Fenlon unveils Shels development plan

Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon’s rebuilding for next season and a bid for a hat-trick of titles continued today.

Fenlon, who saw his current squad deliver a second eircom League championship in succession last Friday night, today confirmed details of five new signings he has made so far and released the names of six players who have been released by the champions.

As expected, Republic of Ireland striker Glen Crowe tops the list of new recruits and has signed a four-year contract. Joining him in an exodus from Bohemians will be winger Bobby Ryan and defender Colin Hawkins, both on three-year deals.

Also transferring to Shels will be Gary O’Neill from Dublin City while Richie Baker is rejoining the club after a season in United States Major League Soccer with New England Revolution. Both have signed two-year contracts.

Those making an exit from the Tolka Park dressing room are defenders Alan McDermott and Tony McCarthy, midfielder Thomas Morgan and strikers Ger McCarthy, Alan Murphy and Juan Sara.

According to Shelbourne’s official website, Fenlon also wants to make at least one more signing, with right-back his priority, while he is planning on sending 20-year-old striker Gerard Rowe out on loan in an effort to get him regular first-team football. Fenlon has ordered his 2005 squad back for pre-season training on January 27.