Shelbourne F.C. Season 2007
Encyclopedia
In the 2007 season
, Shelbourne
finished 5th in the League of Ireland First Division.
(c)
The following players were registered to Shelbourne, but had been sent out on loan by the then manager Pat Fenlon
.
Following the ongoing financial problems during the 2006 season, Pat Fenlon
resigned and the vast majority of players left. Several of them had reached the end of their contracts, whilst some were sold shortly after the celebrations in November, and others left after being declared free agents in the courts following missed payment of wages. Only 2 senior players remained with the club, the experienced Jim Crawford
, and the young James Chambers
who had spent 2006 on loan at Premier Division side Waterford United.
Setanta Sports Cup
shortly before it was due to commence. The general assumption was that the club would be unable to field a team. St. Patrick's Athletic were invited to fill the vacancy, and they duly accepted.
.
The FAI issued a First Division licence in place of the Premier Division licence which had been revoked by order of the FAI's First Instance Committee due to the financial situation. Shortly after this, the club's majority shareholder Ollie Byrne suffered a brain tumour and Joe Casey was installed as Chairman.
Former manager Dermot Keely
was brought in as manager once more and assembled a squad of players in barely 72 hours - just in time for the club to take its place in the 2007 First Division.
licences were nearly due and the clubs' First Division licence was up for review, Shelbourne announced that they would not be applying for a UEFA licence; thus relinquishing the Champions League
spot that was rewarded for winning the league in 2006. Part of the statement read:
League runners-up Derry City
were handed the Champions League place.
and James Chambers
were the only existing senior players to stay with the club for the 2007 season. Jim was appointed captain by Keely. Goalkeeper Tony O'Dowd
signed for Shelbourne, returning to the club with whom he had started his footballing career. Experienced defender Alan Murphy was signed from Longford Town
and was appointed vice-captain, whilst a plethora of young players arrived from a host of clubs.
Mark Leech
signed on a season-long loan from Premier Division club Drogheda United, and new Derry City
arrival Kyle Moran
did the same.
Four players arrived at Shelbourne from Dublin rivals Bohemians
; Conor Rafferty
and 2006's top scorer for the First Division Davitt Walsh
signed on loan deals until the end of July, defenders Aidan Collins
and Niall O'Reilly
made their moves to Tolka Park
permanent.
and John Brophy
, who had already played with two clubs within the year prior to the season's kick-off, were left ineligible to play for the club in competitive action until July at the beginning of the season as FIFA's
rules, or, in particular, Article 5.3 of FIFA’s Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players, stated that no player could play for more than two different clubs between 1 July of one season and 30 June of the following year.
Both players were eventually cleared by FIFA, and made their competitive debuts in a 1-1 draw with Kilkenny City at Buckley Park
on 30 March 2007.
(Vice-captain)
(Captain)
, who had begun the 2007 season in the top flight with two of last year's championship winning Shelbourne team, Owen Heary
and Glen Crowe
. Despite a valiant effort from the young Shelbourne team, the difference in quality eventually told, with Bohemians qualifying for the next round due to 2 late goals from the man who had scored the goal that won Shelbourne the league just a few short months previous, Glen Crowe.
at Tolka Park
less than 2 weeks after their squad was assembled. Darren McKenna
's dramatic late equaliser in that game secured a point for Shels giving the Tolka Park side much optimism for the season ahead.
Shels next two games against the much fancied promotion favourites Finn Harps
and Dundalk
brought the young Shels side back to earth with two defeats, including conceding a last minute equaliser to Harps.
After a frustrating 1-1 draw against 10 man Kilkenny City
at Buckley Park
, Shels first victory of the season arrived 5 games in against Athlone Town at Tolka Park courtesy of a Mark Leech
header. Shels' generally young and inexperienced side failed to build on their first victory and would draw 4 of their next 5 games, their loss during this five game period came courtesy of conceding another last minute goal this time away to Cobh Ramblers
. With injuries to notable players such as Jim Crawford
and Aidan Collins
, Shels' strength in depth would face a stern test during this period.
