Shane Supple (born 4 May 1987) is an Irish coach and former footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
In 2015, he made a return to competitive football, after initially retiring in 2009, by signing for non-league Crumlin United, before returning to top-flight football in 2016 when he signed for Bohemians[2]
In the 2004–05 season, he was part of the FA Youth Cup-winning Ipswich team. On 13 August 2005 he made his first appearance for the Ipswich first team, when an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Lewis Price forced Supple to play for an hour of the match against Leicester City; Supple kept a clean sheet. He retained the number one spot for Ipswich Town, and in the summer of 2006, Charlton Athletic made a number of bids for the Republic of Ireland player, but Ipswich manager Jim Magilton rejected all them. Leeds United also showed interest but Ipswich informed the public that no bid had been made. He mainly featured among the Ipswich substitutes during the 2006–07 season with Lewis Price being first-choice keeper.
In the summer of 2007, Price was sold to Derby County, and Scottish international Neil Alexander was signed after having been released by Cardiff City at the end of the 2006–07 season. Alexander was the first-choice goalkeeper in the 2007–08 season, consigning Supple once again to the bench. In 2008, Alexander left Ipswich, in a move to Rangers for an undisclosed fee. Stephen Bywater was immediately brought in on loan from Derby County, while Supple was allowed to move to Falkirk on loan. Ahead of the 2008–09 season, Ipswich signed former player, Richard Wright from West Ham United. The former Arsenal, Everton and Southampton was made first-choice keeper.
On 26 February 2009 Supple was linked with a loan move to Grimsby Town, but this was put on hold by Ipswich in order for the club to find a replacement for the departing keeper. Subsequently, the move fell through.
Supple with Ipswich Town during the 2006–07 season
Falkirk (loan)
On 31 January 2008, Supple, along with teammate Billy Clarke joined Scottish Premier League club Falkirk on loan.[3] Supple was signed due to the injury to Falkirk's first choice goalkeeper Tim Krul, where he made four appearances for the Bairns.
Supple played his last professional game in the League Cup against Shrewsbury Town on 11 August 2009,[6] a game in which Supple saved a penalty from Jake Robinson in the shootout to help his side progress to the next round.[7] Nine days later, Ipswich Town announced that they had agreed to cancel Supple's contract at the request of the player, allowing him to pursue a career outside professional soccer. He said that he had "fallen out of love with the game" and wished to pursue a different career path.[8] His desire to play Gaelic football with the Dublin county team was a major motivating factor.[9]
Return to football
Supple returned to playing football when he signed for intermediate club Crumlin United in 2015. On 15 June 2016, it was announced that he had signed with League of Ireland side Bohemians, marking his return to top-flight football.[10] Supple made his first team debut on 9 July 2016 in a mid-season friendly at home to Portsmouth. He made his league debut for Bohemians in a 1–0 defeat to Derry City at Dalymount Park. He would go on to be voted Bohemians Player of the Year for the 2018 season. Supple announced his retirement from football in November 2018 due to an ongoing hip injury.[11]
In January 2021, he was named as Gaelic football goalkeeping coach of the Meath under-20 county team under the management of Bernard Flynn.[13][14]
When Flynn prepared his management team to succeed Andy McEntee as Meath senior manager when that vacany next arose in 2022, Supple was included. However, Colm O'Rourke was then appointed manager instead of Flynn. Supple later joined O'Rourke's management team as goalkeeping coach.[15]
Career statistics
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
In 2010, he became a member of the senior Dublin county football team, being substitute goalkeeper for their NFL game against Mayo in March,[28] although he did not play any part in the game.
Supple excelled in his first full season with his home club St Brigid's, acting as vice-captain in their superb run to the final of the Dublin Senior Football Championship in 2010. Supple was nominated for a Blue Star award due to his performances for Brigid's during the season.
^"Flynn confirmed as Meath U20 manager with Geraghty as selector". Hogan Stand. 11 January 2021. Recently retired star Graham Reilly will also act as a selector, while Mayo ladies manager Peter Leahy and Kilmacud Crokes boss Robbie Brennan are set for coaching roles along with former Dublin goalkeeper Shane Supple.
^"Flynn to lead Meath under 20s". 6 January 2021. Graham Geraghty and Graham Reilly are selectors while Shane Supple is the squad's goalkeeping coach.