After a hugely successful spell as a player and Youth Development Officer at Bohemians, where the club won numerous underage titles along with the the development of many young players who went on to feature for Keith Long’s Senior side, Ian Morris has left the club to become the new manager of First Division side Shelbourne FC.
Morris 31, has had a distinguished playing career in both England and Ireland, joining Leeds United in 2003 before playing spells at Scunthorpe United, Carlisle United, Chesterfield, Torquay United and Northampton Town.
In 2015, he returned to Ireland and joined St Patrick’s Athletic. After a brief time at Glenavon FC, he joined Bohemian FC where he has played since 2016.
During his 3-year spell at Dalymount Park Morris played 67 league games, scoring twice. He also scored that wonder-goal in this year’s FAI Cup semi-final replay defeat to Cork City in Turners Cross.
On the appointment of Morris as their new manager, Shelbourne CEO David O’Connor said, “We are absolutely delighted to appoint Ian as Head Coach. Ian has had a distinguished and highly successful career in England and since he has returned to Ireland, he has proven himself to be a fantastic coach, particularly with young players. Ian possesses all of the attributes we were looking for in a Head Coach. His knowledge of the game is excellent and his work ethic, self-belief and leadership skills will be evident to everyone.”
“Morris is both a leader and a winner. He has captained several clubs during his career and has led teams to promotion as a player. Ian knows what it takes to be successful.”
“Ian’s appointment also fits perfectly into our strategic vision of providing a pathway for players and helping them to develop as individuals as well as footballers.”
The new manager was delighted to join the Tolka Park outfit and quickly set out his short-term vision for the club, “I’m absolutely delighted to become the manager of Shelbourne Football Club. As soon as I spoke with Andrew, Joe and Dave I was excited with what is planned for the club. Make no qualms about it, our aim is to get promoted next year. This will be reflected in the players and staff that are committing to our club for next year and beyond. I am really looking forward to immersing myself in the role and am excited about what the future holds for the club.”
Supported by the Board of Management, Ian will now begin to assemble a squad of players that will challenge for promotion from the very start of the 2019 season.
According to the clubs statement Ian will commence his role as Head Coach with immediate effect.
Picture Credit: Shelbourne FC