First-team coach agrees contract extension...
HAVING seen manager, Dean Smith, agree a contract extension last month, first-team coach, Richard O’Kelly has today followed suit by penning a new deal that takes him through to the end of the 2015/16 season.The 56 year-old returned to the club in May following two previous successful spells on the coaching staff, during which time he has developed an excellent working relationship with Dean Smith, the rest of the coaching staff and the players.
A well-respected figure throughout the club, his sheer enthusiasm and experience has proved invaluable.
“I am delighted that Richard has signed a new contract in line with mine,” said manager, Dean Smith. “We work well together and he is an integral part of what we are trying to achieve here.
“Richard possesses many qualities and has so much knowledge about the game. He knows how we work and I am pleased that our partnership will continue.
“This is a long-term project and Richard is key to it going forward.”
O’Kelly was equally as pleased to extend his stay. “It’s always nice to feel wanted,” he said with a smile. “I have built up an excellent relationship with Dean and indeed all of the staff at the club.
“Things are done in the right way here; we are constantly looking to improve and develop and that can only be achieved by creating the right environment, and I feel that we have that here.
“Dean and I will see things differently sometimes, which is a good thing, but we work well together and I look forward to a positive future.”