A heavy 3-0 away defeat to Dundalk in May was countered by an encouraging 2-0 victory at home to Kilkenny City but that game was marred after John Brophy
suffered a broken leg after a heavy challenge ruling him out of action for 4 months.
Shels inconsistent start to the season was capped with a 1-0 defeat away to Athlone Town leaving Shels far too close to the foot of the First Division table for their liking. Injuries and player departures would take their toll on Shels during June and Shels suffered their heaviest defeat of the season during this period with a 4-0 defeat away to Monaghan United. Despite encouraging displays against Cobh Ramblers (2-2 draw) and another late defeat this time to Limerick 37 (3-2) would not be not enough to prevent numerous changes during the upcoming July transfer window.
Shelbourne made significant changes at the start of the July transfer window. A total of 11 players joined Shels during the month of July including Stuart Malcolm
, Marc McCulloch
, Alan Keely
, Anto Flood
and Mark Rooney
while
Mark O'Brien
and Noel Haverty
joined Shels on loan from rivals Bohemians
and St. Patrick's Athletic respectively.
The impact of Shels newly assembled squad was felt immediately with a 1-0 victory over Wexford Youths
at Tolka Park
, only Shels 3rd win of the season. After a 1-0 away defeat to Finn Harps, Shels revitalised themselves with 3 consecutive victories against Dundalk, Kilkenny City and Athlone Town. July's turnaround in Shelbourne's form gave Shels optimism for securing the 3rd place play-off spot.
Shels hopes of securing 3rd place were dashed over one weekend at Tolka Park with a 1-1 draw against Monaghan United and a defeat by Finn Harps with yet another last minute goal conceded.
Shelbourne Football Club was in mourning during August after the death of Chief Executive Ollie Byrne. The first match after Byrne's death came against Limerick 37 at Tolka Park. In what was an emotional night at Tolka Park, Shelbourne provided one of their most impressive displays of the season with a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
Two more victories over Wexford Youths and Kildare County gave Shels much optimism over finishing in 4th place but these ambitions were hit after another defeat to Finn Harps with yet another last minute conceded goal, the third time Shelbourne conceded a last minute winner to Harps this season.
With no promotion prospects during the remainder of the season, Shelbourne's form slipped dramatically during the season run in. Despite a comfortable 4-1 win away to Athlone Town, Shels struggled during this period with a defeat to Dundalk and a disappointing home draw to lowly Kilkenny City.
Shelbourne's finish to the season was one they would rather forget. 4 defeats in their final 4 matches marked a considerable decline in the Shels form after a new lease of life during the months of July and August.
After what was a truly difficult season both on and off the pitch, Shelbourne finished 5th in the First Division table and Mark Leech finished the clubs top goalscorer with 12 league goals.
|}
2007 League of Ireland
The League of Ireland, consisting of both the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland First Division, kicked off in March, 2007...
, Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
finished 5th in the League of Ireland First Division.
