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Irish Examiner
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Shels shocked as Qarabag show gulf in class in Champions League second round qualifier
Uefa Champions League second round, first leg SHELBOURNE 0 QARABAG 3 (Leandro Andrade 12, Oleksiy Kashchuk 80, Nariman Akhundzade 85) Trust someone with a Shamrock Rovers link to kick-start the monsoon dumped on Shelbourne's Champions League parade. Pico Lopes is one of the few regular internationals in the League of Ireland and his Cape Verde teammate Leandro Andrade popped up to smother a promising start for Shels to this second-round tie. That was admirable given the magnitude of the step-up in class from their first-round victory. Losing to Linfield would have triggered a wider debate on comparisons between the two leagues on the island of Ireland but there's no debate as to how far ahead the Azeris are. Specifically, that refers to Qarabag. They've claimed the title in all bar one of the last 11 seasons, their monopoly derived from the investment that puts a value on the current squad of €25m. Conservative estimates would quantify the Shels equivalent at 90% less. While the gulf in class was evident in dispatches, the Reds did occasionally sculpt moments that could have brought with them something to the second leg in Baku. That they squandered those moments, coupled with switching off to gift substitute Oleksiy Kashchuk and Nariman Akhundzade late goals, that all but confirms Shels have used up one of their three lifelines to reach group stage participation beginning in October. Nariman Akhundzade of Qarabag scores his side's third goal. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile. Within the space of five minutes Shels descended from being in the tie to effectively being eliminated – a lesson as to the calibre of opponent in Uefa's supreme competition. All the warnings of lapses being punishable issued by manager Joey O'Brien, only a month into the job since his boss Damien Duff abruptly quit on a Sunday morning, weren't heeded by his Shels players. Ominously for the Irish title holders, Qarabag, on their home patch, in peak summer temperatures and a week further into their pre-season will pose a deadlier threat next Wednesday. Shels knew from their triumph in Belfast last week that three more ties were ahead of them on this return to the European stage following an 18-year absence. The second of those will be in the Europa League in a fortnight, the first leg away to the loser of another Champions League clash between Ludogorets (Bulgaria) or Rijeka (Croatia), who played out a scoreless draw. Flat feelings across Tolka Park were a contrast to the opening 10 minutes when O'Brien's call to begin briskly had the desired effect. From their first corner on seven minutes, Harry Wood's delivery was met by Tyreke Wilson's flying header which struck the arm of Behlul Mustafazade. Shels didn't have time to appeal before Seán Gannon's sliced effort rebounded off the post. A VAR check didn't award the penalty. Five minutes later and the Azeri kingpins grabbed their lead from a clinical counterattack. They were appealing for a foul by Kameron Ledwidge when Leandro Andrade drove at the defence from the right, switched play to the left, where Abdellah Zoubir and Tural Bayramo combined to square for the Cape Verde attacker to sweep home from close range. Akhundzade grazed the crossbar with a volley from a well-worked corner as Shels were stretched and all the hosts could conjure approaching the break was a header from captain Paddy Barrett which Fabijan Buntić almost contrived to fumble into the path of Mipo Odubeko. The striker was nowhere near as involved in this tie but his wingers both had chances to level early in the second half. Ali Coote's deflected volley looped over the crossbar before Harry Wood uncharacteristically scuffed his chance at the back post when found by Kerr McInroy. Barrett's cross also glanced off the crossbar as the sold-out crowd craved an equaliser but they were silenced by the late brace. When Akhundzade's shot clipped the post with 10 minutes left, Ukrainian Kashchuk followed in to tap into the empty net. Five minutes later and stand-in goalkeeper Lorcan Healy was left stranded by a header from Ledwidge that enabled Akhundzade to walk the ball over the goal-line while the row behind him ensued. SHELBOURNE: L Healy; E Caffrey (J O'Sullivan 66), S Gannon (M Coyle 46), P Barrett, K Ledwidge, T Wilson (J Norris 18); K McInroy, JJ Lunney; A Coote (J Martin 66), M Odubeko (S Boyd 77), H Wood. QARABAG: F Buntic; D Bolt (A Hüseynov 77), B Mustafazade, M Silva, T Bayramov; P Bicalho, Kady, E Addai; L Andrade (O Kashchuk 77), N Akhundzade (M Qurbanlı 88), A Zoubir (E Cafarguliyev 88). Referee: Ante Čulina (CRO).
