Explained: What is going on at Shamrock Rovers?

Despite incredible success over the years, conflict has arisen within the board at Shamrock Rovers.

Following the announcement that chief executive John Martin is set to step down this summer, co-owner Dermot Desmond warned the club membership to carefully consider the actions of “some non-executive directors.

According to the Irish Times, Desmond wrote to the membership on Wednesday to highlight persistent moves to remove Stephen Bradley as first-team manager.

Desmond wrote: "It is over five years since I invested in Shamrock Rovers FC with your support.

“I am delighted that the funds provided helped play a part in putting Rovers on a sounder financial footing, the on-field success of recent years and allowing investment in the academy plan to continue and bear fruit.

“Unfortunately, in that time, three high-quality people have resigned as CEO, when all would otherwise have preferred to stay.”

Brendan Murray was appointed as the club’s first-ever CEO in 2016. He was replaced by Denis Donohoe in 2021, with Martin taking over in 2023.

Since Bradley took over as Shamrock Rovers manager in 2016, Bradley has won four League of Ireland titles, an FAI Cup, and has guided Shamrock Rovers to Europa Conference League group stage qualification.

This season, the club reached the knockout stages of Europe, which has also helped them to a positive financial position.

Following their 2-2 draw with St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park, Bradley admitted he considered leaving the club due to pressure from certain directors representing the membership.

“Let’s be honest, I’ve a sick son at home who is in bed right now. He is going through chemo.

“At times, it can be hard. There is no getting away from that.

“There have been things