Having retired from football following a trophy-laden spell with Dundalk, Gary Rogers has decided to join Seamus 'Banty' McEnaney's Monaghan GAA backroom staff.
Rogers is no stranger to gaelic football circles, having played for Meath for a brief period in 2006 before signing for Galway United. Since then, Rogers has helped out Banty whilst he was managing Meath in 2010, as well taking up similar roles with Cavan and Westmeath.
Full-time football with Dundalk meant that Rogers couldn't commit to these roles, but his retirement before Christmas has meant that he could return to a coach role in the code.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Rogers stated that Banty was constantly after him over the festive period before he succumbed to his persuasion.
“I wasn’t retired 24-hours when Banty started ringing me. He got a hold of me a few times over Christmas and he's a very persuasive man."
Recently retired Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers will be the goalkeeping coach for the Monaghan GAA senior team in 2021.
— James Rogers (@jamesdundalk) January 5, 2021
The role gives Rogers the opportunity to work with the likes of Rory Beggan, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the country, a prospect he's looking forward to.
“I'm looking forward to working with Rory and the other goalkeepers. They’ve been excellent for a number of years and it's a great opportunity."
Following his departure from Dundalk, Rogers also revealed that there were opportunities for him to return to League of Ireland football, but none of them tickled his fancy.
“There have been a couple of offers to go back and play. Great opportunities, but they didn't tempt me. I'm happy with the decision I made.”
Rogers isn't the only former League of Ireland footballer to change codes and coach in the GAA, with Rogers' former goalkeeping coach at Dundalk, Steve Williams, joining Louth GAA as goalkeeping coach under Mickey Harte.
Dundalk have announced Gary Rogers prospective replacement, former Albanian international Alessio Abibi, who has signed for the club from KS Kastrioti Krujë in the Albanian top tier.
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