SHAMROCK ROVERS HAVE wasted no time in preparing for next season and today announced the capture of two former players.
The Hoops, who finished a disappointing fourth position in the Airtricity League Premier Division after winning back-to-back titles, have signed James Chambers and Jason McGuinness.
30-year-old McGuinness arrives having just been crowned a league winner with rivals Sligo Rovers and is a major coup considering the defender was also nominated for PFAI Player of the Year, which team-mate Mark Quigley won last night.
McGuinness was previously at the club during the 2004/05 campaign before leaving for Bohemians.
Midfielder Chambers, meanwhile, was a fan-favourite during his spell at the club but departed in 2011 for SPL outfit Hamilton Academical. The Dubliner, 25, joins from Liam Buckley’s St Patrick’s Athletic.
On the signings, new manager Trevor Croly said: “We have signed two top class players, and they will be great for the club. Hopefully we can continue with that calibre of signings. These are two crucial positions on any team and they will be vital for us next year.
McGuinness expressed his delight at his return to Rovers:“I’m very happy to be back at Shamrock Rovers. When I left the last time, the ground wasn’t even finished, so it feels very different now. The progression has been unbelievable and I’m looking forward to being part of that.
I’d like to thank everyone at Sligo Rovers who were fantastic to me during my time there. I’ve come to Shamrock Rovers for a mixture of family reasons and that I just couldn’t turn down the chance to come here. Trevor is one of the best around and I’m very much looking forward to working with him. I’m ready for a new challenge.”
Chambers added: : “I’m glad it’s all done and I’m delighted to be back at the club. When Trevor said he wanted me to join him here, it was a very easy decision for me to make.
“To be back at Rovers is fantastic, and to get to work with Trevor again was a big draw, as was the rest of the backroom staff. I think next season is going to be an exciting one for us.”
Massive blow to wallabies! i can see the lions winning this series 3-0
Not really. A year or two ago this would be a massive blow but he has missed alot of this season and whenever he has played he has looked a shadow of his former self. The Rebels have actually played much better without him!
Jessie Mogg at the Brumbies and Israel Folau of the Waratahs have really stood up and are right in contention for the fullback spot. With them in such red hot form (Izzy especially) i doubt even a fit and available Beale would make the squad let alone the starting 15.