CRYSTAL PALACE HAVE announced the departure of Republic of Ireland international Izzy Atkinson, while Paul McShane has left his role at Man United to become an assistant coach at Huddersfield Town.
Atkinson is one of five players leaving the Eagles this summer, following their relegation from the Women’s Super League.
The 23-year-old wide player joined from West Ham in January 2024 and made 18 appearances in all competitions.
She was named Championship Player of the Month in February 2024 after goals against Southampton and Blackburn Rovers, and helped Crystal Palace to promotion alongside fellow Irishwomen Abbie Larkin and Hayley Nolan.
But Atkinson made just four appearances in the WSL last season, often going unselected for matchday squads and seeing limited action from the bench.
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The 2023 World Cup squad bolter has also fallen down the pecking order with Ireland.
Carla Ward named Atkinson in her first squad in February, but she didn’t play and has not been included since.
“She is out of favour (at Palace). There was a question about whether we should call her up, but I am a big believer in giving people an opportunity to see what I can do to help and get them back on track,” Ward said at the time.
“When she comes in, we will sit down, probably give her some tough love and say, ‘We need you’. She has got huge potential. She is a great young player.”
The 18-cap international is now on the hunt for a new club, having previously represented Shelbourne, Celtic and West Ham.
Larkin and Nolan remain at Palace ahead of their Championship return.
Meanwhile, Wicklow native McShane is set for a stint at Huddersfield, having most recently worked as Man United’s Professional Development Phase coach.
The 39-year-old, who will also continue in his role as Jim Crawford’s number two for Ireland U21s, is one of three assistant coaches to join new manager Lee Grant’s set-up.
Ex-Liverpool academy coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and Jonathan Robinson, who also worked at Liverpool and had a spell with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq as assistant to Steven Gerrard, have come onboard for the club that finished 10th in League One last season.
Grant and McShane previously worked together at Man United.
“Their diverse backgrounds, dedication and commitment to excellence will be invaluable to us as we continue to grow and build something special at this club,” the Huddersfield boss told the club website.
“Each brings a unique outlook and energy that aligns with our values and future aspirations.”
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Ireland's Izzy Atkinson on the hunt for new club, Paul McShane leaves Man United
Updated at 18.22
CRYSTAL PALACE HAVE announced the departure of Republic of Ireland international Izzy Atkinson, while Paul McShane has left his role at Man United to become an assistant coach at Huddersfield Town.
Atkinson is one of five players leaving the Eagles this summer, following their relegation from the Women’s Super League.
The 23-year-old wide player joined from West Ham in January 2024 and made 18 appearances in all competitions.
She was named Championship Player of the Month in February 2024 after goals against Southampton and Blackburn Rovers, and helped Crystal Palace to promotion alongside fellow Irishwomen Abbie Larkin and Hayley Nolan.
But Atkinson made just four appearances in the WSL last season, often going unselected for matchday squads and seeing limited action from the bench.
The 2023 World Cup squad bolter has also fallen down the pecking order with Ireland.
Carla Ward named Atkinson in her first squad in February, but she didn’t play and has not been included since.
“She is out of favour (at Palace). There was a question about whether we should call her up, but I am a big believer in giving people an opportunity to see what I can do to help and get them back on track,” Ward said at the time.
“When she comes in, we will sit down, probably give her some tough love and say, ‘We need you’. She has got huge potential. She is a great young player.”
The 18-cap international is now on the hunt for a new club, having previously represented Shelbourne, Celtic and West Ham.
Larkin and Nolan remain at Palace ahead of their Championship return.
Meanwhile, Wicklow native McShane is set for a stint at Huddersfield, having most recently worked as Man United’s Professional Development Phase coach.
The 39-year-old, who will also continue in his role as Jim Crawford’s number two for Ireland U21s, is one of three assistant coaches to join new manager Lee Grant’s set-up.
Ex-Liverpool academy coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and Jonathan Robinson, who also worked at Liverpool and had a spell with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq as assistant to Steven Gerrard, have come onboard for the club that finished 10th in League One last season.
Grant and McShane previously worked together at Man United.
“Their diverse backgrounds, dedication and commitment to excellence will be invaluable to us as we continue to grow and build something special at this club,” the Huddersfield boss told the club website.
“Each brings a unique outlook and energy that aligns with our values and future aspirations.”
Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy
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