Club Information
| Chairman, Director | Joe Casey |
| Director | Andy Byrne |
| Secretary | Colm Murphy |
| Commercial Manager | Niall Fitzmaurice |
| Ground | Tolka Park Tolka Park Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne... |
Commercial partners
| Title | Sponsor |
|---|---|
| Main Sponsor | JW Hire |
| Kit, Associate Sponsor | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
| Associate Sponsor | Nivea for Men Nivea Nivea is a global skin- and body-care brand that is owned by the German company Beiersdorf. The company was founded on March 28 1882 by pharmacist Carl Paul Beiersdorf. In 1900, the new owner Oskar Troplowitz developed a water-in-oil emulsion as a skin cream with Eucerit, the first stable emulsion... |
| Associate Sponsor | Irish Daily Star Irish Daily Star The Irish Daily Star is a tabloid newspaper published in Ireland by the Independent Star Limited. Independent Star Limited is a joint venture between Richard Desmond's UK based Express Newspapers Limited, which owns the British Daily Star, and Irish news magnate Denis O'Brien's Independent News &... |
| Associate Sponsor | Bus Eireann Bus Éireann Bus Éireann provides bus services in Ireland with the exception of those operated entirely within the Dublin Region, which are provided by Dublin Bus. Bus Éireann, established as a separate company in 1987, is a subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann. The logo of Bus Éireann incorporates a red Irish... |
| Associate Sponsor | Dulux Dulux Dulux is an internationally available brand of paint. It is produced by AkzoNobel . The brand name Dulux has been used by both ICI and DuPont since 1931 and was one of the first alkyd-based paints.-History:... |
Coaching and Medical staff
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Manager | Dermot Keely Dermot Keely Dermot Keely, is the former manager of Irish football team Shelbourne.-Family:Keely's family have played League of Ireland football at various levels. His late father Peter Keely played for Shelbourne, his brother Joe played on the same Home Farm FAI Cup winning side of 1775 as Dermot Keely himself... |
| Assistant Manager | Colin O'Neill |
| Goalkeeping Coach | Fred Davis |
| Head Physio | Tony McCarthy |
| Assistant Physio | Stephen Weafer |
| Equipment Manager | Pat Roche |
| Kit Administrator | Johnny Watson |
Exodus
This is the squad that completed the 2006 season, winning the Premier Division in the process.(c)
The following players were registered to Shelbourne, but had been sent out on loan by the then manager Pat Fenlon
Pat Fenlon
Patrick "Pat" "Nutsy" Fenlon is an Irish former footballer and manager. He is currently in charge of Scottish Premier League club Hibernian....
.
Following the ongoing financial problems during the 2006 season, Pat Fenlon
Pat Fenlon
Patrick "Pat" "Nutsy" Fenlon is an Irish former footballer and manager. He is currently in charge of Scottish Premier League club Hibernian....
resigned and the vast majority of players left. Several of them had reached the end of their contracts, whilst some were sold shortly after the celebrations in November, and others left after being declared free agents in the courts following missed payment of wages. Only 2 senior players remained with the club, the experienced Jim Crawford
Jim Crawford (footballer)
Jim Crawford is an American born Irish former footballer-Playing career:Crawford began his career at schoolboy level with Rangers before moving to Bohemian making his debut against Bray Wanderers on 3 November 1991...
, and the young James Chambers
James Chambers (Irish footballer)
James Chambers , is an Irish footballer who currently plays for Hamilton Academical. Chambers is a central midfield player.-Club career:...
who had spent 2006 on loan at Premier Division side Waterford United.
Withdrawal from the Setanta Cup
In February Shelbourne were forced to withdraw from the 2007Setanta Sports Cup 2007
The Setanta Sports Cup 2007 is the 3rd staging of the cross-border cup competition that takes place between football clubs from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland...
Setanta Sports Cup
Setanta Sports Cup
The Setanta Sports Cup, commonly known as just the Setanta Cup, is a club football competition featuring teams from both football associations on the island of Ireland...
shortly before it was due to commence. The general assumption was that the club would be unable to field a team. St. Patrick's Athletic were invited to fill the vacancy, and they duly accepted.
Demotion
Before the start of the new league season, the club were demoted to the First Division by the FAIFootball Association of Ireland
The Football Association of Ireland is the governing body for the sport of association football in the Republic of Ireland. It should not to be confused with the Irish Football Association , which is the organising body for the sport in Northern Ireland.For the full history, statistics and records...
.
The FAI issued a First Division licence in place of the Premier Division licence which had been revoked by order of the FAI's First Instance Committee due to the financial situation. Shortly after this, the club's majority shareholder Ollie Byrne suffered a brain tumour and Joe Casey was installed as Chairman.
Former manager Dermot Keely
Dermot Keely
Dermot Keely, is the former manager of Irish football team Shelbourne.-Family:Keely's family have played League of Ireland football at various levels. His late father Peter Keely played for Shelbourne, his brother Joe played on the same Home Farm FAI Cup winning side of 1775 as Dermot Keely himself...
was brought in as manager once more and assembled a squad of players in barely 72 hours - just in time for the club to take its place in the 2007 First Division.
