Vikings strengthen squad as Cronin named assistant

Relegated Dublin City have added more players to their squad for 2005 and a new assistant for manager Dermot Keely.

Keely last week agreed deals with former players Trevor Vaughan and Alan Mulcahy as well as ex-Derry City and Cork City player Robbie Hedderman.

He has now added four more former Vikings in the shape of goalkeeper Brendan Kennedy, striker Robbie Collins, midfielder Ray Scully and his son, defender Alan Keely.

Others to join City’s bid for an instant return to the Premier Division are defender Paul Shiels, striker Philip Gorman and midfielder Alan Kelly while former Cork City and Shamrock Rovers defender Gareth Cronin has signed on as Keely’s assistant manager.

Keely signed Cronin as a player when he was at Kildare County but the 30-year-old was forced to retire due to a knee injury at the end of the season.

Meanwhile Gary O’Neill, one of the players that has left the club since its relegation to division one earlier this month, was voted Dublin City Supporters Player of the Year at the weekend.

O’Neill, who has joined champions Shelbourne was presented with his award alongside Under-21 player of the year Eamon Chapman.