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The Irish Sun
12-08-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Shelbourne eye history as Joey O'Brien's Reds one step from European group stage dream
Shelbourne are 90 minutes from guaranteeing European group stage football for the first time in their history WHAT is at stake is staring at Shelbourne every day. The Tolka Park press conference room has a giant photograph that takes up a full wall showing a fans' display from last year of major European moments. 2 Shelbourne take a 2-1 lead into their Europa League clash against Rijeka of Croatia 2 Joey O'Brien and his side will seal European group stage football if they progress on Tuesday night There is the late Theo Dunne - grandfather of current player Evan Caffrey - exchanging pennants with Barcelona's Sigfrid Gracia ahead of the 1963 Cup Winners' Cup meeting. Beside it, there is former boss Dermot Keely embracing Richie Baker after beating Sloga Jugomagnat in 2000 - the first Irish away win in Europe in 18 years. Then there is also Dave Rogers in action against Hajduk Split in 2004, when he scored a stunning volley that set up a Champions League play-off with Deportivo La Coruna. And, finally, there is Ollie Byrne, the late Shelbourne CEO who dared to dream that his club could reach the Champions League group stages. Tonight, they could do that in the Conference League for the first time in their history and have fans making a display to honour one of the current Red men. Avoid defeat to Croatians Rijeka in tonight's Europa League tie and Shelbourne go onto a play-off tie for the Europa group stages with the Conference groups already guaranteed. There is the safety net of a Conference League play-off against either Vikingur of the Faroe Islands or Northern Irish champions Linfield no matter what. But a 2-1 win in Rijeka last Wednesday has it all - the €3.8 million in prize money, European football until Christmas and a lifetime of memories - up for grabs right now. Defender Paddy Barrett knows all about it having been part of the Dundalk team that reached the Europa League in 2016. He said: 'It's life changing experiences as you're playing against top quality players, top quality teams, and you're playing against unbelievable fan bases - like our own here. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca opens up on heartbreak of losing team-mate at 22 in death that shocked footballing world 'That's the experiences that you want as a player. So it's great to be a part of that. 'We know the task ahead, it's obviously not something that clubs do from Ireland year in, year out. 'But look, but when it comes along, when the opportunity does come along, it's amazing and we know what's at stake.' Not that Barrett will be letting those thoughts cloud his mind when the game kicks off tonight. He added: 'I don't think back about any games. If that was the case I'd be sitting here all day thinking about all the mistakes I've made throughout my career! 'It's all about Tuesday night and it's one that we're looking forward to.' And boss Joey O'Brien stressed that while he knows the crowd will be wrapped up in the occasion, his team must focus on the game. He said: 'I've said it to the lads, you've to realise these opportunities don't come around too often. 'So from a players point of view and us as a staff just make sure you put your best foot forward and make sure you have no regrets. 'It's not really thinking about what's at stake and what I can do for the club money-wise, financial-wise. 'If you start thinking like that, you start gripping the bat too tight. It's one of my favourite sayings - you start thinking, 'oh if this happens we can do this'. 'I just don't think you can play like that and that's my honest opinion. I think you need to go out and have an understanding of what you've got here and make sure you're ready to play. 'Don't have a regret of thinking that I was thinking of what could have been. 'I don't think you can play football like that. I didn't play that way as a player so I wouldn't like my team doing that. 'It's about going out making sure the lads put their best foot forward and have no regrets.' SHEL SHOCKERS? O'Brien also stressed that Rijeka will be no pushovers as he acknowledged the Croats should still be favourites, and the bookmakers agree. But he believes home advantage - Rijeka have brought no supporters with them - can make the difference. He said: 'At home, the whole place is rocking for you, it does give you that little bit more I suppose, that buzz, that little bit more energy sometimes. 'To have the fanbase there, really loud and you know, they're supporting you, there's always that little added bonus. 'We have to make the most of that, we have to give them something to cheer about. I'm sure at the start there's going to be a real excitement at the game because of what's at stake.' O'Brien also knows Rijeka should be better than last week with playmaker Toni Fruk available again after suspension. And boss Radomir Dalovic was not too complimentary of Shelbourne in the build-up suggesting that the Reds had little more going for them than aggression. Still, O'Brien acknowledged tonight is about going through by hook or by crook as he confirmed that his squad have practiced penalties in case they are needed. And, as another banner in the fan display on the press conference room wall says; 'F**k them in the Tolka.' There will be no one in the stands at Tolka Park tonight who be be bothered if that proves the method of victory. As that fan display also says, 'Raised on Shels And Glories'. Tonight is their chance."
