Shelbourne make statement signing by bringing Hull City midfielder back to the club

Wood (22) made a huge impact on loan with Shels last year with the Englishman arriving along with winger Will Jarvis when the clubs were under the same ownership.

While the situation changed over the winter with an Irish consortium led by Mickey O’Rourke regaining control from Hull’s Turkish backer Acun Ilicali, Shels succeeded in bringing back Jarvis on loan for the 2024 season but weren’t able to do a deal for Wood who went on loan to Grimsby.

However, Damien Duff continued his pursuit of the skilful playmaker and Shels have managed to negotiate a permanent switch. Wood is understood to have signed a two and a half year deal. Duff recently agreed a new contract of the same length.

Shels lost mainstay Gavin Molloy to Aberdeen on account of a release clause in his contract but Duff promised they would make positive moves when the transfer window reopened and the arrival of Wood follows on from the capture of Ali Coote and Sam Bone.

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

Farrell made 170 appearances for Shels and was a fan favourite who started the 2022 FAI Cup final but he has struggled for gametime this term.

As it happens, Shelbourne face Drogheda in Weavers Park this Thursday but Farrell is not expected to be involved. Wood is eligible for selection having linked back up with the Shels group at the AUL earlier today.

Harry Wood said: “I’ve got unfinished business here, I want to play my part in getting this club back to where it belongs”

Damien Duff, Shelbourne FC Manager said: “It is amazing to have H back after a prolonged holiday in Grimsby. The best football he played in his career was with Shelbourne. The happiest he has been in his career was also with Shelbourne. That is why both parties were so eager to do this. Last year he made a massive impression in a short period. Now he will have a much bigger impact over a much longer length of time. Welcome home Harold. UTR

Luke Byrne, Shelbourne FC Technical Director said: “We’re so happy to welcome Harry back to Tolka Park. He made a huge impact on the pitch but also with his team mates and the fans. We have been very keen to bring him back here and we’re delighted we’ve now been able to do it. He’s a fantastic player who bought into the club and we expect him to kick on again in his next spell with us. A huge thanks to our board for their support and to Hull City for how they conducted themselves throughout the negotiations.”