Mathews resigns Shels post

Domestic football has claimed its first managerial casualty of the season with the departure of Alan Mathews from Shelbourne.

According to the club currently propping up the Airtricity League Premier Division, the experienced manager tendered his resignation which was accepted by the board of management. In a statement, they expressed their gratitude to Mathews for “his tireless work on the club’s behalf and in particular for securing the return of the club to the Premier Division.”

While Shels set about identifying a permanent replacement, Kevin Doherty will take over as interim manager, his first task to cope with a rash of injuries and suspensions for tonight’s visit to Tolka Park of a St Patrick’s Athletic side who can join Sligo Rovers at the top of the Premier Division if they claim all three points (kick off 8pm).