Aaron McEneff returns to Shamrock Rovers

Aaron McEneff has re-joined Shamrock Rovers on an initial loan from Australian side Perth Glory ahead of the new Premier Division season. 

The deal however will become a permanent transfer at the end of the season. 

The midfielder returns to the club where he had great success over the two seasons between 2019 and 2020. The Derry man made 60 appearances during his first spell at the club, scoring 19 times, and assisting 5 goals. 

McEneff left Rovers for Hearts in 2020 before heading down under to sign for A-League side Perth Glory. 

Speaking on the extratime.com podcast last year, McEneff spoke about living in Western Australia and spoke highly of the standard of football in the A-League but has now decided to return home to Ireland. 

The 28-year-old joins a long list of players, which includes Jack Byrne, Alan Mannus, Trevor Clarke, who have all left for pastures new in their careers, but only to return to Tallaght Stadium. 

Rovers fans will be hoping he can rekindle that chemistry with Jack Byrne in the centre of the park which made them a formidable duo. 

“Yes, we are delighted,” said Stephen Bradley speaking about the signing of McEneff to shamrockrovers.ie. 

“We all know what Aaron does and what he did for us when he was here the first time around, so we’re over the moon to get him back. Aaron and I always kept in contact since when he first left for Scotland. 

We had constant dialogue, so when it became apparent it was possible to have Aaron home and that he wanted to do that, we pushed on and got it done which I’m delighted about. 

Before he left, he was the best midfielder in the country. We need to let him settle back in and get him up to speed again. Aaron is proven quality, so we’re delighted to get him back in.”

McEneff outlined the importance of Bradley in his decision to come back to Dublin 24. 

“Massively instrumental. In my opinion he’s been the best manager I’ve ever had. He took me to another level when I first signed for Rovers. 

You only have to look at the success the club has had in recent years and the part he’s played in that. He’s a top manager who I love working under. 

We still kept in contact when I left Rovers, so it’s good to be back working with him again.”

Shamrock Rovers are back in competitive action when they face FAI Cup Winners St. Patrick’s Athletic in the President’s Cup on February 9^th in Tallaght Stadium. 

Barry Baggley signs for The Blues https://t.co/LS7Sp5wmRhpic.twitter.com/ob1gLqbuHF

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) January 19, 2024