Shelbourne make statement by bringing Hull City midfielder back to club

Wood (22) made a big impression at Shels last year when he was on loan. The Englishman joined winger Will Jarvis when the clubs were still under the same ownership.

Although the situation changed in the winter when an Irish consortium led by Mickey O’Rourke regained control of Hull’s Turkish backer Acun Ilicali, Shels managed to bring Jarvis back on loan for the 2024 season. However, they were unable to agree a deal for Wood, who was loaned to Grimsby.

Damien Duff has continued his pursuit of the capable playmaker, however, and Shels has managed to negotiate a permanent move. Wood is understood to have signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, with Duff recently signing a new contract of the same length.

Shels lost regular Gavin Molloy to Aberdeen due to a release clause in his contract, but Duff promised they would make positive moves once the transfer window reopened. Wood’s arrival follows those of Ali Coote and Sam Bone.

However, Shane Farrell is on his way out of the club, with the Dubliner signing for Drogheda. He made headlines for all the wrong reasons in April when Duff publicly called out the 23-year-old for lifestyle issues following a red card against Shamrock Rovers.

Farrell made 170 appearances for Shels and was a fan favourite starting the 2022 FAI Cup final, but has struggled for game time this season.

Coincidentally, Shelbourne face Drogheda at Weavers Park this Thursday, but Farrell is not expected to be there. Wood is in line for selection after rejoining the Shels group in the AUL earlier today.

Harry Wood said: “I have some unfinished business here, I want to do my bit to get this club back to where it belongs”

Damien Duff, manager of Shelbourne FC, said: “It’s great to have H back after a long break in Grimsby. The best football he’s played in his career has been with Shelbourne. The happiest he’s ever been with Shelbourne. That’s why both parties were so keen to do this. He made a huge impact in a short period of time last year. Now he’ll have a much bigger impact over a much longer period of time. Welcome home Harold. UTR

Shelbourne FC Technical Director Luke Byrne said: “We are so pleased to welcome Harry back to Tolka Park. He has had a huge impact on the pitch, with his team-mates and the fans. We were very keen to bring him back and we are delighted that we have now been able to do so. He is a fantastic player who has joined the club and we expect him to continue to deliver in his next spell with us. A big thank you to our board for their support and to Hull City for their conduct during the negotiations.”