Stephen Rice leaves role as Shamrock Rovers under-19s boss

Shamrock Rovers under-19s boss Stephen Rice confirmed that he is to step down in his role as head coach.

Rice leaves the role at Tallaght Stadium after a three-year stint within the club’s emerging academy.

As recently as November, Rice led his young Hoops to Enda McGuill Cup success with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Bohemians.

Darragh Nugent netted twice for the young Shamrock Rovers side as both Sinclair Armstrong and Luke Kelly registered on the scoresheet over ten-man Bohs.

The 25-year-old took up his role at the club’s academy following the conclusion to his playing career at Glentoran.

Stephen began his career at Coventry City in 2001 and returned home to sign for Shelbourne in 2002. In April 2003 he signed for Stephen Kenny at Bohemians.

He departed Dalymount Park in 2007 to join Shamrock Rovers – where he was to spend the next six years.

While at the Hoops as a player he won two league titles, one League Cup and two Setanta Sports Cup’s.

In 2013 he was released by the Tallaght outfit, and he soon linked up with Tony Cousins at Longford Town – where he won the First Division in 2014.

He remained at the Red and Black until the end of the 2015 campaign – as the Midlander’s secured a respectable mid-table finish on their top-flight return.

However, he then left Longford at the end of 2015 – and he finished out his career with Glentoran in the Danske Bank Premiership.   

After great 3 years I have decided to step away as head coach of @ShamrockRovers U-19s
This role been a great for my development as a coach and I would like to thank the club and academy for the opportunity. I want to thank the players and coaches who helped me on this journey

— Stephen Rice (@Stephenrice_6) January 11, 2020