Colin Healy: 'Russell knows Mounthawk Park is a tough place to get a result'
Kerry manager Colin Healy. Pic: Eddie O'Hare
Returning to the scene of last year's horror show in Kerry this Friday isn’t an ideal start to John Russell’s era as Shelbourne boss.
That it’s the FAI Cup again at Mounthawk Park contributes to the sense of precariousness for the newcomer and the Kingdom are doing nothing in the build-up to make life comfortable for Russell’s sudden upgrade in status.
He was at the Sligo Rovers helm last September when Colin Healy’s side engineered the comeback of the year in the quarter-final, overturning a three-goal deficit to prevail 4-3 in extra-time.
They were the latest Premier Division outfit to find it difficult navigating past the LOI’s newest club. Drogheda United scraped by 1-0 in Kerry’s first year, 2023, before Bohemians required a penalty shootout to advance the following year.
Sligo were slayed in 2025 but eventual double winners Shamrock Rovers proved a bridge too far in the semi.
“This is a difficult place to play,” noted Healy, the former Cork City boss who took the Kerry reins 14 months ago.
“When the players are up for it and the fans are behind them, like they will be on Friday, it is a tough place to get a result. John (Russell) knows that.
“I don't know if last year will play a part because I don't know the way John thinks. That was a special tie for the whole club and everybody in Kerry.
“But John will come here with a different group of players at Shelbourne. They’re a very talented group that are playing in Europe next week.
“With John only coming in, we have to think a small bit outside the box. There might be a small bit of different rotations and systems, so we’ll ready them.”
Kerry approach into the tie disappointed by conceding a stoppage time equaliser at Wexford on Friday.
Losing the lead, and goalkeeper Matt Connor to a red card, in the 2-1 loss at Treaty United a week earlier stung deeper but they had one three on the spin before that setback.
“I think we could be better,” is the former Ireland midfielder’s assessment, as his team sit eight in the table.
“There's been a lot of games where we've been in winning situations but given them points too easily.
“But in the First Division, you win two or three games and you're back in the mix again.” Russell, meanwhile, gets straight to work having departed Sligo after three years in his first senior job.
Shels opted for the 41-year-old over Linfield boss David Healy to succeed Joey O’Brien, who was surprisingly sacked almost three weeks ago.
Once FAI Cup’s commitment in Tralee is fulfilled, awaiting them next week is the Conference League second round first leg at home to either Nõmme Kalju or Healy’s Linfield.
“I understand the expectations that come with this role, and that’s exactly why I wanted this job,” asserted Russell upon his unveiling. “There is real quality within this squad, and I am looking forward to working with the players, helping them develop further, and building a team capable of competing for success.”
He comes into the job with uncertainty surrounding one of their star performers. Harry Wood is wanted by English League One side Luton Town but the Reds are eager to keep him for a European tilt that's crucial to their financial model.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
