How can Shels Survive now
Shels trio handed free transfers
January 18, 2007
Shelbourne trio Owen Heary, Colin Hawkins and Greg O’Halloran have been declared free agents after an independent hearing into their dispute with the eircom League champions found in their favour.
Heary captained Shels to the league crown in November, but the squad has fallen asunder amid severe financial wranglings over the past two months.
Manager Pat Fenlon left within days of the title triumph to take charge of rivals Derry City, while nine players had moved on before today – and the decision of the tribunal into the trio’s dispute effectively leaves Shels without their entire championship-winning team.
Heary is almost certain to sign on for Bohemians in the coming days while central defender Hawkins and versatile midfielder O’Halloran have been linked with Derry City.
Stephen Kenny, manager of Scottish Premier League side Dunfermline Athletic, is also interested in Hawkins. Kenny signed Bobby Ryan from Shelbourne last week.
In addition to Hawkins, Heary and O’Halloran, Glen Crowe is also expected to move on a free transfer. The striker’s former club Bohemians is said to be his likely destination.