2022 Season, Arrivals and Departures

[joey B]

https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/karl-sheppard-ciaran-kilduff-contention-26770200?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar

Karl Sheppard and Ciaran Kilduff interviewing for Athlone job….

[Glen Of Aherlow]

Rumours of Pats bringing Alfie Lewis back on loan from Plymouth , i'd love to see that one happen

[Jack B]

Rumours of Pats bringing Alfie Lewis back on loan from Plymouth , i'd love to see that one happen

Don't toy with my heart like this. He's been the player we've missed most this season.

[Glen Of Aherlow]

Don't toy with my heart like this. He's been the player we've missed most this season.

Yeah , we've missed him big time Jack

[Martinho II]

Rumours of Pats bringing Alfie Lewis back on loan from Plymouth , i'd love to see that one happen

yeah it was mentioned by Neil ORiordan in Irish Sun today. Hes played only one game since he moved to Plymouth.

[TonyD]

Rumours of Pats bringing Alfie Lewis back on loan from Plymouth , i'd love to see that one happen

Yeah, that would be nice. Although, I like Adam O’Reilly and Ben McCormack looks like he’s ready to be a starter now, not to mention Jamie Lennon, so who would miss out ? Good problem to have though

[The Bowler]

Anyone know where Whelan and Kerrigan are going in the summer window. The word was Rovers but also heard Lincoln City had entered the race

[sbgawa]

EXCLUSIVE: League One side make Shamrock Rovers boss their top target - Irish Mirror Online (https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/exclusive-league-one-side-make-26846415)

Bradser , Glenn Cronin and Stephen Mc all off to Lincoln according to the Irish Mirror.
Looks like Derrys to lose if this is true.

[DCSIL]

Would be a bad move IMO.
I'm about an hour away from Lincoln. They've gone from 2,500 to 10,000 and back down to 8,000 fans at home games.
Comfortably avoided Relegation from the English Third Tier. a large proportion of their Fans would be on his back quick - the ones who can't remember when they nearly went out of business twice.
Funded by a South African/English Businessman and various Venture Capitalists(one from the US). Just put in for planning permission for a new ground.

[sbgawa]

Would be a bad move IMO.
I'm about an hour away from Lincoln. They've gone from 2,500 to 10,000 and back down to 8,000 fans at home games.
Comfortably avoided Relegation from the English Third Tier. a large proportion of their Fans would be on his back quick - the ones who can't remember when they nearly went out of business twice.
Funded by a South African/English Businessman and various Venture Capitalists(one from the US). Just put in for planning permission for a new ground.

Last thing we need is for Bradser to leave but from what you are saying above New Money , New stadium plans it doesnt sound like a bad move.........expectant fans ........hard to be worse than us to be fair;)

[DCSIL]

The other name mentioned is Ian Foster who is now England U19 Coach, yes the same one.

[sbgawa]

So its either the ex Galway and Dundalk manager or the Shamrock Rovers manager.
This league its definitely not that bad you know

[ger121]

McPhail would be a big loss too you would have to think. From the outside it appears as though he is a key person at Rovers.

[Nesta99]

Sure Rovers have a succession plan in place for years so disruption will undoubtedly be minimal, they could even improve under a new head coach.

[Briuk]

That would be very unclassy from Bradley after the chance Rovers gave him... If he wants to go tot he UK he should end the season and then wait the UK call, can't be longer than until next summer with the reputation he's build, specially if he makes public his intention.

[Calcio Jack]

Sure Rovers have a succession plan in place for years so disruption will undoubtedly be minimal, they could even improve under a new head coach.

Never that easy - look at Man U after Ferguson , us after Michael O’Neill and yourselves post Kenny; sure there’s a plan in place it’s ensuring it delivers that’s the difficult part; especially if McPhail also left - the key people on the footballing side of Rovers in equal importance are SB,SMcP and Shane Robinson - they are the ones that came up with plan that has both the academy and first team where they are today by convincing the board based on a forensically detailed plan of the way forward which the board then backed.

I’d of hoped we’d get 2/3 more seasons from them to allow them bed in all the structures and bring us to group stage in Europe - if they go so be it as that would be a natural progression they deserve and are capable of -

I’ve always been a believer in getting young talent on their way up even if it’s for a limited time rather than someone on the way down in their career

[pineapple stu]

That would be very unclassy from Bradley after the chance Rovers gave him... If he wants to go tot he UK he should end the season and then wait the UK call, can't be longer than until next summer with the reputation he's build, specially if he makes public his intention.
Really don't see any reason why he should wait to be honest.

If a chance comes and he wants to take it, let him take it.

[Martinho II]

But if SB leaves who would replace him? Would it be Shane Robinson I wonder considering hes part of their backroom staff?

