Wexford FC and Reading FC from League One in England have formed an alliance that will build on traditional links and foster new ones.
A contingent from Reading FC including Academy Manager Michael Gilkes, Head of Football Jamie Greenwood U21 Manager, and Head of Player Development Noel Hunt met with Wexford FC management last weekend at the Talbot Hotel in Wexford to announce the new partnership to local media.
The new link follows from a visit in recent months from Wexford FC staff to the Reading FC Community Trust, drawing valuable advice and guidance on community projects.
There is a long association between Wexford football and Reading – Wexford-born Irish international Kevin Doyle had a stellar career with 155 appearances for Reading in the late 2000s alongside a host of other Irish talent in Shane Long, Stephen Hunt, Noel Hunt, and many others.
Noel Hunt remains at Reading to this day as U21 Manager, with fellow Irishman Brian Carey as Head of Recruitment with The Royals.
The late Eamonn Dolan, twin brother of former Wexford Youths Head Coach Pat Dolan, was Academy Manager and Caretaker Manager of Reading FC in his day as well
There will be crossover and shared learning from Reading’s extensive Football and Social Responsibility (FSR) programmes as well as assistance with coaching and player development.
Wexford FC sponsors Campion Insurance also played their part in bringing this new partnership to life.
Watch out in the coming weeks when Wexford Chair Tony Doyle will be a guest on our Business of Football podcast.
