PRESTON NORTH END have appointed Dean Kiely as their new goalkeeping coach.
Kiely, who was capped 11 times by the Republic of Ireland during his playing career, takes up the job having previously held the same role at West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City, where he worked alongside current Preston boss Alex Neil.
The former Charlton Athletic stopper replaces ex-Ireland colleague Alan Kelly, who stepped down as Preston’s goalkeeping coach last month after spending over four years in the job.
Alex Neil said: “We are delighted that Dean has agreed to join us. We went through a thorough recruitment process with a number of excellent applicants, but after the interviews Dean stood as the outstanding candidate.”
Salford-born Kiely joins a substantial Irish contingent at Preston, where there are currently seven players from these shores in the first-team squad: Greg Cunningham, Kevin O’Connor, Andy Boyle, Alan Browne, Daryl Horgan, Eoin Doyle (on loan at Oldham Athletic) and Sean Maguire.
Preston have made a good start to the season in the Championship, losing just one of their eight games. Saturday’s 3-1 win away to Birmingham City leaves them in fourth place in the table.
