Shepshed Albion 91 were under heavy financial strain and working with a shoestring budget with local players under the management initially of Arthur Chadburn and Mike McFarlane. Darren Heyes saw them through to the end of the season.

In the summer of 1993 Mark O'Kane was appointed manager and along with his own backroom staff and players from Sandiacre Town, Shepshed Albion 91 took their place in the Skol Midland Combination.

Mark's first competitive game was a 2-0 away win at Knowle followed by his first league game at The Dovecote beating Sandwell Borough 4-3.

Albion went onto finish fourth in the table earning their place in the newly formed Interlink Midland Football Alliance for the following season.

Along with a newly formed league Shepshed Dynamo were formed in 1994 after the financial struggles were too much for Albion 91 to continue. Making Mark Shepshed Dynamo's first manager.

Mark retained a majority of his squad and Shepshed Dynamo finished fourth again and another highlight was a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City in the Westerby Country Challenge Cup.

The following season 1995/96 Shepshed went an amazing 23 games undefeated from the start of the season and were crowned Midland Football Alliance champions.

Again money came to the fore but ground improvements were achieved and Mark now with a nucleus of his original squad plus the addition of some of the best non League players from around the area took their place in the Dr Martens League Southern Midland Division.

The highlight of the season was only the second time a Shepshed side has reached the FA Cup First round proper. After a 2-0 win in front of just under a thousand (969) against then Conference side Bromsgrove Rovers. The Dovecote faithful awaited the first round draw and were rewarded with the long trip to Carlisle United.

Mark and the squad travelled the day before and many more followed them on the Friday and on matchday.

Unfortunately Carlisle were far too strong and a majority of their squad went onto play at a much higher level running out 6-0 winners. But being the lowest ranked team left in the competition Mark and his team did the town proud after starting the tournament at the earliest point.

A lasting memory Carlisle fans applauding the Shepshed team and the Carlisle players applauding the traveling fans.

Mark then took us to twelfth in the table and a Westerby County Challenge Cup final and after 3-3 at Filbert Street they lost 4-3 to St Andrews on penalties.

Unfortunately the 1997/98 was to be the downfall for Mark O'Kane after a poor start to the season Mark was replaced by John Hanna in the February of 1998.

Mark dedicated himself to the club for five years and not only did he bring success to the club. After years of financial struggles and fighting off relegation bringing his squad not only revitalised the club but brought a period of depression for Shepshed supporters to an end and a future to look forward to.

The Midland Football Alliance trophy presentation the final game at home to Knypersley Victoria and the FA Cup run to the first round will be everlasting memories. Mark not only brought enjoyment back to The Dovecote but deserves the right as legendary status at The Dovecote Stadium.

The club would like to pass on their condolences to Mark's family and friends. His son Paul O'Kane played under his dad from 1993-96 making over 130 appearances and scoring 5 goals.

Mark, your time at The Dovecote will always be remembered especially with the FA Cup photo collage in pride of place in the Directors room in the Clubhouse.

Mark O'Kane
Shepshed Albion 91/Dynamo Manager - July 1993 to February 1998
RIP