Shelbourne have publicly disputed former manager Joey O'Brien's claim that he was sacked by text message. The disagreement emerged after O'Brien made the allegation during Virgin Media's League of Ireland coverage on Friday night, following Shelbourne's 0-0 draw away to Shamrock Rovers.

O'Brien stated he received a text while at the training ground informing him he needed to speak to the club's two owners. He then made a phone call where the technical director told him his time was over. "To get a text message when you're at training ground...it's not how I'd have done it," O'Brien said. In response, Shelbourne stated, "Shelbourne have been in touch and have said you were sent a text to arrange a meeting." The club insists the text was merely to schedule a face-to-face conversation where the decision would be formally delivered.

Joey O'Brien spent four-and-a-half years at Shelbourne, initially serving as assistant to Damien Duff. He took over as manager after Duff's departure last summer, inheriting a side that had just won its first league title in 18 years. In his sole full season in charge, O'Brien guided Shelbourne to a third-place finish in the Premier Division and into the league phase of the UEFA Conference League. However, the start of this campaign proved difficult, with the team winning only four of its opening 15 games. Shelbourne waited until May for a first home victory and a 3-0 loss to Bohemians in June preceded O'Brien's dismissal in July. He was replaced by former Sligo Rovers boss John Russell.

Under new management, Shelbourne's form has been mixed. The point earned in Tallaght against Shamrock Rovers on September 4th extended a run of draws. The club currently sits 5th in the Premier Division table with 36 points from 28 matches, recording 8 wins,我们发现12 draws, and 8 losses. Their goal difference stands at minus two, having scored 37 and conceded 39. The draw with Rovers means Shelbourne are now 20 points behind the league leaders and four points outside the European qualification places, though they hold a game in hand over fourth-placed Dundalk.

Shelbourne's recent results show a team struggling to convert draws into wins. Their form over the last five league games reads 0 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss (DDDDL). This run has hampered their push for a European spot. The immediate focus now shifts to trying to break that cycle at home. Their next fixture is a significant test against Derry City at Tolka Park on September 11th. Derry are currently 6th in the table, making it a direct contest for position. The full schedule is available on our fixtures page.

Shelbourne will aim to use the home advantage to secure a much-needed three points and close the gap to the top four.