Shelbourne swoop to appoint Sligo's Russell as new boss

Shelbourne have swooped to appoint John Russell as their new boss after reaching agreement with Sligo Rovers.

Shels were on the lookout for a new head coach since the departure of Joey O'Brien last month.

The Reds have paid a compensation package for Russell, ending his eight-year spell in Sligo.

Russell was first-team manager with Rovers since June 2022, having previously spent three seasons as assistant manager at The Showgrounds.

He has signed a long-term contract with Shels.

Russell became the only Sligo Rovers manager to have guided the club through two rounds of European competition in 2022.

On the domestic front, he secured a fifth-place finish in his first season in charge, followed by eighth in 2023, sixth in 2024 and seventh last season.

Russell demonstrated a strong commitment to developing emerging talent while also identifying and recruiting players from outside the League of Ireland, operating on limited resources.

He leaves Sligo in a troublesome position, however, sitting bottom of the table with just five wins from 24 this campaign.

Russell, who will take charge of Shels for the first time on Friday away to Kerry in the FAI Cup, said of his new job: "It’s a privilege to become head coach of Shelbourne Football Club. This is one of the biggest clubs in Irish football, with a proud history and supporters who expect success.

"From the outside, I’ve always admired the standards that have been built here, and I’m excited to be part of the next chapter.

"I would also like to thank everyone at Sligo Rovers for the opportunity to begin my managerial career. I will always be grateful to the players, staff, supporters, and everyone connected with the club for the trust and support they gave me throughout my time there.

"My full focus is now on Shelbourne. I understand the expectations that come with this role, and that’s exactly why I wanted this job. There is real quality within this squad, and I am looking forward to working with the players, helping them develop further, and building a team capable of competing for success.

"I want our supporters to come to Tolka Park excited about what they’re going to see. We want a team who is brave in possession, aggressive out of possession, and leaves everything on the pitch.

"I cannot wait to get started, meet the supporters, and begin working with everyone at the football club."

Shelbourne FC CEO Tomás Quinn said Russell was their first choice for the role: "We are delighted to welcome John to Shelbourne Football Club. Following a rigorous recruitment process, John stood out as the outstanding candidate through his leadership, his understanding of the League of Ireland and the experience he has both of the league and in Europe.

"He has considerable experience of building dressing rooms in a demanding environment, while his work in developing young players and creating opportunities for them strongly aligns with the direction of Shels.

"John understands the expectations that come with managing this club. We believe he has the ambition, ability and personality to lead the club into its next chapter.

"On behalf of the board and everyone at the club, I would like to welcome John to Tolka Park and wish him every success in the role."

Sligo are now searching for a new manager to help rescue their season, with the threat of dropping to the First Division for the first time in two decades looming.

Bit O' Red chairman Tommy Higgins said: "John has given tremendous service to Sligo Rovers over many years, both as a player and as manager.

"I would like to thank him for his commitment, professionalism and contribution to the club during his time in charge.

"While we are disappointed to see him leave, we respect his decision and wish him every success in his new role. John will always be welcome at The Showgrounds."

The Bit O' Red have yet to name an interim manager.

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