Player of the year Shaw one of four key players to sign new deals at Shamrock Rovers

Player of the season Gary Shaw heads a list of four key figures from Shamrock Rovers' 2017 season to sign new deals ahead of the coming campaign.

Forwards Brandon Miele and Graham Burke, and goalkeeper Tomer Chencinski, have also signed o on the dotted line as Stephen Bradley looks to build consistency for the new season.

The Hoops earlier this week confirmed that experienced defender David Webster and Ryan Connolly would not be offered contracts for next season.

25-year-old striker Shaw joined from Longford Town ahead of the 2016 campaign and quickly nailed down the central striker positions as his own.

He increased his tally of league goals from six to 11 in 2017, and scored the winner in the Europa League tie away to Stjarnan, prompting interest from clubs outside the league.

“He scored some really important goals at important times of the season. He’s led the line really well,” Bradley said.

“His all-round game has come on this year and I believe he’ll only get better and stronger and score more goals next season.

“There was interest in Gary in Ireland and outside of Ireland so we’re delighted that Gary sees himself at the club for the foreseeable future.”

23-year-old Miele joined from Bluebell United ahead of the 2015 season, having previously on the books at Newcastle United.

2017 was Miele's best season in a Rovers shirt, scoring 16 goals in all competitions, including a joint-highest five in the FAI Cup, and has signed a two-year extension.

Brandon has been excellent this year. He’s really found his game and he’s so comfortable in what he does now.

“He can run you on the outside, he can run inside and score goals and we played him in midfield as well.

“Brandon is another one that looks after himself off the pitch and he buys into everything we’re doing.

“It was very important to keep players of Brandon’s ability and character in and around the team. He’ll only kick on and get better in the coming years.”

Burke signed from Notts County at the beginning of last season and made an immediate impact, scoring within minutes of his introduction during an opening day defeat to Dundalk.
 

The 23-year-old finished the season with eight goals, including three in the Europa League run that makes him Rovers' joint-highest scorer in Europe.

“I think everybody saw Graham’ quality when he came into the side, what he brings to us,” said Bradley.

“There’s not many players around that can play the way Graham plays. He’s very creative.

“He’s bought into everything that we’re doing at the club, he works really hard on and off the pitch and he’s a good character.

“He’ll be like a new signing for us next year because you’d forget how many big games he missed at the back end of the season through injury.”

31-year-old keeper Chencinski also joined at the beginning of 2017 after parting company with Henrik Larsson's Helsinborgs at the end of the Swedish season.

The Canadian international has been a virtual ever-present for the Hoops, only losing his place to Kevin Horgan for the final three league games.

“We’ve been speaking to Tomer for a few weeks,” said the manager.

“We believe in Tomer and believe that he’s got a point to prove to show everyone what he can do for us. I know from speaking to him that he wants to show people what he’s about.

“He’s a good professional, a good character and he’s another one that we’re happy to have in the group next year.”