Derryman Aaron McEneff proud to make Shamrock Rovers return

Aaron McEneff is unveiled by Shamrock Rovers

Aaron McEneff says that the chance to reunite with Stephen Bradley, who he has described as the best manager he has worked with in football, was a major factor in his decision to return to Shamrock Rovers.

The Hoops have confirmed that Derry native McEneff has signed on the dotted line after three years on his travels.

He left Rovers ahead of the 2021 season to sign for Hearts and went from there to A-League side Perth Glory, but financial difficulties for his Australian employers changed the course of his stay there. McEneff has signed for Rovers on an initial loan deal, but it will become permanent in the winter of 2024.

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The former Spurs trainee joined Rovers from Derry City ahead of the 2019 campaign and struck up a rapport with Bradley that has endured.

“In my opinion, he’s been the best manager I’ve ever had,” says McEneff.

“He took me to another level when I first signed for Rovers.

“You only have to look at the success the club has had in recent years and the part he’s played in that. He’s a top manager who I love working under.

“We still kept in contact when I left Rovers, so it’s good to be back working with him again.

“I had two of the best years of my football career here and it’s great to see the lads who were here the first time I was here. It’s the same staff, too, so it’s been easy to fit back in again.”

Bradley is excited by the prospect of working with the box-to-box midfielder again.

“We are absolutely delighted,” he said. “We all know what Aaron does and what he did for us when he was here first time around, so we’re over the moon to get him back.

“Aaron and