Withdrawal from Champions League
On 30 March 2007, when applications for UEFAUEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
licences were nearly due and the clubs' First Division licence was up for review, Shelbourne announced that they would not be applying for a UEFA licence; thus relinquishing the Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
spot that was rewarded for winning the league in 2006. Part of the statement read:
League runners-up Derry City
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
were handed the Champions League place.
Players
Jim CrawfordJim Crawford (footballer)
Jim Crawford is an American born Irish former footballer-Playing career:Crawford began his career at schoolboy level with Rangers before moving to Bohemian making his debut against Bray Wanderers on 3 November 1991...
and James Chambers
James Chambers (Irish footballer)
James Chambers , is an Irish footballer who currently plays for Hamilton Academical. Chambers is a central midfield player.-Club career:...
were the only existing senior players to stay with the club for the 2007 season. Jim was appointed captain by Keely. Goalkeeper Tony O'Dowd
Tony O'Dowd
Tony O'Dowd , is a retired goalkeeper.-Career:The 2007 season marked O'Dowd's second spell with Shelbourne, having started his league career with where he won his first under 21 international cap before being signed by Leeds United. He returned from Leeds and played with Kilkenny City, St...
signed for Shelbourne, returning to the club with whom he had started his footballing career. Experienced defender Alan Murphy was signed from Longford Town
Longford Town F.C.
Longford Town F.C. is an Irish football club playing in the League of Ireland First Division. The club, founded in 1924 and elected to the league in 1984, hails from Longford, County Longford and play their home matches at Flancare Park...
and was appointed vice-captain, whilst a plethora of young players arrived from a host of clubs.
Mark Leech
Mark Leech
Mark Leech , is an Irish footballer who last played for League of Ireland First Division side Shelbourne...
signed on a season-long loan from Premier Division club Drogheda United, and new Derry City
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
arrival Kyle Moran
Kyle Moran
Kyle Moran is an Irish footballer who last played as a forward for St Patrick's Athletic in the League of Ireland....
did the same.
Four players arrived at Shelbourne from Dublin rivals Bohemians
Bohemian 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...
; Conor Rafferty
Conor Rafferty
Conor Rafferty , is an Irish footballer currently unattached. Rafferty plays as central defender or left back.-Career:...
and 2006's top scorer for the First Division Davitt Walsh
Davitt Walsh
Davitt Walsh , is an Irish footballer who plays as a forward for IFA Championship side Institute.Walsh began his career with Fanad United before joining Derry City...
signed on loan deals until the end of July, defenders Aidan Collins
Aidan Collins (Irish footballer)
Aidan Collins is an Irish footballer currently playing for League of Ireland First Division club Monaghan United. Collins plays as a central defender and also has experience playing in midfield.-Career:...
and Niall O'Reilly
Niall O'Reilly
Niall O'Reilly is an Irish footballer currently playing for Longford Town. O'Reilly plays as a right-back.-Career:...
made their moves to Tolka Park
Tolka Park
Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne...
permanent.
FIFA Regulations: Article 5.3
Two of Shelbourne's new players, Mark LeechMark Leech
Mark Leech , is an Irish footballer who last played for League of Ireland First Division side Shelbourne...
and John Brophy
John Brophy (footballer)
John Brophy , is an Irish footballer currently playing for in the League of Ireland First Division. Brophy is primarily a striker and has also played in central defence.-Career:...
, who had already played with two clubs within the year prior to the season's kick-off, were left ineligible to play for the club in competitive action until July at the beginning of the season as FIFA's
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
rules, or, in particular, Article 5.3 of FIFA’s Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players, stated that no player could play for more than two different clubs between 1 July of one season and 30 June of the following year.
Both players were eventually cleared by FIFA, and made their competitive debuts in a 1-1 draw with Kilkenny City at Buckley Park
Buckley Park
Buckley Park is a multi-purpose stadium on the Callan road Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland. Kilkenny City purchased of land from a local farmer by the name of Mick Murphy for £16,000. The ground was originally called Tenney Park. It is currently used for football matches and was the home stadium...
on 30 March 2007.
