Former League of Ireland manager Shane Keegan admits it is an “unusual” situation to see Shelbourne appoint a manager from the league’s bottom side. John Russell was selected as the man to replace former Ireland international Joey O’Brien, who left the club four weeks ago, despite his former side Sligo Rovers finding themselves five points adrift from automatic safety at the time of Russell’s departure to join Shels.
The former League of Ireland midfielder’s Shelbourne tenure got off to a rocky start on Friday as the 2024 Premier Division champions were sensationally dumped out of the FAI Cup on penalties by First Division outfit Kerry FC.
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Keegan surprised by Russell appointment
Speaking on this week’s episode of BAR 1 Betting’s League of Ireland Lowdown, Keegan admitted he was surprised to see Russell get the job, especially given Linfield’s David Healy appeared to be closing in on the vacant hotseat at Tolka Park.
“When the story broke, it did catch me on the hop. I had done commentary on Shelbourne the previous Friday night, and David Healy was sitting in the executive box, so I thought that must have been close to being over the line, but something happened there, and they turned their attention to John then possibly.”
“It’s so unusual, I actually would struggle to find another example even outside of the League of Ireland; if you look across the water, when a manager departs a team that are bottom of the table, it’s because he’s been sacked.”
“For him, it’s a no-brainer”
While Keegan may have been surprised by the circumstances surrounding Russell’s appointment at Tolka Park, he admits it was a “no-brainer” for the 41-year-old to take the Shelbourne job.
“Would he have got Sligo out of it this time? I don’t know, I think he was going to be up against it this year. For him, it’s a no-brainer.”
Keegan doubts dramatic improvement at Shelbourne
Despite moving to a club with greater financial resources, Keegan feels any improvement in Shelbourne’s fortunes may be gradual, and that it will be far from a walk in the park for the Galway native.
“It’s a big job, it’s not going to come without challenges for him.”
“To be honest with you, I can’t see huge scope for massive improvement in them over the remainder of the season.”
“I definitely couldn’t see them getting higher than fourth.”
Shelbourne currently find themselves in fifth in the Premier Division, eight points outside of the top three, but a fourth-placed finish may be enough to reach Europe next season depending on who wins the FAI Cup. John Russell’s men are just one point behind Dundalk at present.
Questions over Ellis Chapman sale
Keegan was also critical of some of the decision-making surrounding Russell’s appointment, including the club’s decision to sell midfielder Ellis Chapman to Derry City before a new manager had the chance to run the rule over the current squad.
Ellis Chapman, could they not have held fire on that one for another week or two? He played his best football in the League of Ireland under John Russell. What’s to say that John Russell couldn’t get a tune out of him?”
Europa Conference League challenge awaits
Shelbourne are currently preparing for Thursday’s Europa Conference League first leg qualifier against Nomme Kalju at Tolka Park. Russell enjoyed some success in Europe during his time as Sligo Rovers boss, becoming the first Bit O’Red manager to guide the club through two rounds of Europe with wins against Bala Town and, famously, home and away wins versus Motherwell.
Should the Reds come through the tie, they could set up a glamour European date with Ajax in the next round. Markets for Thursday’s European club matches can be viewed here.
