Shelbourne FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Joey O’Brien as Head Coach. | OneFootball

Shelbourne FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Joey O’Brien as Head Coach on a long term contract.

O’Brien, a respected figure in both Irish and English football, brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and ambition to Tolka Park and is well known to the Shelbourne FC fan base having joined the footballing staff in 2021.

The Dubliner has played an integral role in the club’s rise in recent seasons, playing a pivotal part as a member of the management team that brought the League of Ireland trophy back to Tolka Park for the first time in 18 years in 2024.

Joey’s appointment ensures continuity and clarity for the players, staff, and supporters as we look ahead to a crucial part of the season, including the upcoming European campaign, the FAI Cup, and finishing the league out strongly. His knowledge of the players, club culture, strong relationships within the dressing room, and his deep understanding of the game make him the perfect person to lead the team going forward and build on what has already been achieved.

The club would like to place on record our appreciation for how our supporters have handled the past week and a half, travelling to Waterford and Galway, getting behind the players and staff, and providing unwavering support when we needed it the most. Thank you. We are excited to move forward together with focus, belief and ambition under Joey and his coaching staff’s leadership. We look forward to seeing you in Tolka tomorrow night for Joey’s first game in charge.

Joey O’Brien, Shelbourne FC Head Coach said: “This is an incredible honour, of course being honest it was unexpected, not something I was thinking about. The opportunity came up, and I was asked to take it. I didn’t take long to say yes, I’m obviously delighted to be given the chance and grateful for the trust shown in me by the owners and the board. It’s a privilege to be given this chance to continue the work that’s been done over the last few years.

“Leading Shelbourne is a huge honour and I feel very lucky to be given that trust. I know first-hand what this club is about, and that’s an advantage coming into the job. Over the last three and half years I’ve got to see this club grow. This place is full of special people, and fans who have seen it all and stood by the club through everything.

“I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity, myself, the staff and the players we’re proud to be the custodians of such a historic club, one of the biggest in Irish football, and that’s a great honour but ultimately, Shelbourne Football Club, the heart and soul of it, is the people who are there every Friday night, making this club what it is. The job is to make those people proud and create more special memories.

“For the board and the owners, I am delighted to get this chance, it’s now up to me to repay the trust they’ve shown. There’s been a great foundation laid over the last three and a half years, and I want to build on that and create even more special moments.

“I’m excited to take this step. I’ve learned a huge amount over the last three and a half years working under Damien, and ultimately, that experience has led to this moment.”

“But it’s not about me, it’s all about the players. This is a proud moment for me, but the focus is on them and what we do together from here.”

Tomas Quinn Shelbourne FC CEO said: “We’re delighted to appoint Joey O’Brien as the new head coach of Shelbourne FC. Joey brings a deep understanding of the game, a wealth of top-level experience, and a clear vision for the future of the club. His passion, leadership, and commitment to developing both the team and our culture made him the standout choice. We’re confident Joey is the right person to lead us into the next chapter of Shelbourne’s journey, and we’re excited for what lies ahead under his stewardship.”

Luke Byrne said: Shelbourne FC Technical Director: “Joey has been a fundamental part of the team’s success over the last few years and proved himself to be an outstanding coach, leader and communicator. His strong leadership skills, relationship with the players in the dressing room and relentless desire to be successful make him the ideal man to lead us forward. The appointment of Joey gives us continuity and stability at a crucial time in the season as well as the club’s long term strategic plan. I can’t wait to see him take to the touchline in Tolka Park as our head coach tomorrow night.”