Shamrock Rovers fans have responded with shock and disappointment to the news that the club are not keeping Simon Madden.
The defender started all but one of the Hoops 32 SSE Airtricity League games last season and was one of their most consistent performers.
In a short statement Rovers confirmed they would not be renewing his contract for 2018:
“Shamrock Rovers today announced that the contract of full back Simon Madden will not be renewed for 2018.
“The club would like to thank Simon for his time at the club where he made 194 appearances during two spells and we wish Simon well in his footballing future.”
Simon Madden released https://t.co/BVgY5Qjnq6 pic.twitter.com/ls6JM8UkqN
— Shamrock Rovers F.C. (@ShamrockRovers) November 22, 2017
The reason for his departure remains unclear, if it was the club’s decision to allow him to go it would represent a 180 from the head coach Stephen Bradley.
On this day last year, he spoke of his delight in securing the services of a player he described at the best right back in the county: “I am delighted that Simon has agreed to stay on at the club,” Bradley said in November 2016.
“There was a lot of interest in him from other clubs so we are delighted that he sees his future at Shamrock Rovers. He is a great professional and I think is the best right back in the country"
"Crazy decision" fumed one twitter user, another branded it "absolute madness" to allow the 29-year-old to leave.
"Disappointing decision, hard to see the logic here" was another reply to the news on Shamrock Rovers twitter feed.
Crazy decision. Hard to see anyone better to replace him.
— Alan Kinsella (@electionlit) November 22, 2017
Poor decision. He will be a big loss.
— Frank Forde (@fordef72) November 22, 2017
That is crazy, releasing one of our most consistent and reliable players. Hope you have a proper replacement lined up.
— John M (@JohnA390) November 22, 2017
Disappointing decision, hard to see the logic here
— Ian Flanagan (@Ianof3) November 22, 2017
Whats going on in tallaght. Why let a player like this go. Its like shooting yourself in the foot. Simon deserved more than that. We saw this too with stephen rice. Thanks simon for being a real hooper
— Se Murphy (@semusmurphy) November 22, 2017
Shocking, absolutely bad decision 😡😡😡
— Jon (@rubberjon123) November 22, 2017
