Former Champions League star relishing his new challenge at Hythe Town

NORTHERN IRELAND star Darren Finlay says he is excited with the prospect of developing youngsters through the new youth system at Ryman League newcomers Hythe Town, writes Stephen McCartney.


Hythe Town have joined forces with Hythe Stars and Stripes FC to launch a new under 18s team for next season.  This is the culmination of a year’s worth of preparation from both clubs and is the first jointly managed project between the two.

The team has successfully applied to the Kent Youth League for the coming season and have also appointed a highly qualified manager with years of experience in the game, at the highest level.

Finlay has recently completed his UEFA ‘B’ (Level 3) Coaching Qualification through the Professional Footballers Association at Premier League club Chelsea.

He is starting his career in coaching having enjoyed a number of years in the professional game, having started his playing career in Northern Ireland with Glentoran before moving to Queens Park Rangers as a trainee, staying at the London club for four seasons.

Darren later signed for Doncaster Rovers and also had stints with non-league sides Kingstonian and Crawley Town whilst in England.

He then returned to Ireland re-joining his original club. Whilst there he lifted the Irish Cup and the Irish Premier League, also competing in the Champions League and European Cup Winners Cup.

During his playing career he also played international football representing Northern Ireland at both Youth and Senior level.
Darren has established many contacts within the game and is keen to develop as a coach.

He is relishing the chance as Hythe Town’s newly appointed under 18’s manager.

He said: “I am very excited about the task that lies ahead. It is the premier youth league in Kent and as such will provide us with very competitive youth football next season where the aim is to attract and then develop young players and giving them the opportunity to progress through into the first team. It’s a big challenge but it’s one I am really looking forward to."

Simon Johnson, the chairman of the youth section,  Hythe Stars and Stripes FC, said: “A great deal of work has gone into establishing this team and marks both clubs determination to invest in the young players of Hythe.

“We now have a complete youth structure and hopefully in a few years’ time we will see some players’ progress through to the first team.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for any young player. Darren Finlay is a fantastic appointment as manager and will bring all his experience and enthusiasm to this role – the players under his guidance will learn a great deal”

Hythe Town secretary Martin Giles added, “The fact that we are still well within the first year of our partnership with Stars and Stripes and are already applying for a team in the top age group of the County's senior youth league shows how committed we all are .

“In Darren Finlay we have a man with real experience of top football up to European level and this will help any youngsters with the right attitude to progress in the game.

“It has been a great season for Hythe Town FC after nineteen years trying to get back to where we are now - but the good news keeps coming.”

Finlay now begins the search for “talented under 18 footballers in the local area.”

He said: “On the back of their recent successes – winning promotion and being the first Kent League club to reach the first round proper of the FA Cup for 53 years, Hythe Town are launching a new under 18 team in the Kent Youth League.

“We are looking for 16-17 year olds who have the potential and motivation to develop into future senior first team players.”

The first trial game is scheduled for Tuesday 24 May 2011 at Lympne Village Recreation Ground.  Registration is at 6:30pm for a 7pm start.

To reserve a place at the trial please contact Darren Finlay on 07800984803 – please mention that you read this article on www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

Visit Hythe Town’s website: www.hythetownfc.co.uk