O’Shea’s move to Sunderland good for bank balance

The multi-million euro transfer of Waterford-born defender John O’Shea to struggling Sunderland hasn’t been good for his medal cabinet, but very good for his bank balance.

New accounts filed by the 32-year-old’s Sheazy 22 Ltd to Companies House in Britain show the firm’s cash pile increased to almost €1m at the end of June last.

The dramatic improvement in the firm’s finances coincided with his move to the north-east Premier League team from champions Manchester United.

The centre-back transferred to Sunderland in Jul 2011 on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee after a medal laden time at Old Trafford. The transfer falls within the time of the 12 months under review in the accounts filed.

The defender’s cash pile increased by £199,212 from £585,232 to £784,444 (€929,145).

During the same period, the figures show that the Irish international’s firm’s accumulated profits increased by £162,773 from £523,179 to £685,952.

The player would have received a lucrative signing on fee in the transfer to Sunderland.

During his time at Old Trafford, John O’Shea won five Premier League titles, one Champions League, three League Cups, one FA Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.

He has been capped by Ireland 84 times and the recent sharp improvement in his firm’s finances has been steered under the watchful eye of former Man Utd and Dublin great Kevin Moran who is the only other director in Mr O’Shea’s firm.

He played for Ferrybank AFC and Waterford Bohemians before signing professional forms at the age of 17 at Manchester United where he made his debut in 1999 against Aston Villa.

He recently helped his club Sunderland to avoid relegation from the Premier League by scoring a vital goal against Stoke last week.

John O’Shea has acted as captain in recent weeks winning praise from his new manager, Paulo di Canio.