Former Ireland international Stephen McPhail has been appointed as Sporting Director of Shamrock Rovers.
The side stated that the move came as part of a structural change to the club that they hoped would allow them to develop on the work which had already been achieved at youth level.
In an announcement on their website, Shamrock Rovers stated that: "to improve and move forward, we must commit to a vastly different approach to the football model that has applied to date."
"A key role identified in our planning work, and central to our new structure, is a Sporting Director of Shamrock Rovers F.C., and today we are delighted to announce Stephen McPhail as our Sporting Director," continued the statement.
"Stephen is an individual of complete integrity who demands the highest standards on and off the park. His CV speaks for itself. He has been involved to the highest levels of the game and the knowledge and contact base he has attained at various different clubs throughout his career can only benefit Shamrock Rovers moving forward.
"He has been a terrific servant to this football club and the outpouring of admiration and respect he received upon announcing his retirement last week is an indication of his standing within football. Stephen was without doubt the overwhelming choice of the Board for this position."
Speaking about his appointment, McPhail said:
“When I was first approached by the Board a few weeks ago to see if I may be interested in taking up the role of Sporting Director I was hugely impressed by what they had to say.
"We've had many conversations since our initial meeting and I've found the club's vision moving forward to be extremely exciting and, in many respects, groundbreaking for a professional club in this country."
Noting that McPhail would be involved in every aspect of the club moving forward, they added that they have also been looking to appoint a new Head Coach and would have confirmation on that front within the next 10 days.
McPhail won 10 caps for Ireland during his playing career and moved to Shamrock Rovers in 2014, making over 50 appearances before announcing his retirement last week.
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