2007 Squad
A total of 37 players represented Shelbourne at various stages during the 2007 season.(Vice-captain)
(Captain)
League of Ireland First Division
League Results summary
League Form/Results by Round
FAI Ford Cup
The draw for the FAI Ford Cup took place on May 31, 2007. Shels, like all League sides, automatically went into the second round.League of Ireland Cup
Shelbourne began the League of Ireland Cup in the Second Round, as the club was officially classed as European entrants when the draws were made. Shelbourne were drawn against Dublin rivals 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...
, who had begun the 2007 season in the top flight with two of last year's championship winning Shelbourne team, Owen Heary
Owen Heary
Owen Heary is an Irish professional football defender and currently captain of Bohemians .-Playing career:He made his League of Ireland debut for Kilkenny City at Bray Wanderers on 21 November 1993...
and Glen Crowe
Glen Crowe
Glen Crowe is an Irish professional football forward who currently plays for Malahide United in the Leinster Senior League....
. Despite a valiant effort from the young Shelbourne team, the difference in quality eventually told, with Bohemians qualifying for the next round due to 2 late goals from the man who had scored the goal that won Shelbourne the league just a few short months previous, Glen Crowe.
Friendlies
Season Overview
Shelbourne's 2007 season in the First Division began brightly with a dogged display against Kildare CountyKildare County F.C.
Kildare County F.C. was an Irish football club that played in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 2002, hailed from Newbridge, County Kildare and played their home matches at Station Road. Their club colours were white and black.- 2001/2002 :...
at Tolka Park
Tolka Park
Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne...
less than 2 weeks after their squad was assembled. Darren McKenna
Darren McKenna
Darren McKenna is an Irish footballer.-Career:McKenna began his League of Ireland career with Monaghan United and was top scorer for the Mons' during their 2003 campaign. He later returned his home county to join Kildare County where he was a regular member of their squad...
's dramatic late equaliser in that game secured a point for Shels giving the Tolka Park side much optimism for the season ahead.
Shels next two games against the much fancied promotion favourites Finn Harps
Finn Harps F.C.
Finn Harps Football Club are a professional Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1954 and elected to the league in 1969. They hail from Ballybofey, County Donegal and play their home matches at Finn Park. The club's colours are blue...
and 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...
brought the young Shels side back to earth with two defeats, including conceding a last minute equaliser to Harps.
After a frustrating 1-1 draw against 10 man Kilkenny City
Kilkenny City A.F.C.
Kilkenny City A.F.C. was an Irish football club. The club played in the First Division of the League of Ireland until 18 January 2008 when they announced that they resigned their position in the league citing “lack of finance, poor results and paltry attendances”.The club hails from Kilkenny and...
at Buckley Park
Buckley Park
Buckley Park is a multi-purpose stadium on the Callan road Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland. Kilkenny City purchased of land from a local farmer by the name of Mick Murphy for £16,000. The ground was originally called Tenney Park. It is currently used for football matches and was the home stadium...
, Shels first victory of the season arrived 5 games in against Athlone Town at Tolka Park courtesy of a Mark Leech
Mark Leech
Mark Leech , is an Irish footballer who last played for League of Ireland First Division side Shelbourne...
header. Shels' generally young and inexperienced side failed to build on their first victory and would draw 4 of their next 5 games, their loss during this five game period came courtesy of conceding another last minute goal this time away to Cobh Ramblers
Cobh Ramblers F.C.
Cobh Ramblers Football Club . is an Irish football club playing in the A Championship, the third tier of Irish football. The club, founded in 1922 and elected to the league in 1985, hails from Cobh, County Cork and play their home matches at St. Colman's Park...
. With injuries to notable players such as Jim Crawford
Jim Crawford (footballer)
Jim Crawford is an American born Irish former footballer-Playing career:Crawford began his career at schoolboy level with Rangers before moving to Bohemian making his debut against Bray Wanderers on 3 November 1991...
and Aidan Collins
Aidan Collins (Irish footballer)
Aidan Collins is an Irish footballer currently playing for League of Ireland First Division club Monaghan United. Collins plays as a central defender and also has experience playing in midfield.-Career:...
, Shels' strength in depth would face a stern test during this period.
