Drogheda United have announced that Gary O’Neill will remain with the club for the 2014 League of Ireland season in a player/coach role.
O’Neill stopped playing football in September of last year when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. At the time there was huge support for O’Neill, with players and fans from clubs across the league supporting the LOI veteran.
O’Neill has been training at the PFA camp in recent weeks. Of resigning with Drogs, he said:
“I’m feeling great at the moment.
“I’m taking things one day at a time and right now there is no reason why I can’t continue to play soccer. I was gutted to miss out on two finals with Drogheda last season and I’m just very grateful that I’m able to come back this season. It feels right to take my first steps back into football with Drogheda. Everyone here has been incredible to me and to my family, particularly Robbie, Dr. Conor Kelly, Danny Miller (physio) and the club directors. It has meant a great deal to me and to my family to have that kind of support and friendship and I’m just over the moon that I’ve got the green light to get back on the pitch.
“I also want to express my sincere thanks to the many others who have supported me and been of great assistance to me during this difficult period of my life including the PFAI, FAI, friends in sport and many individuals. It has made the world of difference to my family and enabled me to focus on my recovery and on staying positive.”
Drogs manager Robbie Horgan said of O’Neill’s return: “I couldn’t be happier that Gary has signed back with Drogheda. It’s been a very tough few months for him and for his family but he has handled his illness with great dignity and positivity and I know he hopes that highlighting it will have helped others. We’re all thrilled that Gary will be staying with the club. He’s rather inspirational in every sense and that will reflect onto those who play alongside him.”
Gary will join his team-mates when Drogheda’s pre-season training kicks off on Saturday 11th January.
Image: Drogheda United's Gary O'Neill
©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
