19 level.

Since starting to work on his coaching badges, he holds coaching qualifications in UEFA

Elite A Youth Licence, UEFA A Licence Coach, Level 2 Coach Education Tutor with Coaching Ireland and Level 2 Child Welfare Tutor.

John is well noted for his meticulous preparation and possesses excellent organisational and implementation skills to ensure his teams are rehearsed in the finer points of the game.

When asked what it means to managing such a prestigious junior football club such as

Westport United, John Russell stated: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to manage Westport United Football Club. It is an impressive club with great history and I look forward to working with all the players and staff. The season is nearly upon us so we will be busy over the next few weeks getting the players ready for the start of what will hopefully be an exciting year.’

Club chairman, Myles Staunton, welcomed the appointment of John Russell.

He stated: “As a progressive football club, Westport United is delighted to secure the services of John Russell as manager of our Super League side and his credentials tick all the boxes as we look to take our flagship team to the next level.

“Everyone here is looking forward to working with John who will bring a fresh voice and different ideas to the dressing room and we are looking forward to some very exciting times ahead at United Park under John’s stewardship.’

"The appointment of someone of John’s calibre and experience reflects the club’s ambition to take the Super League team to the next level in terms of Connaught and the FAI Junior competitions. There is no reason why a club like Westport United should not be competing at the end game of such competitions.

"Everyone at Westport United FC is excited that John will bring a level of professionalism to the role, which will hopefully bring our club to the next level with the players looking forward to working under him and we are sure that John will have no doubt that he will receive a great Westport welcome by our loyal supporters who give him their full support.

Mr. Staunton thanked the club’s selection committee, Stephen Duffy (chairman), Padraig Burns, Ray McLoughlin and Michael McDonagh and the contribution of Michael McDonnell, the club’s vice chairman, for undertaking a thorough selection process resulting in an excellent appointment, which has been ratified by the club committee.

“Finally, I thank the Castlecourt Hotel for their loyal and ongoing sponsorship of the Super League team which is much appreciated,” he added.