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.

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 Stephen 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.

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.