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Shelbourne sign Dutch keeper Wessel Speel on loan after Conor Kearns ruled out of Qarabag Champions League clash
SHELBOURNE have signed Wessel Speel on loan after Conor Kearns was ruled out of tomorrow's Champions League tie against Qarabag. Kearns was forced off in the first half of the second leg of Advertisement 2 Joey O'Brien's side are on the verge of signing a new keeper after Conor Kearns was ruled out of tomorrow's Champions League tie against Qarabag due to injury 2 Lorcan Healy is set to start for Shelbourne as new signing Wessel Speel will be on the bench in Dublin Both keepers made kicking errors which went unpunished by the Blues with Shels looking to strengthen between the posts by bringing in the Dutchman. The Reds were trying to get international clearance for Speel in time for him to be available for selection against the Azerbaijani champions on Wednesday, although Healy will start at Tolka Park. The Gouda native played for Utrecht at youth level before moving to the States to go to college five years ago. He joined Minnesota on a short-term contract at the start of the year before the club extended his contract until the end of the season with options for the next two campaigns. Advertisement read more on football He will join Shels until the end of the year. The 23-year-old has played in two US Open Cup ties before clocking up three MLS appearances last month when first-choice Dayne St Clair was away with Canada at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Joey O'Brien said: 'He's a player we've been following, he came onto our radar about six months ago, we've been following him since then. 'An opportunity came up for him to come in, the situation with Conor being out. I think he's going to add real competition to that goalkeeping department, it should be really good.' Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog Comment But O'Brien has expressed his faith in Healy - who has made only six appearances for Shels since joining from UCD before the start of last season. O'Brien said: 'Last year, Conor didn't miss many games, he missed a couple this year and Lorcan came in and did really well. Mikel Arteta could not be happier with new Arsenal signing Martin Zubimendi 'To come on as a sub goalkeeper, there's massive pressure, it's always difficult as a sub goalkeeper coming on. He acquitted himself quite well, he had one mistake in the second half, he had a bit of luck, he got away with it. 'I've full confidence, he's in tomorrow, he has the jersey and it's up to him then to perform. Advertisement 'He has a good way about him since he's come into the club. He's a good character, a good presence, he's got games this year, he's done well in them and hopefully he can take that into tomorrow.' O'Brien admitted he was unsure when Kearns would be fit again but there was a boost with Mark Coyle - who also came off in Belfast, with a knee injury - declared fit. O''Brien said: 'He's got a a hamstring so I suppose it will be a few weeks. We'll just take it from there. As a goalkeeper he doesn't have to sprint too many times so I could be proven wrong. 'Mark just pinched his knee. He trained today and he's in the squad tomorrow.' Advertisement
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Shelbourne complete signing of ‘really talented' Arsenal star in major boost ahead of Champions League qualifier
SHELBOURNE have strengthened their squad ahead of next week's Champions League tie with Qarabag with the arrival of Arsenal midfielder Jack Henry-Francis. The 21-year-old Ireland youth international spent the second half of last season at Sligo Rovers. 2 Shelbourne have signed Jack Henry-Francis Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 Francis joins from Arsenal Credit: Getty Images - Getty He made the bench for Mikel Arteta's That alerted Shelbourne and O'Brien said: 'Jack's a really talented midfielder with a brilliant foundation, coming through at Arsenal and spending time around their first team has given him a great grounding in the game. 'His loan at football in this league, and he impressed in every game. Read More on Shelbourne 'We're thrilled he's chosen to join us at a really exciting time for the club. We believe this is the perfect environment for him to keep developing, and we're confident he can grow into a top-class midfielder here.' Henry Francis said: 'Delighted to sign for Shelbourne and can't wait to get started here. After speaking to Joey and everyone at the club it felt like the place for me to further my career. I'm looking forward to some important matches coming up and excited to see the fans.'
The 42
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Shelbourne confirm Joey O'Brien as Damien Duff's full-time successor
SHELBOURNE HAVE CONFIRMED the appointment of Joey O'Brien as the club's new head coach on a long-term deal, as first reported by The 42 on Wednesday. Former Republic of Ireland international O'Brien had served for three and a half years as Damien Duff's second-in-command and took charge of the League of Ireland champions on an interim basis following Duff's shock departure last month. Shels drew both fixtures for which O'Brien was interim boss — 2-2 at Waterford and 1-1 at Galway United respectively — and the club have now appointed the Dubliner on a full-time basis ahead of what will be his first home game in charge against Cork City on Friday. 'This is an incredible honour,' O'Brien said upon Thursday night's confirmation of his full-time appointment. '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. Advertisement '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. 'I know first-hand what this club is about and that's an advantage coming into the job,' O'Brien added. '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.' Shels are currently fifth in the Premier Division table and face Linfield in the first qualifying round of the Champions League next week. They welcome the Irish League champions to Tolka Park on Wednesday, 9 July, before visiting Windsor Park for the second leg the following week. Retaining their League of Ireland crown now looks beyond the reigning champions but they are just five points off second-placed Bohemians. The Gypsies have a couple of games in hand but European qualification remains a realistic aim for O'Brien. Shels' FAI Cup campaign also kicks off on 19 July when they travel away to the FAI Junior Cup winners and Limerick District League Premier Division champions Fairview Rangers. Tomás Qunn, Shelbourne CEO, added of his 'delight' at O'Brien's appointment that '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,' Quinn continued. '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.' Technical director Luke Byrne added: '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. Related Reads Losing the LOI's top scorer for €30,000 shows measures clubs must take just to keep up From chasing new signings to calling it quits - Damien Duff resigns at end of dramatic week '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.'
The Irish Sun
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Joey O'Brien future confirmed as Shelbourne reveal Damien Duff replacement as head coach following shock exit
SHELBOURNE have appointed Joey O'Brien as the club's permanent head coach. O'Brien has served as interim boss following Advertisement 2 Joey O'Brien has been appointed permanent Shelbourne head coach Credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile 2 He had been in interim charge after Damien Duff's shock exit Credit: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile In that time, the Shels recorded back-to-back draws against Galway Utd and Waterford which leave them fifth in the Premier Division. And on Thursday, it was confirmed that O'Brien had penned a long-term deal to succeed Damien Duff. He 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. Advertisement Read More on Shelbourne "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. Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking "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. Shelbourne manager Damien Duff gives sweet birthday shoutout to his mother after his side's draw against St Pat's '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. Advertisement "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. Advertisement '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.' Chairman Tomas Quinn added: '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. Advertisement "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."
