Seán Thomas
Encyclopedia
Seán Thomas was a former Irish
football manager who died on 24 June 1999.
and Home Farm F.C.
before moving to Shamrock Rovers in 1961 for Rovers' tour in the International Soccer League (1960-1965)
. In his 3 years at Glenmalure Park
, he picked up one League of Ireland
title, 2 FAI Cup
s and 2 League of Ireland Shield
s. After the 2-2 draw with Valencia CF
at the Estadio Mestalla in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
on the 10th of October 1963 Thomas commented "to say I am proud of the team is an understatement, I have never felt so proud of Shamrock Rovers as I have tonight. Their performance was the finest I have seen in my three years at the club".
After a bust up with the Cunninghams (Rovers' owners) at the end of the 1963–64 season, he sensationally quit the Hoops
He was Bohs' first ever manager as before Thomas Bohs had only ever had coaches or trainers and a Selection Committee of five actually picked the side. It was a homecoming of sorts for Thomas as he grew up on the Phibsborough Road which backed on to Dalymount Park
and was an associate member of the club in his early years. Bohs had finished last the previous season and Thomas showed his credentials by managing the then still amateur Bohemians to a 3rd place finish that season, just 5 points behind winners Drumcondra. This was a remarkable achievement considering the rest of the league was professional and Thomas was awarded Irish Soccer Writers' Personality of the Year. The following season, Bohs once again finished 3rd in the league and this time, won the Leinster Senior Cup and Presidents Cup
. The performances of his young guns were noticed however and 8 of the amateur team left at the end of the season for the professional ranks; Turlough O'Connor and Jimmy Conway
for Fulham
and Larry Gilmore and Kevin Murray for Dundalk
. He signed a three year contract in April 1966 . The predicted collapse never happened and amazingly the "Gypsies" went one better and finished runners-up in the 1966–67 season.
Thomas's abilities didn't go unnoticed and Boston Shamrocks enticed him across the Atlantic for the newly proposed American League. This move turned sour though as Boston failed to gain a place in the elite league and within a year, Thomas had returned to Dalymount Park
. After the heroics of the previous seasons, Bohs finished rock bottom of the league without Thomas and were in dire straits financially. 1968/69 brought little joy on the field but off it, an historic EGM of Bohemian members in February 1969 saw the club's constitution changed to allow payment to players. Tony O'Connell
, Dinny Lowry
and Johnny Fullam
were soon signed and in 1970 Bohs won their first major trophy for 34 years when beating Sligo Rovers in the FAI Cup
Final. This success meant Bohs would enter European competition for the first time.
During this time Thomas spotted Liam Neeson
and he appeared as a substitute against Shamrock Rovers in a trial game.
Bohs finished fourth, third and third again in the next 3 seasons under Thomas's guidance with the young talents of Mick Martin
and Gerry Daly
flourishing. In July 1973, Thomas sensationally resigned as manager of Bohemians. He wouldn't be out of the game for long however and later had spells back at Shamrock Rovers, where he won the League Cup in 1976, Athlone Town and Bray Wanderers.
Thomas took over as manager of the Republic of Ireland national football team
in June 1973 after the resignation of Liam Tuohy
. His reign as manager lasted for only one game in June 1973. The game was an international friendly versus Norway at Ullevaal Stadion
and it ended in a 1-1 score draw .
Thomas was replaced in October 1973 when Johnny Giles
was appointed as the full time manager.
League of Ireland
: 1
FAI Cup
: 3
League of Ireland Cup: 1
League of Ireland Shield
: 2
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
football manager who died on 24 June 1999.
Club Management
One of the very first coaches to study for coaching badges Thomas had short spells as coach at Sligo RoversSligo Rovers F.C.
Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at...
and Home Farm F.C.
Home Farm F.C.
Home Farm Football Club is an Irish football club based in Whitehall, Dublin. Originally founded in 1928, the club joined the League of Ireland in 1972 after merging with Drumcondra. Following this merger they were briefly known as Home Farm Drumcondra...
before moving to Shamrock Rovers in 1961 for Rovers' tour in the International Soccer League (1960-1965)
International Soccer League (1960-1965)
The International Soccer League was a U.S. based soccer league which was formed in 1960 and collapsed in 1965. The league, affiliated with the American Soccer League, featured guest teams primarily from Europe and some from Asia, South America, Canada and Mexico.-History:In 1960, William Cox, a...
