Shels unveil star signings
http://www.unison.ie/irish_independe...issue_id=11726
THERE will be plenty of stars at Tolka Park next season but Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon last night warned that there won't be room in his squad for prima donnas.
As Shels unveiled four of their five new signings - Glen Crowe, Colin Hawkins, Bobby Ryan and Gary O'Neill - Fenlon stoutly dismissed suggestions that he was in danger of assembling a squad of Galaticos.
"This is not a club like that any more," he said. "We used to be a club where fellows came in and sat on their laurels but that won't happen as long as I am here.
"The lads that are here now know they are going to have work hard to get into the team and work hard to stay in it."
Fenlon, who has also re-signed Richie Baker from New England Revolution, may add one more player to his squad before setting out to win a third successive league title and go as far as they can in Europe again.
"No disrespect to the people who have left the club, but we felt that we needed to bring in a higher quality of player and that's what we have done. We looked around the league and identified people that will make us better.
"It's up to them to keep me happy. We need a big squad because people get suspended and injured and we also need to have competition for places."
Hawkins, who is one of three players to have joined Shelbourne from Bohemians, said he had no problem making up his mind to move.
"I think Shelbourne is the team that is going to be winning the league over the next few seasons and I didn't want to be with a team that is going to be finishing second or third." he said. "I am 27 and I want to win things and play in the Champions League."
When Shelbourne report back for pre-season training on January 27, they will be assembling at a new venue after completing an agreement to base themselves at Blanchardstown Institute of Technology.
"We have been looking for a training ground with a better surface and more facilities like a gym and cafeteria where the players can eat after training," said Fenlon.
Meanwhile, Shelbourne officials are still involved in talks aimed at moving the club out of Tolka Park to a new facility that would include a 6,000-seater stadium, training pitches and all-weather surfaces.
Gerry McDermott
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