A look at James Keddy's men ahead of the 2024 season
Wexford’s form towards the second half of last year signals a team ready for serious progress in the new SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division season and perhaps one that may see them as the principal challengers to Cork City this season.
This is a team that boasted one of the highest levels of under 21 players in any team around the League and with further positive news of investment coming into the Club’s Academy, things are progressing nicely for Wexford.
Guided by James Keddy, Wexford’s young guns marshalled by the experienced Ethan Boyle made their way into the Play-Offs comfortably last year and were denied further progression in the monsoon rain of Cobh at the death in a thriller.
Having held onto some key faces, the core of the squad remains with a sprinkle of new talent that could see them raise the stakes even more.
Though they lost Luke Browne and Eoin Kenny whose loan spells came to an end, they have retained James Crawford, son of Jim, and have brought back Goalkeeper Owen Mason on loan.
The arrivals of Cian Curtis and Carl Lennox, however, prove that Ferrycarrig Park is proving to be a perfect environment for bright young talent to prosper after the Shamrock Rovers pair landed in the south-east for 2024.
Keddy will be delighted to have secured the re-signing of talisman Aaron Dobbs who may be responsible again for the side’s attacking threat and continued his 2023 form straight into pre-season.
With Mikie Rowe coming home along with Thomas Oluwa in the squad, goals shouldn’t be in short supply in addition to Dobbs’ threat.
One of the most notable signings came from within as Kaylem Harnett put pen to paper to nail down his future at the Club as plenty of interest was noted for the Republic of Ireland underage international.
Game time must be on the agenda for the young midfielder.
On the agenda for James Keddy must surely be promotion now as a realistic target for a strong side he’s built over the last year.
With off-the-field work progressing nicely, Wexford fans will also have an exciting year to look forward to in the here and now.
Finish last season - 4th
Manager - James Keddy
Key player - Aaron Dobbs