[Kiki Balboa]

But if SB leaves who would replace him? Would it be Shane Robinson I wonder considering hes part of their backroom staff?

Damein Duff...

[sbgawa]

Damein Duff...

That would be funny after his interview last week where he said he "would never manage another club in this league"

[ontheotherhand]

That would be very unclassy from Bradley after the chance Rovers gave him... If he wants to go tot he UK he should end the season and then wait the UK call, can't be longer than until next summer with the reputation he's build, specially if he makes public his intention.

He's our second longest serving manager of all time as far as I know. He's repaid the faith the board put in him and brought trophies and some great days. The entire team has been great for the club. I wouldn't begrudge him a move now although I'd be disappointed to see them go mid season. One of the few drawbacks to summer football is having other leagues in transition while we are in full tilt. But I hope he's thinking along the same lines you are!

[Shinkicker]

But if SB leaves who would replace him? Would it be Shane Robinson I wonder considering hes part of their backroom staff?
Keith Long and Trevor Crawley, you may as well half your team are ex Bohs!!

[pineapple stu]

Average manager salary in League 1 is 183k sterling. It shouldnt be that difficult to tempt him over!!!
What's their life expectancy though?!

But if you have ambition I think it's something you have to try at some stage

[redobit]

What's their life expectancy though?!

But if you have ambition I think it's something you have to try at some stage

True, but if he got offered a four year contract, which is possible if he is their first choice, he'd still be earning 2 or 3 times what he is at Shamrock im guessing. It would take a long time to earn the same amount in Tallaght.

He must be ambitious like you said. It would be a real 'what if' for him if he didnt go. Good relationship there too so could come back at some stage.

Is the summer v winter leagues a big stumbling point in situations like this, Id doubt it.

[pineapple stu]

Fair point on contract length actually, yep

[Nesta99]

It could be an interesting summer transfer window if Bradley moves, target 1 J Byrne, 2 Mandroiu, 3 Lopez, etc.

[total hoofball]

But if SB leaves who would replace him? Would it be Shane Robinson I wonder considering hes part of their backroom staff?
If they don't go outside of the league and looking at the favoured profile hiring young successful former pro I would be thinking Joey O'Brien would be a very serious contender. Stephen O'Donnell surely would be targeted aswell which would be some craic

[nigel-harps1954]

John O'Shea perhaps.

[sbgawa]

If they don't go outside of the league and looking at the favoured profile hiring young successful former pro I would be thinking Joey O'Brien would be a very serious contender. Stephen O'Donnell surely would be targeted aswell which would be some craic

O Donnell is the new Robbie Keene........"It was always my dream to manage St Pats... i mean Dundalk.....i mean Rovers :)

[Jd2793]

stephen rice maybe ?

[Calcio Jack]

I’d go for Pat Fenlon as technical director and interim manager to allow stability and a chance to take time in recruiting new manager ….. sounds like perfect succession planning ….. where could it go wrong ( Man U fans only may reply)

[joey B]

https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/league-ones-lincoln-city-make-formal-approach-to-shamrock-rovers-over-manager-stephen-bradley-41610031.html

Formal approach made for Bradley….

[brendy_éire]

I’d go for Pat Fenlon as technical director and interim manager to allow stability and a chance to take time in recruiting new manager ….. sounds like perfect succession planning ….. where could it go wrong ( Man U fans only may reply)

Would Fenlon take it? He seems to be enjoying life at Linfield.

Can understand Bradley wanting to take the job to an extent, he's done all he can in Tallaght really, and won't be seen as 'progressing' unless he can get out of a European group stage, which is exceedingly difficult.
Conversely, I doubt it would pay all that much more than his current job, and it sounds like it's a tough enough gig, dragging a team up with near the bottom of the table, 31 points off the promotion playoff spot.
Does he have kids at all? Another thing to consider. I know Kenny didn't move his family over when he left Derry for Dunfermline, must have been a difficult call.

Would be a right pain in the arse for Shamrock Rovers if he was to go, but as mentioned, it's likely to be the way with the summer/winter differences. Wouldn't like to hope he wouldn't take a couple of the players with him as well.

[oriel]

Would Fenlon take it? He seems to be enjoying life at Linfield.

Can understand Bradley wanting to take the job to an extent, he's done all he can in Tallaght really, and won't be seen as 'progressing' unless he can get out of a European group stage, which is exceedingly difficult.
Conversely, I doubt it would pay all that much more than his current job, and it sounds like it's a tough enough gig, dragging a team up with near the bottom of the table, 31 points off the promotion playoff spot.
Does he have kids at all? Another thing to consider. I know Kenny didn't move his family over when he left Derry for Dunfermline, must have been a difficult call.

Would be a right pain in the arse for Shamrock Rovers if he was to go, but as mentioned, it's likely to be the way with the summer/winter differences. Wouldn't like to hope he wouldn't take a couple of the players with him as well.

