Tensions have been laid bare at Shamrock Rovers after minority owner Dermot Desmond wrote to the Hoops' members club and told them to "carefully consider" who represents them on the board.
Shamrock Rovers' ownership structure consists of three strands: the members club (50%), Sydney-based businessman Ray Wilson (25%) and Desmond (25%).
Last Friday, John Martin confirmed he will step down as CEO in late summer, which means the club are looking for their fourth CEO in five years. Desmond describes Martin's departure as "a significant setback and damaging to the club".
In his letter, he writes: "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. In my view this is largely due to some non-executive directors appointed to represent the members club on the board of the football club acting in their own interest, rather than in the best interests of both you the membership and the club."
Desmond goes on to claim some non-executive members - who he did not name - have been "persistently seeking to have the first team management replaced", and also lamented the non-ratification since November 2024 of chairman Ciarán Medlar's reappointment. Desmond describes Medlar as being "outstanding and irreplaceable".
"My view has always been that an empowered, independent executive management team is required to match the ambition of the football club; the recent growth founded on the on-field success has made this all the more necessary," he continues.
"I remain committed to working collaboratively with the members club, Ray Wilson, the club's outstanding football departments and remaining executive team to ensure the club’s continued success.
"In future, I intend to inform you when I become aware of actions taken by individual directors representing you, that I believe to be contrary to the best interests of the club.
"At the next opportunity, I would urge you to carefully consider who is representing your shareholding on the board."
Shamrock Rovers have declined to comment on the claims made in the letter.
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
