DROGHEDA United has always been a club that offers a firm, welcoming handshake to former players – and now a latest partnership deal has brought a famous ‘son’ of the club back to Head in the Game Park.

Willie Roche, of William Roche Motors in Ashbourne, has come on board to back the club, with memories of his father very much the inspiration. Willie Roche joined the Drogs in 1974 and went on to become a cult hero.

He was one of their most whole-hearted players and each season he helped them into the higher reaches of the league, narrowly missing Europe on one occasion.When Jimmy McAlinden suffered a heart attack in 1979 and had to step away as manager, Willie took the hotseat and helped guide the club through a difficult period.

Willie was also a scout for Tottenham Hotspur and was a brother of Man Utd’s, Paddy Roche. He also saw time with St Pat’s, Shamrock Rovers, Athlone and CYM. He passed away in 2018.

“It’s great to back the club that my dad had so many memories of,” Willie stated. “We have to thank Willie for his support. Many people remember his father with fondness and it’s wonderful to see the name of Willie Roche adorning the ground,” General Manager Hubert Murphy stated.