Irish Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shamrock Rovers kick off Euro run with record-breaking demolition of St Joseph's
Shamrock Rovers smashed another European record and took a big step towards even more continental glory, with a first-leg demolition of St Joseph's. The Hoops were 1-0 up at half-time, but a flurry of substitutions saw them storm to their biggest ever away win in Europe. Shortly after Danny Mandroiu doubled their advantage, he was replaced by recent signing John McGovern, and he was less than two minutes on the pitch when he added to the scoreline. That goal was created and finished by three of Stephen Bradley's changes - with Aaron McEneff and Michael Noonan involved in the build-up. And another replacement, Jack Byrne, made it four with the finish of the evening from 20 yards. Once again, the awesome strength of Shamrock Rovers' squad has been highlighted. Last weekend, Bradley made a rarely seen quintuple substitution to close out their FAI Cup win over Wexford. That depth - plus the addition of Connor Malley on-loan from Sligo Rovers - will be key to the Hoops going all the way to the league phase, as they did last year on a record-breaking run. Speaking of records, only twice before have they scored four on the road - against Spora Luxembourg in the 1966/67 Cup Winners' Cup, and away to Larne last year in the league phase of the Europa Conference League. Both those results, however, were 4-1. Yesterday's clean sheet rarely looked threatened, after an early Manuel Sanchez header was well dealt with by goalkeeper Ed McGinty. From that moment on, Rovers looked in control on a sticky astroturf pitch and in conditions that required water-breaks midway through each half. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . Moments before Rory Gaffney opened the scoring, the experienced forward had smashed an effort straight at goalkeeper Bradley Banda from close range. He made no mistake when a second opportunity arrived, this time from a hooked ball over the top from Dylan Watts. Gaffney ran onto the pass and into the area, and deftly chipped the advancing Banda. Shamrock Rovers' Rory Gaffney scores his sides first goal (Image: INPHO/Martin Seras Lima) Graham Burke went closest before the break to doubling Rovers' advantage, but that honour went to Mandriou in the 67th minute. Josh Honohan's shot was saved by Banda, but he could only push the ball out to Mandroiu just outside the box. His effort was bound for the right corner before it took a huge deflection that sent it inside the left-hand upright. Minutes later, goalscorers Gaffney and Mandroiu both went off, with McGovern and Noonan replacing them - and within two minutes of their arrival they linked up for Rovers' third. Noonan's low cross from the left was swept in by the former Dungannon Swifts striker at the near post. Two minutes later, Honohan teed up Byrne for a delightful finish; a curling effort that sailed inside the top right-hand corner. 'We're delighted,' said Hoops boss Bradley afterwards. 'I know a lot of people would have had us favourites to come here win the game, but you have to go and win the game and play what's in front of you, and I thought the players did that really well. 'It was extremely hot at kick-off time. The pitch is obviously sticky, it's an astroturf, but I thought the players got to grips with that really quickly and were excellent in how they went about the game. 'I was really pleased with how hard we worked, we didn't take our foot off, and that was really important.' Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty 6; Dan Cleary 7, Roberto Lopes 7, Lee Grace 7; Danny Grant 7 (Darragh Nugent 80), Danny Mandroiu 7 (John McGovern 71), Matt Healy 8, Dylan Watts 7 (Aaron McEneff 64, 7), Josh Honohan 7; Graham Burke 7 (Jack Byrne 64, 7); Rory Gaffney 7 (Michael Noonan 71). Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
Daily Record
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Russell Martin reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson and Rangers great are fuelling Champions League bid
The Godfather of Scottish football was at the Rangers Training Centre to speak with the new Ibrox boss Russell Martin enlisted Sir Alex Ferguson and John Greig to fire up his new-look Rangers side ahead of Tuesday's Champions League qualifying crunch with Panathinaikos. The Ibrox boss - who admitted Thelo Aasgaard is 'touch and go' for the huge Euro clash - invited the icons to give his troops a pep talk at Auchenhowie last week. Martin insists there's no-one better than 'Greatest Ever Ranger' Greig - who captained the side to their only Euro success in the 1972 Cup Winners' Cup - and legendary boss Ferguson to impress the standards required on his players. And he reckons the duo have done his team talk for him as Rangers begin their quest to reach the £40m promised land of Champions League proper. He said: 'We have to get into the habit of winning and playing the way we want to play. It has to be about us. 'It has to be about our intention, our habits and what we do. If we are going to run or fight we have to do it all the time. 'We've had a couple of people in this week in John Greig and Sir Alex Ferguson who understand that. 'It was great for the guys to see them. They are desperate for this team to do well. 'They have echoed that message. That's what they want to see as fans of this club. 'So any team talk I had I think is done when those two guys speak about this club and what it means to them. I hope we put in a performance that those two guys feel proud of as well.' Martin spent two seasons playing under Ferguson's son Darren at Peterborough earlier in his career. And he revealed how Sir Alex has been in regular contact since he took on the job at Ibrox last month. He said: 'I played under Darren Ferguson at Peterborough and he reached out a few weeks ago and said his dad wanted to give me a call. 'Since then Sir Alex has been in touch regularly. He has been up and it was brilliant for everyone to see him. 'He has been so supportive of me personally which has been incredible. 'And Mr Greig messaged me, it was the first chance he has had to get in. They both told stories about each other and it was a really nice to see them both. 'They are both really behind us and what we are trying to do. 'The same as the fans they want to see a team that fights, works for everything and has a way about them on the pitch that typifies what they believe this club to be about.'