He would need to get to a group stage first !!!! That would be a huge achievement in itself, only happened 3 times in Irish football.

[Kiki Balboa]

No brainer for Bradley. Better money, and probably a long term deal. There is also 48 teams in his division and below. Plenty of other oportunites for him once he is there, and plus would be the front runner for any job here once there is an opening and he wants to come back to Ireland. For loyalty, dont think for one second Rovers would show him any loyalty if the results went arseways. They have proven that before with banners.

As for who would replace him ... who knows. The manager situation at Rovers was a super big mess before Bradley (After O'Neill). My guess is Rovers would appoint from inside (good luck with that says both Dundalk and Cork). If I was them, probably David Healy would have the same experience needed.

If they go with a 'rookie' manager, I'm not sure it would work. Patience is needed for someone to learn the job (like what Bradley got), it would be hard for the expectant champions to give that. Switching from a succesful manager is hard, like what Rovers experienced in 2012, or United in England (or Dundalk or Cork here). I wonder if ex-Internationals would be interested like Keith Andrews or John O'Shea (but personnally wouldnt go down that route).

Final point, the league has a lot to offer for upcoming managers. Paul Cook, Ian Baraclough, Micheal O'Neill, and Stephan Kenny have all forged decent careers thanks to LOI.

[Jd2793]

No brainer for Bradley. Better money, and probably a long term deal. .

is he not on some kind of permanent number at rovers? was that not the talk before?

[pineapple stu]

Assistant could often be in line for it (worked for years and years at UCD in terms of succession). So that's Glenn Cronin - would he be an option? (If he didn't move with Bradley of course)

[Kiki Balboa]

Assistant could often be in line for it (worked for years and years at UCD in terms of succession). So that's Glenn Cronin - would he be an option? (If he didn't move with Bradley of course)


If UCD had to have been anyway competitive this year, I would have put my money on Andrew Myler if Rovers were to look for an Irish manager outside of their club.

[Yossarian]

You’d imagine it’s a win win for Bradley. If he goes and is successful then he’ll further his career in an even higher league either through promotion or getting plucked by a bigger team. If he fails well he’d still be in demand here or in a lower league in England as he now has a proven league winning pedigree.

I’m not fully in tune with Rovers set up but I’d imagine if McPhail went with him then that would be a real kicker. Maybe the rovers fans here can give a better opinion on his potential loss?

[ontheotherhand]

No brainer for Bradley. Better money, and probably a long term deal. There is also 48 teams in his division and below. Plenty of other oportunites for him once he is there, and plus would be the front runner for any job here once there is an opening and he wants to come back to Ireland. For loyalty, dont think for one second Rovers would show him any loyalty if the results went arseways. They have proven that before with banners.

As for who would replace him ... who knows. The manager situation at Rovers was a super big mess before Bradley (After O'Neill). My guess is Rovers would appoint from inside (good luck with that says both Dundalk and Cork). If I was them, probably David Healy would have the same experience needed.

If they go with a 'rookie' manager, I'm not sure it would work. Patience is needed for someone to learn the job (like what Bradley got), it would be hard for the expectant champions to give that. Switching from a succesful manager is hard, like what Rovers experienced in 2012, or United in England (or Dundalk or Cork here). I wonder if ex-Internationals would be interested like Keith Andrews or John O'Shea (but personnally wouldnt go down that route).

Final point, the league has a lot to offer for upcoming managers. Paul Cook, Ian Baraclough, Micheal O'Neill, and Stephan Kenny have all forged decent careers thanks to LOI.

Don't confuse a section (albeit a very vocal section!) of the support with the board or the entire support base. Plenty of us supported him all the way through and that includes the board. But it wasn't about loyalty. It was about believing in what he and the team were building even when results were going arseways. It was also about not wanting to cut and run early as we had multiple times previous with Fenlon, Crolly and Kenny to be fair! Either way he's been here plenty long to have repaid the patience he rightly got.

[ontheotherhand]

You’d imagine it’s a win win for Bradley. If he goes and is successful then he’ll further his career in an even higher league either through promotion or getting plucked by a bigger team. If he fails well he’d still be in demand here or in a lower league in England as he now has a proven league winning pedigree.

I’m not fully in tune with Rovers set up but I’d imagine if McPhail went with him then that would be a real kicker. Maybe the rovers fans here can give a better opinion on his potential loss?

Yeah I'd imagine all 3 will go and all 3 will be huge losses. I don't know all the details obviously but if you look at what we've done with transfers I think a lot of that is down to McPhail. He's well connected for a start so that helped in bringing in players but I get the sense he really wanted to make a mark on how irish players are viewed when clubs come calling for them. There was a good interview with Bradley and McPahil (I think it was LoI central) back in 2019 after the cup final. McPhail spoke a lot about how they showed Man City around the training ground, went into detail about Bazunu's schedule etc and were able to get the valuation they wanted.

