Joey O’Brien departs the Hoops to join Duff coaching team at Shels

Shamrock Rovers confirmed on Monday evening the departure of defender Joey O’Brien from the club.

The 35-year-old player had been widely tipped to be leaving Tallaght to join the Damien Duff coaching ticket at Shels and the Hoops confirmed O’Brien’s destination in their statement.

‘Joey O’Brien has decided not to re-sign as a player for our 2022 Squad and will, instead, take up a coaching role at Shelbourne. As a self-professed Rovers fan, we understand that this was not an easy decision for Joey to make and we wish him well.’

The former Republic of Ireland international has been a significant influence – both on and off the pitch - at Rovers since signing for the club in 2018.

During his time in Tallaght he made 85 appearances for the first team in all competitions, scoring four goals and earning two league titles and an FAI Cup winners medal. 

He scored the winning spot kick last season in Rovers’ record breaking penalty shootout which went to 26 spot kicks against Ilves Tampere in the Europa League qualifier that set up a tie against AC Milan.

An influencial member of the first team dressing room, O’Brien was also part of the coaching team with Rovers under-17 squad. Under Head Coach Tony Cousins, the Hoops under-17 side secured the National League title last weekend.

Injured has hampered O’Brien this season, making just ten starts from Rovers 35 league games to date.

With the announcement today, O’Brien will get a good send off from what is expected to be a full Tallaght Stadium on Friday night when Rovers will receive the league trophy at the conclusion of their last game of the season against Drogheda United.

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— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) November 15, 2021