Scottish Sun
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘How far?' – Robbie Williams brutally trolls Arsenal fans with Spurs joke during his own gig at the Emirates
Arsenal fans reckon that Williams needs to brush up on his knowledge NOT GUNNER LIKE IT NOT GUNNER LIKE IT 'How far?' – Robbie Williams brutally trolls Arsenal fans with Spurs joke during his own gig at the Emirates Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ROBBIE WILLIAMS took aim at Arsenal's lack of European success during his gig at the Emirates Stadium last night. The former Take That singer performed at the Gunners' stadium as part of his international tour on Friday and Saturday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Robbie Williams poked fun at Arsenal during his show at the Emirates Stadium Credit: X While entertaining the fans packed into the ground, Williams couldn't help but take a cheeky dig at Arsenal - teasing them for the success of local rivals Tottenham. Joking about Tottenham's Europa League glory this season, and Arsenal's failure to win a European trophy since the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup, Williams asked: "How far are Arsenal from a European trophy?". Only to reply: "Four f*****g miles". Tottenham fans were absolutely loving the tongue-in-cheek jibe, which was met with a huge cheer inside the stadium. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL SCOUT'S HONOUR I was jailed for robbery aged 15 - now I'm an academy scout for Arsenal On social media, one fan wrote: "I always liked Robbie". While another added: "No way I've just seen Robbie Williams bantering Arsenal on their own turf". Arsenal fans were quick to point out that Williams was only right with his assessment of the men's team, after Arsenal Women won the Champions League this season. One wrote: "Literally won the UWCL two weeks ago, my friend..." 5 Tottenham won the Europa League this season Credit: Getty 5 Arsenal Women won the Champions League this season Credit: Getty CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS And a second posted: "I think, Robbie, you'll find you're actually stood in the home of a team that has two Champions League trophies…" Spurs fans are already fond of Williams after they nicked his hit song 'Angels' to create a chant for now sacked manager Ange Postecoglou. Robbie Williams sings version of Angels for Ange Postecoglou And Williams even posted a video of himself belting out the tune with the Tottenham lyrics back in 2023, declaring: "Guess I'm a Spurs fan now". In reality Williams is a diehard Port Vale fan, regularly attending the club's games. While he was named as Port Vale's Club President in February last year and has a bar named after him at Vale Park. 5 Robbie Williams is a Port Vale fan
The Irish Sun
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘How far?' – Robbie Williams brutally trolls Arsenal fans with Spurs joke during his own gig at the Emirates
ROBBIE WILLIAMS took aim at Arsenal's lack of European success during his gig at the Emirates Stadium last night. The former Take That singer performed at the Gunners' stadium as part of his international tour on Friday and Saturday. 5 Robbie Williams poked fun at Arsenal during his show at the Emirates Stadium Credit: X While entertaining the fans packed into the ground, Williams couldn't help but take a cheeky dig at Joking about Tottenham's Europa League glory this season, and Arsenal's failure to win a European trophy since the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup, Williams asked: "How far are Arsenal from a European trophy?". Only to reply: "Four f*****g miles". Tottenham fans were absolutely loving the tongue-in-cheek jibe, which was met with a huge cheer inside the stadium. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL On social media, one fan wrote: "I always liked Robbie". While another added: "No way I've just seen Robbie Williams bantering Arsenal on their own turf". Arsenal fans were quick to point out that Williams was only right with his assessment of the men's team, after One wrote: "Literally won the UWCL two weeks ago, my friend..." Most read in Football 5 Tottenham won the Europa League this season Credit: Getty 5 Arsenal Women won the Champions League this season Credit: Getty CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS And a second posted: "I think, Robbie, you'll find you're actually stood in the home of a team that has two Champions League trophies…" Spurs fans are already fond of Williams after they nicked his hit song 'Angels' to create a chant for Robbie Williams sings version of Angels for Ange Postecoglou And In reality While he was 5 Robbie Williams is a Port Vale fan 5 Williams was named Club President at Port Vale last year Credit: Twitter
