Dave Rogers has spent the guts of the last decade growing as a coach in England, India and the United States. Now the 47-year-old Football Careers client is putting down family roots in Ireland as the new full-time boss of Finn Harps FC.

Scouser Dave, who won three Irish League titles as a player with Shelbourne, has signed a four-year deal after making the difficult decision to quit life in the Academy at Premier League Nottingham Forest where he was the club’s Under-21 Head Coach. Pro Licence holder Dave smiled:

“I’m delighted and excited to be appointed as the new Manager of Finn Harps FC on a full-time contract. Once the board made initial contact I could sense and feel the passion and pride they have in taking the club forward both on and off the pitch.

“Also to speak and deal with positive and realistic football people was a big factor.”

This a top hire and Harps have secured a coach who has developed so much in a variety of roles on his travels. Dave was Academy Manager of Liverpool’s residential project in India and also assistant boss to fellow Football Careers client Stephen Constantine with the Indian National Team.

Rogers then sparkled in his role as Technical Director with National Premier Soccer League side FC Arizona. Dave’s return to British football saw him highly regarded at Forest who were sad to see him go but understand the pull of Ireland for both family and football reasons. Rogers, also a Scottish Championship winner with Dundee in 1997 as a player, reflected:

“The fact that I’m am signing a long-term contract and basing myself permanently in Donegal shows the ambition, vision and commitment of both myself and the Board of Directors. We want to create a real culture and identity for Finn Harps FC and along with a thriving academy, continuing to implement an array of structures and foundations to enable short-term gains and long-term stability.

“Ballybofey has always been a tough ground to play at and the fans and community have always displayed fantastic energy and support towards the players and staff. I’m proud to be tasked with delivering a brand and style of football that will engage and embrace those traits with enthusiasm and to play on the front foot.”

Harps have made the commitment to go with a full-time manager to secure the services of a candidate of the calibre of Rogers. And club chairman Ian Harkin said: 

“I’m delighted to have Dave on board. We were aware of
his reputation as a coach having completed his UEFA Pro Licence alongside people close to the club and we identified him as someone we wanted to speak to from the outset.

“Dave has huge experience in our league and in developing players on three different continents. He was a leader on the field and is a huge one now off the field. He is a huge advocate for developing our own talent. It’s going to be an exciting journey, personally I can’t wait for the new season to start.”