Shelbourne have appointed Keith Long as their new academy director and Ollie Cahill as head of player development. The moves are backed by a €3 million government fund to boost League of Ireland youth structures.
Long, 52, managed Bohemians for eight years before a two-year spell at Waterford. He will now oversee coaching and player pathways across all boys and girls academy teams at Tolka Park. Cahill is a five-time league champion who made over 150 appearances for the Reds, winning titles with the club in 2003, 2004, and 2006.
"I'm excited by the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead of me," Long said. Cahill added, "I'm excited and privileged to be at the club again and to be entrusted with this role within the academy."
The appointments come from the League of Ireland Academy Investment Programme, a funding measure announced in last year's Budget. It aims to provide a sustainable pipeline of talent for the first team.
Shelbourne currently sit seventh in the Premier Division with 36 points from 30 games. Their recent form shows no wins in five, including a 1-2 home defeat to Drogheda United last weekend.
Cahill's extensive winning experience, which also includes league titles with Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers plus an FAI Cup with Cork City, is seen as vital for mentoring the next generation. The club's immediate focus is on halting their slide, but these strategic hires signal a long-term commitment to building from within.
Background and full detail: RTE.ie
