DROGHEDA UNITED HAVE confirmed that Gary O’Neill will be remaining with the club for 2014 in a player-coach capacity.
O’Neill’s playing career was put on hold last September when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
But O’Neill has been training at the PFAI camp for the past number of weeks and is set to return to training with Drogheda on January 11th ahead of the 2014 season.
“I’m taking things one day at a time and right now there is no reason why I can’t continue to play soccer”, revealed O’Neill.
“I’m feelign great at the moment. It feels right to take my first steps back into football with Drogheda. Everyone here has been incredible to me and to my family, particularly Robbie, Dr. Conor Kelly, Danny Miller (physio) and the club directors.
“It has meant a great deal to me and to my family to have that kind of support and friendship and I’m just over the moon that I’ve got the green light to get back on the pitch.
“I also want to express my sincere thanks to the many others who have supported me and been of great assistance to me during this difficult period of my life including the PFAI, FAI, friends in sport and many individuals.
“It has made the world of difference to my family and enabled me to focus on my recovery and on staying positive.”
The Drogheda team show their support for Gary O’Neill in September
Pic: INPHO/Donall Farmer
Drogheda United boss Robbie Horgan expressed his delight at the return of O’Neill.
“It’s been a very tough few months for him and for his family but he has handled his illness with great dignity and positivity and I know he hopes that highlighting it will have helped others. We’re all thrilled that Gary will be staying with the club.”
