Heary today, gone tomorrow - Shelbourne opt not to renew manager's contract

Shelbourne have announced that Owen Heary's two-and-a-half-year tenure in charge at Tolka Park has come to an end after they decided not to renew his contract.

The former league winning player with the Reds led the Drumcondra side to within a penalty shoot-out of a play-off semi-final meeting with Finn Harps, but lost out to Drogheda United.

And Shels, who have fresh investment available following a takeover by former Shamrock Rovers shareholder Andrew Doyle, have opted to begin the search for a new manager immediately.

Heary took over at Tolka Park midway through the 2016 following the departure of Johnny McDonnell and guided the club to a sixth-place finish.

Shels finished fourth the following season, which would have been enough to earn a play-off this year, and third in 2018 but that wasn't enough to save his job.

Heary won five titles with Shelbourne and two with Bohemians during a distinguished playing career which also took in spells with Kilkenny City and Home Farm.

The 42-year-old moved into management with Bohs in 2013 before leaving for Sligo Rovers the following year.

He was sacked midway through the 2015 season and spent a year out of senior management before taking over at his former club.

“Shelbourne FC would like to announce that they will not be reappointing Owen Heary as first team coach for the 2019 season as a result of a new direction and approach being taken by the Club.

“The Board of Management wishes to thank Owen for his significant contribution in developing the playing squad over the past two seasons.

“Getting to the play-offs this year was a particular high point of Owen’s tenure as coach and another was winning the Leinster Senior Cup in successive seasons.

“Because of his long association with Shelbourne, as player and more recently as coach, Owen will always have a really special place in the hearts of all Shelbourne supporters.

“We wish Owen every success in the future and the Board will now embark on a process to find a replacement first team coach.”