Mark Coyle has been named the new captain of Premier Division side Shelbourne for the 2024 season.
The Burt native signed a new 18 month contract with the Dublin club last summer, with an option to extend for a further year at the end of the season after a successful year which saw the Damien Duff managed side finish fourth and qualify for Europe.
Coyle, who moved to Shelbourne in 2022 after winning the 2021 Player of the Year with Finn Harps, played 27 league games for the side and was hampered by injury mid-season, but was a key player in the midfield.
The 26-year-old told Shelbourne club media: “It’s a bit surreal to be honest, I’m hugely honoured and proud to be the captain of this great football club. My family is so proud. It could’ve been any one of our dressing room we’re lucky to have lots of leaders at Shels, I was captain on occasion last season but didn’t want to get excited about possibly being made captain when Luke Byrne stepped away, because I knew it could’ve been any one of a few lads.
“There is pressure with the armband but it’s a privilege to be captain of this club, I really am so proud and honoured.”
Coyle’s manager Damien Duff said on Coyle taking on the armband from Luke Byrne: “I am very proud to announce Mark as our new captain. He was the outstanding candidate to lead us into battle this season. He commands respect from the dressing room, the terrace and the league. He represents everything this club is about. Being selfless, humble, hard working and full of quality.”
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