Stephen McPhail resigns from role as Shamrock Rovers' sporting director

Shamrock Rovers' sporting director Stephen McPhail. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Former Ireland international Stephen McPhail has resigned as sporting director of Shamrock Rovers after nine years, with Rovers boss Stephen Bradley lamenting the loss of a "valued colleague" and "really close friend".

A second marathon year in a row for the Hoops concluded with Thursday’s Conference League win over Maltese champions Hamrun Spartans and it’s understood McPhail, who turned 46 last week, has chosen to step away.

McPhail held ultimate responsibility for footballing operations at the club, overseeing the best period of their history since the heady days of 1980s.

He enjoyed a strong relationship with men’s team manager Bradley, a constant presence alongside him as the team won five of the last six Premier Division titles.

They also made unprecedented strides in Europe, reaching the league phase of the Conference League in three of the last four years. Prize-money over the last seasons alone grossed €12.5m.

Bradley said: “When Stephen told me he had decided to step away, my first feeling was one of sadness. For the past decade Stephen has helped us achieve unprecedented success domestically and in Europe. 

"The club is losing a brilliant professional and an extremely decent man. He has not been just a valued colleague, he has also become a really close friend. I would like to thank him for the incredible job he has done over the past decade.“ 

Independent Chairman, Ciaran Medlar said that “Stephen has contributed so much to our club over the last 12 years, firstly as a player and subsequently as our Sporting Director. He has worked very closely with Stephen Bradley and has been a key part of the success we have achieved in recent seasons. Stephen has now decided to step away from the role and we thank him for all he has done for the Club and wish him every happiness in the future."

During his playing career, McPhail won 10 caps for Ireland. He broke through at Leeds United from 1998, being compared to Liam Brady by then boss George Graham, and also enjoyed success at Barnsley and at Cardiff City.

It remains to be seen what the Dubliner’s next move is. When Bradley was in advanced discussions with Lincoln City about taking charge in 2022, McPhail formed part of the staff proposal for the League One club.