Horgan eyeing move into management when playing days end
Lilwyhites skipper Daryl Horgan will consider management when he hangs up his boots
Daryl Horgan believes a move into football management could await him when his playing days eventually come to an end, but for now the Dundalk FC captain is showing little sign of slowing down after claiming the SSE Airtricity/SWI Player of the Month award for May.
The 33-year-old collected the accolade for a fifth time, exactly 12 years after first winning it during his breakthrough spell at Oriel Park in May 2014. Horgan, who also picked up the award on three further occasions before his move to Preston North End at the end of 2016, edged out Waterford’s Tommy Lonergan and Bohemians midfielder Dawson Devoy to secure the latest honour.
While his immediate focus remains on helping Dundalk continue their strong form under Ciaran Kilduff, Horgan has already started laying the foundations for life after playing.
Alongside captaining the club, he has been coaching the Dundalk U17 side while working towards his UEFA A Licence with the FAI.
Asked whether he could see himself following Kilduff’s path from player to manager, Horgan admitted the role appeals to him, even if he appreciates the demands it brings.
“I think so, but I think it’s one of those jobs where, until you’re in there, you can’t know how hard it is, the long days, the decision-making that you have to go through, and managing egos and things like that.
“It’s grand to say it on paper, but until you’re actually stepping into the role, I don’t know how difficult it would be. But it’s something I think I’d love to do.
“I love the coaching, love working with players, the tactical element, and getting the best out of people. So hopefully something like that comes up and I can make that leap for myself.”
His coaching work has already become an important part of his routine and, while there is no certainty about where it may lead, Horgan says the opportunity to combine it with his playing career has been invaluable.
“Something I always felt I wanted to do was coach, and being able to do that while I’m playing is brilliant. Getting badges and things like that, and working away on that side of things.
“There’s no guarantee it’s something that’ll come in the long term, but it’s something I love doing, and while I can do it while I’m playing, it’s brilliant.
“We’ve a really, really good academy, and this year they’re really excelling. Our U17s have been flying.”
Part of that education has come through working closely with Kilduff, whose impact since taking charge has helped rejuvenate the club.
As captain, Horgan has regular contact with the manager and says those conversations have offered valuable insight into the demands of the job.
“The manager is quite in with the group as well. He’s a part of it at times, but there is that kind of silver veil that you can’t cross.
“There’s that line where he’s the boss, his decisions are final, and he has to make all the hard decisions. It’s a tough job, managing a football club.
“We’ve quite a bit of dialogue, as captain and himself, so there’s quite an open dialogue there, which is brilliant for my learning as well, doing my coaching badges and things like that. He’s brilliant with that side for me.
“He’s been fantastic for everyone here, and for me included. He’s got a real buzz about the club, the place, and the town again. So the job he’s done can’t be understated.”
Horgan’s latest individual recognition is also a testament to a career that has spanned more than a decade at the top level, with the former Republic of Ireland international continuing to perform alongside a youthful Dundalk squad.
He credits his enduring enthusiasm for the game as the principal reason for his longevity.
“I’d say probably the biggest thing is the appetite to play, to keep going and keep pushing yourself. I love football, love playing, love coming into work every day and pushing myself against others.
“The manager has brought in a really young, infectious group, which helps again. You get that buzz consistently for the game, which is brilliant. I suppose that’d be the biggest thing, just the fact that I love it and I want to do it.
“I can get to the stage where the body starts to hurt and things like that, but thankfully I haven’t reached that point yet.
“I just love coming in every day, having the craic with the lads, doing a bit of work, running out on the pitch, kicking a ball around, and then building towards Fridays because, when you’re still winning on a Friday, that elusive feeling that’s hard to get anywhere else in life, it’s a special feeling.”