Drogheda United Club Update - Drogheda United F.C. | Home of the ...
It has been 129 days since Drogheda United embarked on a new journey with Trivela Group. Our goal was, and still is, to develop a sustainable club that is competitive, resilient, and passionate. This period has been a great learning experience for all of us and, if analyzed appropriately, will make us better. The people we have met at the club and in the community are now more than colleagues and acquaintances; they are dear friends, and we are all committed to pushing Drogheda United forward, this season and in the years to come.
First Team
During preseason, we recognized the need to increase our playing budget and bring in more full-time players to push the club forward. This season has been unusual and disappointing, with performances not initially reflecting in our results. We conducted a full review of our on-pitch performance and have started addressing the issues directly, focusing on specific areas we need to improve and doubling down in the July window to bolster the squad and push on. We believe this squad has yet to reach its full potential. Let’s bring our support and passion to drive the squad forward. We know the stakes, and we are ready to compete.
Academy
Our newly appointed Academy Director has been focused on laying solid foundations and building upon them. John’s early efforts have involved gathering information, meeting new colleagues, and understanding the club’s historical operations. He began implementing high-level academy structures focusing on three core areas: Structure, Staff, and Contact Hours.
We have strengthened our relationship with Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE), which has enhanced contact hours, storage, video analysis, strength and conditioning, gym access, and internships. Additionally, we are reaching out to build relationships with local clubs within our catchment area.
Despite pre-season challenges, all teams are now competing well, with our U20s leading their group and progressing to the elite phase. We believe in our process, and our direction is the right one. We have academy players regularly participating in first-team training and match day squads and more than 11 academy players have represented our first team in the Leinster Senior Cup this season. As we move forward, players will transition between squads for diverse experiences and challenges.
Weavers Park
With Drogheda United’s purchase of Weavers Park, we have been diligently working to upgrade the stadium. Necessary repairs include refurbishing the home stand, additional seating, updating the gutter system, a new gantry, plumbing upgrades, and fresh coats of paint to ensure a welcoming environment for our supporters.
We are also exploring opportunities to enhance the supporter experience with potential retail and hospitality expansions. Updates on these plans will be provided as they develop.
Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF)
Over the past few months, our team has been working hard to apply for the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund to secure government funds for a new stadium. We officially submitted our application earlier this week. The Louth County Council has designated land north of the town for Drogheda United to develop a new stadium. This project is vital for the growth of both Drogheda United and the community. Securing public funds would provide a significant opportunity to elevate Drogheda United to the next level.
As we move forward, the collective efforts and determination of everyone involved will be important to build a sustainable club long term. The foundation has started to be laid, but we know there is much more work to do both on and off the pitch. Our commitment to fielding a competitive first team, developing our academy, upgrading Weavers Park, and securing grant funding through the LSSIF represents our vision for a sustainable club.
We know there will be ups and downs, we know we can improve, we know our full potential has not yet been reached, we know we are working like mad to push the whole club forward. Building for the long term takes time, grit, and resilience. It’s going to take a collective effort from all parties to realize our the vision. Thank you for your care and belief. Let’s keep building, competing, and caring.
Wesley Hill
Executive Director – Drogheda United
