O'Neill named new Rovers Manager

[TheMaraudingDog]

Former Northern Ireland international Michael O'Neill has been officially unveiled as the new manager of Shamrock Rovers.

O'Neill replaces Pat Scully as the permanent boss of the Hoops after he quit before the end of last season.

O'Neill has been in charge of Scottish Division Two side Brechin City, who have been paid compensation for losing the man who picked up the manager of the month award for October.

The former Newcastle United, Dundee United, Hibernian and Coventry City midfielder earned a total of 33 caps for Northern Ireland and scored seven goals.


His managerial career began as assistant manager at Cowdenbeath before he took over at Brechin City in April 2006, and brought them to the promotion play-offs in his first full season at the club.


O Neill said: 'Not many jobs would bring me back to Ireland after being away for so long. But when the Shamrock Rovers job came up it was too good an opportunity to be missed.


'Obviously it's an exciting time for the club with the move to Tallaght on the horizon. After 21 years leading a nomadic existence it's an important moment for the club.


'But most of all I'm looking forward to getting down to working with the players, and re-establishing Shamrock Rovers as the top club in the League Ireland.'


Rovers' Chairman, Jonathan Roche said: 'Michael brings an awful lot to the table. He's very highly thought of in Scotland and we are delighted to have signed him.


'He also appreciates what we're doing beyond football at Shamrock Rovers. We have a strong community focus at all levels, from our schoolboys to the senior team.


'We feel Rovers is a role model for Irish football clubs, and in partnership with the South Dublin County Council we want to make Tallaght Stadium the place to be.'

[rfcjoe]

Gr8 appointment imo.

[AndyRFC]

Former Reading player of course

[Thaumagurist*]

Former Reading player of course

And a shit one at that. Thank goodness he was only on loan!