‘We have created history’ – Bradley commends Rovers players

Stephen Bradley has commended his Shamrock Rovers side for creating history after their 2-1 victory over The New Saints in Tallaght on Thursday.

Rovers now sit seventh in the Conference league table having amassed the same number of points, an unprecedented amount for an Irish side in the group stages of one of UEFA’s flagship competitions.

“We have created history tonight, regardless of what people’s opinions are of us as a team, us as a club, me as a manager, you can’t rewrite the history books, as much as some people might want to, you can’t do it and these players created history tonight”, Stephen Bradley said in his post-match press conference following the game.

In terms of what the result means for progression in the competition, Rovers are now already most likely through as one of the top 24 sides, with the win also rewarding the club financially, bringing in €400,000 and taking the total European prize money pot for this season to approximately €5.55 million.

Despite this significant achievement, one which solidifies the Hoops as potentially the first Irish side ever to progress to the knockout stages of a European competition, Bradley is adamant his side can pick up more points as they aim to finish as high as possible in the table.

“Hopefully more League of Ireland teams come after us and do the same, but these are the first group to do it which is special, but I keep saying, we didn’t pin seven points up in the dressing room and then say when we get that we will all pat each other on the back and have a good Christmas.

“That’s not the focus you know, its seven points, gave us a great platform and let’s attack the next games and see where it takes us.”

Johnny Kenny, the opening goal scorer on the night, took his European tally to four, the most of any Rovers player along with making it 17 for the season-a personal best.

His future however remains undecided, but Bradley emphasised his thoughts are well beknown to Celtic, who have all the power in terms any deal being struck according to the Rovers boss.

“Them discussions are ongoing with ourselves and Celtic. Like I said, Celtic are in the driving seat, they call the shots, whatever they say goes it’s as simple as that, but we have a really good relationship at every level with Celtic.”

“I think Celtic are quite clear on my feelings on what needs to happen but again all parties will need to sit down, Johnny included obviously and make a plan that we all agree on.

“But If you’re asking me, would I want him back here next year, I think yeah that’s quite straight forward of course I would, his finish tonight sums him up.

“Their centre-half on the right-side Davies, he’s a good defender and he was getting Johnny but Johnny takes it so quick left foot into the top corner. “There’s not many in the league that can finish like that left or right foot.”