Damien Duff an inspiration as Stephen Elliott embarks on Wexford FC adventure

In another parallel universe, Stephen Elliott might have already been many years into a management career.

While managerial offers did come shortly after he ended his playing career seven years ago, the former Republic of Ireland international was keen to cut his teeth in the underage coaching ranks before making the step up to a top job.

And that apprenticeship may serve the former Manchester City, Wolves and Sunderland striker well given the profile of the squad he is inheriting as he gets set to kickstart a new chapter as Wexford FC manager.

Elliott cut an excited figure as he spoke to RTÉ Sport at this week's League of Ireland launch with Wexford's SSE Airtricity Men's First Division season-opener away at UCD looming on Friday, 14 February.

"I've obviously been coaching a while but this is my first step into the senior management role and it's one that I'm looking forward to," the 41-year-old Dublin said.

"I started off coaching back in 2017 and it was actually in Sunderland (University), believe it or not, and it was always a long-term aim of mine to eventually get into management whenever the time came.

"I wasn't in a rush to do it. I felt it was important that I learned about coaching. Obviously, I had my playing career which is totally different and you do learn a lot during that and I was lucky and privileged enough to play at a decent level.

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"But I just felt with the different roles I've been in since I've stopped playing, this potentially was the next step.

"I