The newly named Home Farm DCU are preparing for life in the new FAI national league with big appointments made.
Former Sligo Rovers star Gavin Peers has been announced as manager. Whereas, former long timer FAI staffer Nicola Brannigan is CEO and Umbro as official kit suppliers.
They club also say, “Club legend Ronnie Whelan will also be unveiled in a new role at the media launch for Home Farm DCU next Thursday, July 30th”.
The event will include further announcements including football appointments and new club sponsor.
Home Farm were League of Ireland members from 1972 to 1999. The newly formed Home Farm and DCU amalgamation; will allow young players the platform to pursue their football careers in tandem with their academic ambitions as they compete in the new third tier of the League of Ireland.
“Home Farm DCU represents an exciting opportunity to build an ambitious and professionally run club with a clear vision for the future,” said CEO Nicola Brannigan
“By combining Home Farm’s proud football heritage with DCU’s strength in education and elite sport; we can create a meaningful pathway for players both on and off the pitch.
“I am proud to lead the club into this new chapter and look forward to working with our partners, supporters and wider community.”
New manager Peers, won the League of Ireland and three FAI Cups, with Sligo Rovers. Peers and also spent time with Blackburn Rovers, Mansfield Town, St Patrick’s Athletic, Derry City and Glentoran.
“I am delighted to take up this position as manager at such an exciting time for the League of Ireland with the introduction of the new National League” said Peers.
Whelan a life long link with Home Farm
“This joint venture between Home Farm FC and DCU is one of the most innovative projects in Irish football and offers our players the very best opportunity to further their football career and their Third Level education prospects”.
“I am really looking forward to the new season and the challenges ahead.”
“Home Farm has played such a huge role in my football journey and it is such a pleasure to be officially involved with the club again,” said Ronnie Whelan.
Ireland and Liverpool legend Whelan’s Home Farm links stretch across four generations; via his father Ronnie Snr, his own time with the club’s youth set-up before his move to Anfield.
Ronnie’s, brother Paul’s League of Ireland career and his nephew Gavin and his family’s ongoing involvement with the club, on and off the pitch.
“Our family’s football history is intertwined with the Home Farm story” added Whelan. “I look forward to helping Home Farm DCU enrich the sporting lives of so many young players as this project develops.”