A heavy 3-0 away defeat to Dundalk in May was countered by an encouraging 2-0 victory at home to Kilkenny City but that game was marred after John Brophy
John Brophy (footballer)
John Brophy , is an Irish footballer currently playing for in the League of Ireland First Division. Brophy is primarily a striker and has also played in central defence.-Career:...
suffered a broken leg after a heavy challenge ruling him out of action for 4 months.
Shels inconsistent start to the season was capped with a 1-0 defeat away to Athlone Town leaving Shels far too close to the foot of the First Division table for their liking. Injuries and player departures would take their toll on Shels during June and Shels suffered their heaviest defeat of the season during this period with a 4-0 defeat away to Monaghan United. Despite encouraging displays against Cobh Ramblers (2-2 draw) and another late defeat this time to Limerick 37 (3-2) would not be not enough to prevent numerous changes during the upcoming July transfer window.
Shelbourne made significant changes at the start of the July transfer window. A total of 11 players joined Shels during the month of July including Stuart Malcolm
Stuart Malcolm
Stuart Malcolm is a Scottish footballer who plays for Arbroath as a defender.-Career:Malcolm's career started in 1998 when he signed a professional contract with St. Johnstone...
, Marc McCulloch
Marc McCulloch
Marc "12inch" McCulloch , is a Scottish footballer who is currently playing for Stirling Albion.-Career:...
, Alan Keely
Alan Keely
Alan Vincent Keely , is an Irish footballer who plays for Leinster Senior League club Malahide United. Keely plays as a central defender and he is the son of former League of Ireland player and manager, Dermot Keely....
, Anto Flood
Anthony Flood
Anthony 'Anto' Flood , is an Irish footballer who currently plays for Bohemians in the Airtricity League of Ireland, Flood plays as a striker.-St Patrick's Athletic:...
and Mark Rooney
Mark Rooney
Mark Rooney is an Irish footballer who is currently unattached. Rooney plays as a striker.Rooney is the elder brother of Adam Rooney, currently with Championship team Birmingham City.-Career:...
while
Mark O'Brien
Mark O'Brien (footballer)
Mark O'Brien , is an Irish footballer who currently plays for Drogheda United in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
and Noel Haverty
Noel Haverty
Noel Haverty is an unattached Irish footballer who plays as a defender.-Career:A product of St. Patrick's Athletic's youth system, Haverty accelerated through the ranks at the club as a schoolboy making his Under 21 debut while still part of Pats Under 16 squad...
joined Shels on loan from rivals Bohemians
Bohemian 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...
and St. Patrick's Athletic respectively.
The impact of Shels newly assembled squad was felt immediately with a 1-0 victory over Wexford Youths
Wexford Youths F.C.
Wexford Youths Football Club are an Irish football club from Wexford who compete in the Airtricity League First Division. The club joined the league after being awarded a First Division licence for the 2007 season. The opportunity to join the League of Ireland arose as Dublin City became bankrupt...
at Tolka Park
Tolka Park
Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne...
, only Shels 3rd win of the season. After a 1-0 away defeat to Finn Harps, Shels revitalised themselves with 3 consecutive victories against Dundalk, Kilkenny City and Athlone Town. July's turnaround in Shelbourne's form gave Shels optimism for securing the 3rd place play-off spot.
Shels hopes of securing 3rd place were dashed over one weekend at Tolka Park with a 1-1 draw against Monaghan United and a defeat by Finn Harps with yet another last minute goal conceded.
Shelbourne Football Club was in mourning during August after the death of Chief Executive Ollie Byrne. The first match after Byrne's death came against Limerick 37 at Tolka Park. In what was an emotional night at Tolka Park, Shelbourne provided one of their most impressive displays of the season with a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
Two more victories over Wexford Youths and Kildare County gave Shels much optimism over finishing in 4th place but these ambitions were hit after another defeat to Finn Harps with yet another last minute conceded goal, the third time Shelbourne conceded a last minute winner to Harps this season.
