In 2020, Shelbourne F.C. competed in the League of Ireland Premier Division for the first time since 2013. They were promoted in the 2019 season, having finished top of the first division.[1] For a second season running, Shelbourne were under the management of Ian Morris. In October 2019, shortly after the end of the previous season, Shelbourne released a new jersey ahead of the 2020 season which emulated the style of the 1960s jersey used by the club. This was part of marking the pending 125th anniversary of the founding of the club.[2]
Overview
On 12 March the Football Association of Ireland announced the sudden postponement of football under their rule including the League of Ireland premier division due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant the postponement of Shelbourne F.C. fixtures too. This was initially set as a postponement until 29 March but was later extended. [3][4] Shels finished in 9th position in the league, forcing them into a promotion/relegation play-off with Longford Town. They lost this fixture which condemned them back to the First Division.[citation needed]
^Since the winners of the 2020 FAI Cup (Dundalk) qualified for European competition based on their league position, the final spot awarded to the Cup winner passed to the next best-placed team, i.e. fourth-placed team.