. In his 3 years at Glenmalure Park
Glenmalure Park
Glenmalure Park, often simply known as "Milltown", was a football stadium on the Southside of Dublin city in Ireland. Located in the suburb of Milltown, it was home to Shamrock Rovers from 1926 to 1987, when it was sold to property developers by the club's directors...
, he picked up one League of Ireland
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
title, 2 FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
s and 2 League of Ireland Shield
League of Ireland Shield
The League of Ireland Shield is a defunct Irish football tournament which was introduced when the League of Ireland started in 1921 and ran uninterrupted until 1972...
s. After the 2-2 draw with Valencia CF
Valencia CF
Valencia Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Spanish Football and European Football. Valencia have won six La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, two Fairs Cups which was the...
at the Estadio Mestalla in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
The Inter-Cities Fairs Cup was a European football competition played between 1955 and 1971. The competition was the idea of Swiss pools supremo Ernst Thommen, Ottorino Barassi from Italy, and the English Football Association general secretary Stanley Rous, all of whom later became senior officials...
on the 10th of October 1963 Thomas commented "to say I am proud of the team is an understatement, I have never felt so proud of Shamrock Rovers as I have tonight. Their performance was the finest I have seen in my three years at the club".
After a bust up with the Cunninghams (Rovers' owners) at the end of the 1963–64 season, he sensationally quit the Hoops
He was Bohs' first ever manager as before Thomas Bohs had only ever had coaches or trainers and a Selection Committee of five actually picked the side. It was a homecoming of sorts for Thomas as he grew up on the Phibsborough Road which backed on to Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup...
and was an associate member of the club in his early years. Bohs had finished last the previous season and Thomas showed his credentials by managing the then still amateur Bohemians to a 3rd place finish that season, just 5 points behind winners Drumcondra. This was a remarkable achievement considering the rest of the league was professional and Thomas was awarded Irish Soccer Writers' Personality of the Year. The following season, Bohs once again finished 3rd in the league and this time, won the Leinster Senior Cup and Presidents Cup
Presidents Cup
The Presidents Cup is a series of men's golf matches between a team representing the United States and an International Team representing the rest of the world less Europe. Europe competes against the U.S. in a similar but considerably older event, the Ryder Cup. The Presidents Cup is held biennially...
. The performances of his young guns were noticed however and 8 of the amateur team left at the end of the season for the professional ranks; Turlough O'Connor and Jimmy Conway
Jimmy Conway (footballer)
James Patrick "Jimmy" Conway was an international Irish football midfielder who played professionally in Ireland, England and the United States...
for Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
and Larry Gilmore and Kevin Murray for Dundalk
Dundalk F.C.
Dundalk Football Club is a professional Irish football club based in Dundalk, County Louth. The club currently play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. Founded in 1903, they are the second most successful team, in terms of trophies won, in the history of the League of Ireland. The...
. He signed a three year contract in April 1966 . The predicted collapse never happened and amazingly the "Gypsies" went one better and finished runners-up in the 1966–67 season.
Thomas's abilities didn't go unnoticed and Boston Shamrocks enticed him across the Atlantic for the newly proposed American League. This move turned sour though as Boston failed to gain a place in the elite league and within a year, Thomas had returned to Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup...
. After the heroics of the previous seasons, Bohs finished rock bottom of the league without Thomas and were in dire straits financially. 1968/69 brought little joy on the field but off it, an historic EGM of Bohemian members in February 1969 saw the club's constitution changed to allow payment to players. Tony O'Connell
Tony O'Connell
Tony O'Connell was an Irish soccer player during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.O'Connell first came to prominence as a winger in 1959 with Shamrock Rovers when his balance and ball skills made the league sit up and take notice...
, Dinny Lowry
Dinny Lowry
Dinny Lowry was an Irish soccer player during the 1960s and 1970s.A steady goalkeeper, he played for St Patricks Athletic and Bohemians amongst others during his career in the League of Ireland. He made 2 European appearances for Bohs. He was the 2nd player ever to sign professional terms for Bohs...
and Johnny Fullam
Johnny Fullam
Johnny Fullam is a former Irish soccer player.Johnny began his career at Home Farm before signing for Preston North End in 1958. He scored 6 goals in 49 league appearances for Preston. In 1961 he was asked to guest on Shamrock Rovers tour of America on the understanding that he would sign for the...
were soon signed and in 1970 Bohs won their first major trophy for 34 years when beating Sligo Rovers in the FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
Final. This success meant Bohs would enter European competition for the first time.
