joeSoap
07/12/2006, 9:57 AM
Rovers primed to make surprise move for Fenlon -Irish Independent
SHAMROCK ROVERS are waiting in the background to make a sensational move for Pat Fenlon if family considerations prevent him from taking over as the new manager of Derry City .
Pat Scully led the Hoops to the first division championship this season, but he is one of the favourites to replace Fenlon at Shelbourne.
It's understood that millionaire businessman John Courtenay, the owner of Umbro Ireland, is interested in ploughing cash into Rovers - and appointing Fenlon, who is a lifelong Hoops supporter, as manager now that he's available.
Courtenay and Fenlon are close friends and the millionaire businessman has been in talks at various stages over the past decade about investing money in Ireland's most successful club.
Even as recently as last year, before Scully was appointed to the Rovers hot seat, it was mooted that the Umbro tycoon would interested in luring Fenlon if the event of him deciding to become involved with the Hoops.
But, first, Fenlon must decide whether to accpet Derry's offer to take over from Stephen Kenny at the Brandywell.
Sources close to the former Shels boss say that he has reservations about relocating to the Maiden City with his wife and two young children, who are aged six and ten. Additionally, there is the management of a family-run cleaning business in Dublin to consider.
Reports on Foyleside yesterday said that Fenlon was in the city for a meeting with Derry officials, who are keen to have someone in place swiftly as several of their players are out of contract.
Some of Shelbourne's players are monitoring the Fenlon developments before making a decision about their futures.
However, Ollie Cahill has agreed to join Drogheda United and he could be joined on Boyneside by Stuart Byrne, who is also out of contract with the league champions.
Liam Kearney will return to Cork, while Dave Rogers is also set to leave Tolka, with St Patrick's Athletic joining Bohemians in the race for his services.
Colin Hawkins has emerged as a target for Stephen Kenny at Dunfermline but he remains under contract with Shels and the SPL club may not have the cash to make a bid for him.
SHAMROCK ROVERS are waiting in the background to make a sensational move for Pat Fenlon if family considerations prevent him from taking over as the new manager of Derry City .
Pat Scully led the Hoops to the first division championship this season, but he is one of the favourites to replace Fenlon at Shelbourne.
It's understood that millionaire businessman John Courtenay, the owner of Umbro Ireland, is interested in ploughing cash into Rovers - and appointing Fenlon, who is a lifelong Hoops supporter, as manager now that he's available.
Courtenay and Fenlon are close friends and the millionaire businessman has been in talks at various stages over the past decade about investing money in Ireland's most successful club.
Even as recently as last year, before Scully was appointed to the Rovers hot seat, it was mooted that the Umbro tycoon would interested in luring Fenlon if the event of him deciding to become involved with the Hoops.
But, first, Fenlon must decide whether to accpet Derry's offer to take over from Stephen Kenny at the Brandywell.
Sources close to the former Shels boss say that he has reservations about relocating to the Maiden City with his wife and two young children, who are aged six and ten. Additionally, there is the management of a family-run cleaning business in Dublin to consider.
Reports on Foyleside yesterday said that Fenlon was in the city for a meeting with Derry officials, who are keen to have someone in place swiftly as several of their players are out of contract.
Some of Shelbourne's players are monitoring the Fenlon developments before making a decision about their futures.
However, Ollie Cahill has agreed to join Drogheda United and he could be joined on Boyneside by Stuart Byrne, who is also out of contract with the league champions.
Liam Kearney will return to Cork, while Dave Rogers is also set to leave Tolka, with St Patrick's Athletic joining Bohemians in the race for his services.
Colin Hawkins has emerged as a target for Stephen Kenny at Dunfermline but he remains under contract with Shels and the SPL club may not have the cash to make a bid for him.