Shamrock Rovers secure striking services of Zambra and Thompson for new season as Gargan goes from Tallaght

Clockwise from left: Stephanie Zambra, Jaime Thompson and Jess Gargan

Clockwise from left: Stephanie Zambra, Jaime Thompson and Jess Gargan Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

On Thursday, Shamrock Rovers announced the re-signing of strikers Stephanie Zambra and Jaime Thompson for 2024, as well as confirming the departure of Jess Gargan from their Women’s Premier Division squad.

Ireland international Zambra missed much of the first half of Rovers’ return season to top flight women’s club football due to injury but on her return scored four goals from her nine league appearances, along with two goals from three FAI Cup games for the Hoops.

Speaking to shamrockrovers.ie Zambra said: ”I really enjoyed my first season with the club despite my injury setback in the first half of the season. I was really happy with the coaching, training and standards set at the club and the professional environment was as good as anything I’ve experienced in my professional career.“

Hoops Head Coach Collie O’Neill said: ”I’m delighted to have Steph re-sign for the club. She is a technically gifted player, renowned for her finesse and quality in and around the box. Last season proved to be a challenging one for Steph, as injuries disrupted her rhythm on the field.“

Also returning for the upcoming campaign is Jaime Thompson (19) who took her chance with Zambra missing, scoring five goals from her 17 league appearances. She also scored a goal in the FAI Cup and two in the All-Island Cup.

The teenager, who stepped up into Rovers’ senior squad having previously played underage football with the club, scored a hat-trick on her home league debut in the Women’s Premier Division.

”I’m coming into my sixth season at the club and I can’t wait to get going again,” said Thompson.

Speaking about the striker, O’Neill said: “She burst onto the scene last season showcasing not only an unmatched hunger for success but also a remarkable knack for scoring high-quality goals. Jaime is one of those players who brings an unmatched level of passion and determination to every match and I’m looking forward to seeing more of it in the new season.”

Former Shelbourne defender Jess Gargan, who played in each of Rovers’ league games, has left Tallaght, while goalkeeper Jayne Merren who spent the last three seasons with the club has signed for Wexford.

 



About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile