Craig Sexton: ‘Ultimately I am here to develop everyone at the football club wherever I can; structures, coach development and player development.’

Dalymount Park

Dalymount Park Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)

Bohemian FC have announced their former goalkeeper and double winning under-19 manager Craig Sexton as their new head of Academy in a move which sees the Dalymount Park outfit take another step forward as regards to youth development at the club.

With Keith Long placing trust in youth throughout his tenure at the club - the likes of Dawson Devoy, Ross Tierney, Promise Omochere and Jamie Mullins the most prominent examples last season - and a fruitful partnership with St Kevin's Boys now established, it is a role in which 29-year-old Sexton will be building on the solid foundations already laid.

Speaking with bohemianfc.com, he reflected on what had gone before. "There has been brilliant work done over the last number of years,” said Sexton. “There are a lot of good people who have been driving it forward as much as they can. Their work has put us in a position where we have the potential and ability to grow in all areas.

“I have been involved in youth development for a long time. I have always wanted to progress everything that I am involved in.

“Ultimately I am here to develop everyone at the football club wherever I can; structures, coach development and player development.

“I am here to help the whole process and to help everyone reach their potential. I believe we can bring it to another level. That is the plan; to support all areas of youth football at the club, boys and girls, as well as with our League of Ireland partners at St Kevin’s.

“We have a great working relationship with St Kevin’s. For the last number of years it has certainly been fruitful for everybody. We have benefited and they have benefited, so I am excited about continuing working with the guys and working directly with Stephen Costello.

“But I will be working with all sides; below the League of Ireland teams also at our own club, boys and girls. There are a lot of good people there to work with, and I am looking forward to assisting the support layers that are there across all the teams across the club.”