Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has welcomed Monday’s trip to Ireland as the chance to unearth a future star – and attract a whole new fanbase.
Less than 36 hours after today’s Premier League clash at Stoke, McCarthy takes a full first team squad to Ferrycarrig Park for a game against Wexford Youths as part of the club record £6.5m Kevin Doyle transfer in the summer.
Doyle was born in the town, around an hour south of Dublin, and played for them between the ages of 15 and 18.
The League of Ireland club’s founder and manager Mick Wallace was Doyle’s first coach and remains a close friend.
Wolves have attracted numerous players from Ireland, most notably Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, who they sold to Coventry for a club record £6m in 1999, while current signings Doyle, Andy Keogh (Leeds and Scunthorpe) and Stephen Ward (Bohemians) all arrived from Ireland via other clubs.
Wolves also snapped up keeper Aaron McCarey from Wexford’s rivals Monaghan United last month.
“We might get another player from somewhere and a few supporters because of this trip,” said McCarthy.
“We have benefitted from having some good players from Ireland – some of the lads who have come out of the League of Ireland and lower leagues. So we were more than happy to do it.
“We might spread our tentacles a little bit further into Ireland and we might impress people.
“It’s really to raise funds for Wexford, but if it raises the awareness of our team, then great.”
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3 Comments
Mick, I was going to suggest that you extended your trip just a little to include a visit to Blarney Castle. It’s only down near Cork.Though after reading that article it seems you must have already kissed the stone. More power to you my man!!
Up The Wolves
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Irish blood…English heart!!!
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Irish blood, English heart may explain his sometimes schizophrenic tactics. Better to be unitary-Mick’s Barnsley Irish.
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