Shelbourne appoint Joey O'Brien as head coach

O'Brien allows continuity for the players, staff and supporters as he has been part of the management team since 2021.

NEW APPOINTMENT: Shelbourne has announced that Joey O'Brien has been appointed as Head Coach on a long term contract. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

As expected, Shelbourne have opted for continuity by appointing Joey O’Brien to succeed Damien Duff as manager.

The pair of ex-Ireland internationals were the double act that delivered Shels their first title for 18 years last November.

Duff decided just four months into the new season to quit last Sunday week, making his assistant the logical choice to become his replacement.

Former Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United defender O’Brien (39) was coy about his intentions when taking caretaker charge for last week’s draws away to Waterford and Galway United but Shels were prepared to allow him make the call on whether he was ready to take his first step into a senior role.

He provided his answer earlier this week, ensuring O’Brien, assistant Dave McAllister and goalkeeper coach Paul Skinner will have permanent status for Friday’s visit of Cork City, the first game of the post Duff era at Tolka Park.

O’Brien said: “This is an incredible honour, of course being honest it was unexpected, not something I was thinking about.

“The opportunity came up, and I was asked to take it. I didn’t take long to say yes, I’m obviously delighted to be given the chance and grateful for the trust shown in me by the owners and the board. It’s a privilege to be given this chance to continue the work that’s been done over the last few years.

“Leading Shelbourne is a huge honour and I feel very lucky to be given that trust. I know first-hand what this club is about, and that’s an advantage coming into the job.

“Over the last three and half years I’ve got to see this club grow. This place is full of special people, and fans who have seen it all and stood by the club through everything.

“I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity, myself, the staff and the players we’re proud to be the custodians of such a historic club, one of the biggest in Irish football, and that’s a great honour but ultimately, Shelbourne Football Club, the heart and soul of it, is the people who are there every Friday night, making this club what it is. The job is to make those people proud and create more special memories.

“For the board and the owners, I am delighted to get this chance, it’s now up to me to repay the trust they’ve shown. There’s been a great foundation laid over the last three and a half years, and I want to build on that and create even more special moments.

“I’m excited to take this step. I’ve learned a huge amount over the last three and a half years working under Damien, and ultimately, that experience has led to this moment.

“But it’s not about me, it’s all about the players. This is a proud moment for me, but the focus is on them and what we do together from here.” Mossy Quinn, Shels’ CEO added: “We’re delighted to appoint Joey O’Brien as the new head coach of Shelbourne FC. Joey brings a deep understanding of the game, a wealth of top-level experience, and a clear vision for the future of the club.

“His passion, leadership, and commitment to developing both the team and our culture made him the standout choice. We’re confident Joey is the right person to lead us into the next chapter of Shelbourne’s journey, and we’re excited for what lies ahead under his stewardship.”