During this time Thomas spotted Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson
Liam John Neeson, OBE is an Irish actor who has been nominated for an Oscar, a BAFTA and three Golden Globe Awards.He has starred in a number of notable roles including Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List, Michael Collins in Michael Collins, Peyton Westlake in Darkman, Jean Valjean in Les...
and he appeared as a substitute against Shamrock Rovers in a trial game.
Bohs finished fourth, third and third again in the next 3 seasons under Thomas's guidance with the young talents of Mick Martin
Mick Martin
Michael Paul "Mick" Martin was an Irish soccer player during the 1970s and 1980s.Born in Dublin, he played for Bohemians, Manchester United, Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion, Vancouver Whitecaps, Cardiff City, Preston North End, Peterborough United, Rotherham United and the Republic of...
and Gerry Daly
Gerry Daly
Gerard Anthony Daly was an Irish football player.Daly started his football career in Drumcondra with the famous schoolboy nursery Stella Maris...
flourishing. In July 1973, Thomas sensationally resigned as manager of Bohemians. He wouldn't be out of the game for long however and later had spells back at Shamrock Rovers, where he won the League Cup in 1976, Athlone Town and Bray Wanderers.
International Management
Sean Thomas had previously managed a League of Ireland XI when they defeated their English counterparts 2-1 at Dalymount Park in 1963. He also managed the Under 23 Republic of Ireland side on three separate occasions - all 0-0 draws with France.Thomas took over as manager of the Republic of Ireland national football team
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
in June 1973 after the resignation of Liam Tuohy
Liam Tuohy (footballer)
Liam Tuohy is a former Irish footballer and manager. During the 1950s and 1960s. Tuohy played as an outside left for Shamrock Rovers, Newcastle United, and the Republic of Ireland. In 1959 while playing for Ireland, Tuohy scored the first ever goal in the history of the European Championship...
. His reign as manager lasted for only one game in June 1973. The game was an international friendly versus Norway at Ullevaal Stadion
Ullevaal Stadion
Ullevaal Stadion is an all-seater football stadium located in Oslo, Norway. It is the home ground of Vålerenga IF and the Norway national football team, and the site of the Norwegian Cup Final. From its opening in 1926 to 2009 it was the home ground of FK Lyn. With a capacity of 25,572, it is the...
and it ended in a 1-1 score draw .
Thomas was replaced in October 1973 when Johnny Giles
Johnny Giles
Michael John "Johnny" Giles is a former association footballer and manager best remembered for his time as a midfielder with Leeds United in the 1960s and 1970s...
was appointed as the full time manager.
Team
League of IrelandLeague of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
: 1
-
-
- Shamrock RoversShamrock Rovers F.C.Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
- 1963-64
- Shamrock Rovers
-
FAI CupFAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
: 3
-
-
- Shamrock RoversShamrock Rovers F.C.Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
- 1962, 1964 - BohemiansBohemian F.C.Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
- 1970
- Shamrock Rovers
-
League of Ireland Cup: 1
-
-
- Shamrock RoversShamrock Rovers F.C.Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
- 1976
- Shamrock Rovers
-
League of Ireland ShieldLeague of Ireland Shield
The League of Ireland Shield is a defunct Irish football tournament which was introduced when the League of Ireland started in 1921 and ran uninterrupted until 1972...
: 2
-
-
- Shamrock RoversShamrock Rovers F.C.Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
- 1962-63, 1963–64
- Shamrock Rovers
-
- Top Four CupTop Four CupTop Four Cup was a football competition played between the top four clubs in the League of Ireland from 1956 to 1974.-Final Results:1955/56 - Shamrock Rovers F.C. 1 - 0 Waterford F.C.1956/57 - Evergreen United 2 - 1 Drumcondra F.C....
: 1 - BohemiansBohemian F.C.Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
- 1972
- Dublin City CupDublin City CupThe Dublin City Cup is a defunct Irish football tournament which was played for by all League of Ireland sides . It ran from 1933 and ran uninterrupted until 1973. In season 1975/76 it was revived and played for by sides who did not reach the League of Ireland Cup quarter finals...
: 1 - Shamrock RoversShamrock Rovers F.C.Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
- 1963-64
Personal
- Irish Soccer Writers' Personality of the Year: 1965
- BohemiansBohemian F.C.Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
- 1964/65
- PFAI Merit AwardProfessional Footballers Association of IrelandThe Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland ' is the representative body for professional and semi-professional footballers in Ireland. Players from all nationalities in the League of Ireland are represented, not just Irish players. It is a member of FIFPro; the international body for...
: 1992 - 1992