[sbgawa]

I see wesso has left Cambridge, wonder does he fancy a swansong at Damien duffs shelbourne

[Martinho II]

I see wesso has left Cambridge, wonder does he fancy a swansong at Damien duffs shelbourne

Thats what Game on was saying earlier on! I am surprised he left Cambridge as he had a crackin two yrs with Cambridge!

[sbgawa]

Thats what Game on was saying earlier on! I am surprised he left Cambridge as he had a crackin two yrs with Cambridge!

In fairness hes 40 and didnt play as much this season.

[CraftyToePoke]

You’d imagine it’s a win win for Bradley. If he goes and is successful then he’ll further his career in an even higher league either through promotion or getting plucked by a bigger team.

Lincoln City, to my knowledge have never been above L1 / Div 3 in England, apart from when they first joined the league & there were only two divisions at that time, (talking 1800s here). They have fallen out of the league plenty, and were non league again as recently as 2017.

So Championship promotion isn't the job description here IMO & if it is, Bradley is a strange appointment, the overperforming underdog tight budget provincial club skillset required wouldn't be comparable to his Rovers number.

They are clever in the loan market recently, which can be contacts led, so he won't have that in England to offer them.

It does give rise to the question though, what would success at Lincoln City be ? Because keeping them comfortably in L1 wasn't enough to keep their most recent manager. So what are they expecting of Bradley ?

[Nesta99]

Its will be a step down in relative terms imo, certainly initially. Rovers are well down the road of implementing a long term plan and are more developed as a club. Its makes sense that Lincoln are looking at a team of key people that implemented the so far so good strategy at Rovers, rather than just a manager. There are examples above where clubs have changed managers multiple times with endless resources but failed, didnt see that often success is due to a group of people at a club, a coherent plan and not all about an individual.

It doesnt make it unattractive for Bradley and co, just that they would be starting over again and does Lincoln have the patience to stick with it - I dont think Bradley's stock as a manager is high enough yet to ride out a storm if very possible relegation battles happen.

I think the key to this for Lincoln is who Bradley can take with them and its a lot harder to turn the heads of others than it is for an ambitious young manager. If Bradley has real self belief then he wont be thinking that if he doesnt take this job he may not get another chance. Having said that, he doesnt seem to be a risk taker, plays the percentages rather than force things, so he could stick safely where he is. He is replaceable, other may not be easily and the real worry for Rovers is whether he goes after players he knows and trusts. They can be under contract but if they want to follow him they can force a move - player being made stay at a club can really derail things. Whether Lincoln have the money to target Rover's top players is another thing. They could pivot away from loan deals and toward cheaper (wages) imports which gets over the lack of contacts in England.

Bradley has charisma akin to Steve Staunton minus the accents so may not convince regardless of CV, which is daft in football terms, but the car salesman type with no CV worth talking about do get jobs.

[D24Saint]

The trouble for Bradley is that English football fans wont give him an ounce of credit for his achievements here. The moment anything goes slightly pear shaped the board of Lincoln will be accused of hiring an Irish no-mark. The average English person has no idea or interest to what goes on in the shores. That's from years of experience going to the UK watching a club in the lower leagues ranging from national league to League 1.

[pineapple stu]

Its will be a step down in relative terms imo, certainly initially.
Will it?

Bigger average crowds than Rovers. More money (wage bill about £5m a year (https://twitter.com/chippie1974/status/1521497847300083713), which is way more than anything here). A better league. No Europe, but the FA Cup always offers the chance of a big game (like Arsenal in the quarters a few years back - and they'd beaten Ipswich, Burnley and Brighton to get that far). He mayn't be going for the title, but I don't think that makes it a step down. And I'm sure he'll be thinking if he does a good job as a young manager, then he could have clubs from a higher league interested.

It's hard to see it as anything other than a perfectly logical career step to be honest. Maybe it won't work, and English football management is a notoriously basket-case career option, but he's earned the right to give it a go.

[Jd2793]

league 1 is miles ahead of loi , can we stop pretending its a step down even from rovers.

[Kiki Balboa]

league 1 is miles ahead of loi , can we stop pretending its a step down even from rovers.

Totally agree, and 100 percent do not understand people who hold this few. League of Ireland has definitly imporved in the last 20 years, but so has argubly the English leagues have imporved the most in the world in the same time.

The money in English football in phenomenal. Villareal, a champions league semi-finalist, have a smaller budget than Burnley. The amount of foreign talent that brings into the leagues, pushes English talent down, meaning a player who has the same relative talent in 2002 might be a playing at a top-level champioship team, would be now a League 1 player.