2011 Preview: Shelbourne
Credit:
Shelbourne
Year Founded: 1895
Major Honours: 13 Premier Division titles (1925–26, 1928–29, 1930–31, 1943–44, 1946–47, 1952–53, 1961–62, 1991–92, 1999–2000, 2001–02, 2003, 2004, 2006), 7 FAI Cups (1939, 1960, 1963, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000), 1 League Cups (1995–96), 19 Leinster Senior Cups (1899–00, 1900–01, 1903–04, 1905–06, 1907–08, 1908–09, 1912–13, 1913–14, 1916–17, 1918–19, 1923–24, 1930–31, 1945–46, 1948–49, 1962–63, 1967–68, 1971–72, 1993–94, 2010).
Stadium: Tolka Park
Manager: Alan Mathews
Captain: David McGill
Transfers In: Philly Hughes & Karl Bermigham (both Monaghan United), Tiarnan Mulvenna (Dundalk), Chris Mulhall (UCD), Conan Byrne (Sporting Fingal), Gareth Matthews (UCD), Andy Boyle (UCD), Paul Skinner (Drogheda United), Gareth Kenna (Athlone Town), John Sullivan (Limerick), Brendan McGill (Drogheda United), Kevin Dawson (Sporting Fingal)
Transfers Out: Dinny Corcoran (Drogheda United), Paul Shiels, Gareth Whelan (Drogheda United) , Stephen Quigley (Drogheda United), Mark O'Brien (Drogheda United)
Shelbourne fans were relatively pleased with last season. That may come as a surprise for a club which would usually only deem promotion a success, but last season saw a number of key developments- chief among them the appointment of Alan Mathews as manager. Mathews, who replaced Dermot Keely midway through the campaign, revived Shels' flagging promotion hopes. The Reds eventually lost out to Waterford United in the last game of the season, but to even the most ardent fan a playoff spot would have seemed a world away in May.
This season, expectations have been raised. Mathews has the team playing good football and they are among the favourites for promotion. Crucially, the signings Mathews has made have impressed. Key players from last season like captain David McGill, 'keeper Dean Delany and former First Division player of the year David Cassidy have been retained. Alongside these seasoned Redsmen come new signings like Conan Byrne, Karl Bermingham, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Philly Hughes- all of whom are proven performers at this level.
The squad Shels have assembled is the most impressive on paper they have had in years, and pre-season has seen a number of encouraging performances. Time will tell whether this will be the season when Shels at last return to the Premier Division, after a 5 year absence.
Extratime Prediction: 1st
Year Founded: 1895
Major Honours: 13 Premier Division titles (1925–26, 1928–29, 1930–31, 1943–44, 1946–47, 1952–53, 1961–62, 1991–92, 1999–2000, 2001–02, 2003, 2004, 2006), 7 FAI Cups (1939, 1960, 1963, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000), 1 League Cups (1995–96), 19 Leinster Senior Cups (1899–00, 1900–01, 1903–04, 1905–06, 1907–08, 1908–09, 1912–13, 1913–14, 1916–17, 1918–19, 1923–24, 1930–31, 1945–46, 1948–49, 1962–63, 1967–68, 1971–72, 1993–94, 2010).
Stadium: Tolka Park
Manager: Alan Mathews
Captain: David McGill
Transfers In: Philly Hughes & Karl Bermigham (both Monaghan United), Tiarnan Mulvenna (Dundalk), Chris Mulhall (UCD), Conan Byrne (Sporting Fingal), Gareth Matthews (UCD), Andy Boyle (UCD), Paul Skinner (Drogheda United), Gareth Kenna (Athlone Town), John Sullivan (Limerick), Brendan McGill (Drogheda United), Kevin Dawson (Sporting Fingal)
Transfers Out: Dinny Corcoran (Drogheda United), Paul Shiels, Gareth Whelan (Drogheda United) , Stephen Quigley (Drogheda United), Mark O'Brien (Drogheda United)
Shelbourne fans were relatively pleased with last season. That may come as a surprise for a club which would usually only deem promotion a success, but last season saw a number of key developments- chief among them the appointment of Alan Mathews as manager. Mathews, who replaced Dermot Keely midway through the campaign, revived Shels' flagging promotion hopes. The Reds eventually lost out to Waterford United in the last game of the season, but to even the most ardent fan a playoff spot would have seemed a world away in May.
This season, expectations have been raised. Mathews has the team playing good football and they are among the favourites for promotion. Crucially, the signings Mathews has made have impressed. Key players from last season like captain David McGill, 'keeper Dean Delany and former First Division player of the year David Cassidy have been retained. Alongside these seasoned Redsmen come new signings like Conan Byrne, Karl Bermingham, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Philly Hughes- all of whom are proven performers at this level.
The squad Shels have assembled is the most impressive on paper they have had in years, and pre-season has seen a number of encouraging performances. Time will tell whether this will be the season when Shels at last return to the Premier Division, after a 5 year absence.
Extratime Prediction: 1st
About Niall Farrell
Niall Farrell is our correspondent at Tolka Park, covering the goings-on at Shelbourne. You can visit Niall's website for further information and contact details- niallf.net. View Full Profile