GAVIN DYKES has been confirmed as Ollie Horgan’s new assistant manager at Finn Harps.
A former Harps player and manager, Dykes brings considerable experience to the newly-promoted Donegal side, who have added Richard Brush, Michael Rafter and David Scully to their squad.
Dykes stepped down as the Head of Youth Development at his native Sligo Rovers last month,
Dykes has been aiding Horgan with training in recent weeks and his appointment as number 2 at Finn Park was confirmed tonight at a public forum in the Clanree Hotel.
It had been no secret that Dykes was working with Harps, but Horgan was keen not to count his chickens.
“We took our time and wanted to get it right,” Horgan said.
“We have someone in with Premier Division experience who knows the League well. He is someone we feel can fit the high bill that James Gallagher brought.
“He has been here before managing the club. The biggest thing he brings is his knowledge of the Premier Division. That knowledge will be huge for us.”
Dykes played for Harps in the 1999 FAI Cup final defeat to Bray Wanders and took over as caretaker manager after Charlie McGeever resigned amid a bad start to the 1999/00 season.
Dykes himself quit in January 2001, but returns to Ballybofey following a 15-year absence.
Horgan will hope that ex-Cork and Derry striker Rafter and former Bohemians and Bray Wanders hitman Scully can bag the goals to keep them in the top flight.
Rafter has been out of action since undergoing surgery on an ankle injury sustained at the end of the 2013 season.
“Michael won’t be available for a number of weeks at the start of the season but he’s in rehabilitation and hopefully he’ll go back into collective training soon,” Horgan said.
“David is a player who gives his all. That is important. I knew him when he was at Bohs. He works tirlessly and he’ll fit in well.”
Brush comes in having parted ways with Sligo Rovers at the end of the 2015 season and will push Ciaran Gallagher hard for the number 1 spot.
Horgan said: “What that gives us is massive cover and I’d have huge confidence in either of those goalkeepers. That area of the field we are ahead of other sides.”
Harps have also added Adam Hanlon – formerly of Bray and Shelbourne – ex-Waterford United player Ethan Boyle and Liam Flately who was at Sligo Rovers last season.
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