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O'Neill honoured by supporters after fantastic start to league career
Michael O’Neill has settled into life in the League of Ireland since joining Shamrock Rovers over the winter break – so much so that league supporters have voted him as the manager who has impressed most so far this season.

 
O’Neill has guided the Hoops to fourth place in the Premier Division table, with last week’s memorable 2-1 victory over rivals Bohemians putting Rovers just five points off the top of the table. The former Northern Ireland international was appointed manager of Shamrock Rovers in pre-season and has guided the club to six wins and three draws from their opening 12 League of Ireland fixtures, including victory over Sligo Rovers in what was the first game in the Tallaght Stadium.
 

The ex-Brechin City manager has brought several new players into the club, including Shane Robinson, Ollie Cahill, Sean Webb and Greg Cameron. However, the signing of striker Gary Twigg has proven to be a master-stroke, as the 25-year-old has netted ten goals in the opening 12 league fixtures.
 

O’Neill won 19% of the vote when supporters were asked ‘which manager has impressed most during the early stages of the season’ on the official League of Ireland website, www.loi.ie.


Galway United boss Ian Foster was in second place, winning 15% of the vote. Foster has done superbly at Terryland Park since filling the manager’s seat following the departure of Jeff Kenna. The Tribesmen are in fifth place in the Premier Division and, having only narrowly avoided relegation last season, now have their eyes set on challenging for a European placing.
 

Stephen Henderson of Waterford United came in third place as supporters acknowledged the fantastic job he has done with the Blues this season. Undefeated in eleven matches, Waterford United are in second place in the First Division table as they look to bounce back to the top flight. The Blues last night booked their place in the EA SPORTS Cup semi finals with a 2-1 win over Shamrock Rovers at the RSC.
 

Two managers sitting at the top of their respective divisions were voted into fourth and fifth place – Cork City’s Paul Doolin came in fourth, while Martin Russell of table-topping UCD was voted fifth.
 

Which manager has impressed most during the early stages of the season?
(Top Five)
Michael O'Neill (Shamrock Rovers) 148  18.7%
Ian Foster (Galway United) 118  14.9%
Stephen Henderson (Waterford United) 116  14.7%
Paul Doolin (Cork City) 113  14.3%
Martin Russell (UCD) 57  7.2%

Total vote: 790
 
 
 
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