Devlin joins Staunton’s coaching staff

BRAY Wanderers manager Pat Devlin has joined Stephen Staunton’s team as ‘B’ international team manager and eircom League coordinator.

The move is designed to forge closer links between domestic football and the senior Irish squad, with Devlin charged with monitoring potential international players in the eircom League.

Said Staunton: “Pat will report on talent in the eircom League and through the reinstatement of the ‘B’ Internationals, provide a development opportunity for home-based players. The ‘B’ internationals can also provide a focal point for players over the age of 21 who have yet to graduate to full senior level.”

Staunton said he wants to create a strong link between the eircom League and the senior international set-up.

“We’re trying to build a club ethos around the international set-up and that takes time, but creating stronger links between the under-age teams managed by Vincent Butler, Sean McCaffrey and Don Givens helps and, in a similar way, getting closer ties with the eircom League should contribute positively to what we’re trying to achieve.”

Devlin said he was delighted to join the team.

“The development of home based players is very much part of Stephen’s long-term plan and I’m looking forward to joining the team and contributing to that plan”, he said.

“We hope that with more focus on the league we can provide more opportunities for home-based players to come through to senior international level.”