With no promotion prospects during the remainder of the season, Shelbourne's form slipped dramatically during the season run in. Despite a comfortable 4-1 win away to Athlone Town, Shels struggled during this period with a defeat to Dundalk and a disappointing home draw to lowly Kilkenny City.
Shelbourne's finish to the season was one they would rather forget. 4 defeats in their final 4 matches marked a considerable decline in the Shels form after a new lease of life during the months of July and August.
After what was a truly difficult season both on and off the pitch, Shelbourne finished 5th in the First Division table and Mark Leech finished the clubs top goalscorer with 12 league goals.
Player Appearances/Goals
As of November 10, 2007.|}
Top Goalscorers
| Position | Goalscorer | Total Goals | First Division 2007 League of Ireland The League of Ireland, consisting of both the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland First Division, kicked off in March, 2007... |
FAI Cup FAI Cup 2007 The FAI Cup 2007 was the 84th staging of The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup or FAI Cup. It was the first FAI Cup to be sponsored by Ford.... |
League Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mark LeechMark Leech Mark Leech , is an Irish footballer who last played for League of Ireland First Division side Shelbourne... |
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| Anto Flood Anthony Flood Anthony 'Anto' Flood , is an Irish footballer who currently plays for Bohemians in the Airtricity League of Ireland, Flood plays as a striker.-St Patrick's Athletic:... |
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| James Chambers James Chambers (Irish footballer) James Chambers , is an Irish footballer who currently plays for Hamilton Academical. Chambers is a central midfield player.-Club career:... |
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| Darren McKenna Darren McKenna Darren McKenna is an Irish footballer.-Career:McKenna began his League of Ireland career with Monaghan United and was top scorer for the Mons' during their 2003 campaign. He later returned his home county to join Kildare County where he was a regular member of their squad... |
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| Mark Rooney Mark Rooney Mark Rooney is an Irish footballer who is currently unattached. Rooney plays as a striker.Rooney is the elder brother of Adam Rooney, currently with Championship team Birmingham City.-Career:... |
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| Aidan Collins Aidan Collins (Irish footballer) Aidan Collins is an Irish footballer currently playing for League of Ireland First Division club Monaghan United. Collins plays as a central defender and also has experience playing in midfield.-Career:... |
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| Graham Curran |
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| Brian Gartland Brian Gartland Brian Gartland is an Irish footballer who is currently playing in Northern Ireland for IFA Premiership club Portadown. Gartland plays as a central defender.-Career:... |
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| Kieran Harte Kieran Harte Kieran Harte is an Irish footballer who is unattached. Harte is a composed centre-midfielder and a highly regarded young footballer.-Career:... |
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| Alan Keely Alan Keely Alan Vincent Keely , is an Irish footballer who plays for Leinster Senior League club Malahide United. Keely plays as a central defender and he is the son of former League of Ireland player and manager, Dermot Keely.... |
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| Glen Lacey Glen Lacey Glen Lacey , is an Irish footballer currently playing for Leinster Senior League club Glebe North. Lacey is a hard working attacking right-sided winger.-Career:... |
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 Stuart MalcolmStuart Malcolm Stuart Malcolm is a Scottish footballer who plays for Arbroath as a defender.-Career:Malcolm's career started in 1998 when he signed a professional contract with St. Johnstone... |
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| Kyle Moran Kyle Moran Kyle Moran is an Irish footballer who last played as a forward for St Patrick's Athletic in the League of Ireland.... |
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| Alan Murphy |
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| Mark O'Brien Mark O'Brien (footballer) Mark O'Brien , is an Irish footballer who currently plays for Drogheda United in the League of Ireland Premier Division.... |
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| Ciaran Quinn Ciaran Quinn Ciaran Quinn is an Irish footballer, unattached as of 2007. Quinn plays as a centre-forward.-Career:Quinn began his senior career at St. Patrick's Athletic before joining Drogheda United in 2002 becoming a regular member of their squad during the 2003 season. Ciaran left Drogheda in 2004 to join... |
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| Davitt Walsh Davitt Walsh Davitt Walsh , is an Irish footballer who plays as a forward for IFA Championship side Institute.Walsh began his career with Fanad United before joining Derry City... |