Ian Morris named new Shels manager

Shelbourne have appointed former Bohemians and Scunthorpe United midfielder Ian Morris as their new manager.

Morris, who played for Bohemians since July 2016 after signing from Glenavon, was also head of Youth Development with at Dalymount Park.

He now makes the move into senior management with Shelbourne, who had previously approached Drogheda United manager Tim Clancy to become Heary’s replacement, but Clancy instead opted to remain with the Boynesiders.

Speaking to the club’s official website following the announcement, Morris expressed his delight at getting the job and outlined his aim for Shelbourne in 2019.

“I'm absolutely delighted to become the manager of Shelbourne Football Club,” said Morris. 

“As soon as I spoke with Andrew (Doyle), Joe (Casey) and Dave (O’Connor) I was excited with what is planned for the club.

“Make no qualms about it, our aim is to get promoted next year. This will be reflected in the players and staff that are committing to our club for next year and beyond.”

“I am really looking forward to immersing myself in the role and am excited about what the future holds for the club,” the 31-year-old said.

Morris has already begun building his squad with Dean Delany, Karl Moore and Lorcan Fitzgerald re-signing for the Reds' and Dan Byrne following Morris in signing from Bohemians.

Shelbourne CEO David O’Connor and explained why Shels’ approached Morris in the first place.



“We are absolutely delighted to appoint Ian as Head Coach,” O’Connor said.

“Ian has had a distinguished and highly successful career in England and since he has returned to Ireland, he has proven himself to be a fantastic coach, particularly with young players.

“Ian possesses all of the attributes we were looking for in a Head Coach. His knowledge of the game is excellent and his work ethic, self-belief and leadership skills will be evident to everyone,” he continued. 

“He is a leader and a winner. He has captained several clubs during his career and has led teams to promotion as a player. Ian knows what it takes to be successful.

“Ian’s appointment also fits perfectly into our strategic vision of providing a pathway for players and helping them to develop as individuals as well as footballers,” O’Connor said.

In his playing career, Morris began at Leeds United as a trainee, and had a loan spell at Blackpool during the 2005/06 season. 



He joined Scunthorpe United in 2006 and remained there until 2011, a spell which included loans to Carlisle United and Chesterfield.

Spells at Torquay United and Northampton Town followed before he returned to Ireland, playing with St. Patrick's Athletic, Glenavon and then Bohemians.

Morris scored three times this season, including a goal of the season contender in the FAI Cup semi-final replay defeat to Cork City.

 

    About Gerard Grimes

    Final year journalism student who joined Extratime.ie in May 2016 as a teenager. Mainly found in United Park covering Drogheda United games, but have also covered international matches and domestic cup finals in the Aviva … View Full Profile