Hoops make move for Marshall

By securing the signature of Rhys Marshall, Stephen Bradley has made Shamrock Rovers’ first move in the current transfer market ahead of the start of the 2020 season.

Marshall will play one final game for his club Glenavon this Saturday, in the Irish Cup clash against Coleraine, before switching to Tallaght Stadium – subject to a final medical.

24-year-old Marshall gives Bradley more options at the back – following the release of Ethan Boyle who subsequently signed for Linfield – and in midfield as the player has also lined out in the middle for the Lurgan Blues recently.

“Rhys fits what we do here and he has lots of good attribute,” said Hoops Head Coach Stephen Bradley. “He’s young and hungry and he’s played a lot of games for someone so young.

“He can play in a number of positions – right back, centre back, centre midfield and I’ve seen him play left-back as well. That’s something we look at when we’re signing players. He strengthens us as a team and a squad so it was a no brainer.

“Myself, Stephen (McPhail) and Glenn (Cronin) have watched him for quite some time and we obviously made contact with the club to see if a deal could be done and thankfully it could be. I’m delighted to get him in.”

The Hoops have paid a five figure transfer fee for a player who had been offered by Glenavon an enhanced four year contract back in August including a testimonial in the final year. However, he decided to turn that offer down for a chance at full-time football with the current FAI Cup holders.

Glenavon Chairman Adrian Teer noted on his club’s website that the Mountview Aces had “negotiated a sensible and acceptable financial deal with Shamrock Rovers given that we were faced with losing the player for nothing this summer.

“The directors fully appreciated his long-term ambition to enter full time football and the move to the League of Ireland and Shamrock Rovers at the age of 24 provides him with the perfect opportunity to do so.” 

This is Marshall's first move having begun his career at Mourneview Park helping Glenavon to two Irish Cup victories (2014 and 2016). He has made 225 league appearances for Glenavon and this 2019/20 season he has scored four goals from the 22 Irish League games he has played to date this season.