Shamrock Rovers will name their new manager at the end of this week, chairman Joe Colwell told ireland.comtoday.
One of the most prestigious positions in domestic football became available last week when it was revealed Damien Richardson's contract as boss would not be renewed, despite guiding Rovers to second place in the Premier Division table.
"We've had a lot of applicants, and are conducting interviews at the moment" said Colwell. "We expect to name the new man by the end of the week".
Several names are linked with the position, most of whom have also been linked with the vacancy at Tolka Park. Many tipsters' favourite is Dermot Keely, the man who only last month resigned as Shelbourne manager.
Although it is not a full-time post - which is the reason behind Richardson's departure - the Rovers job is considered attractive because of the club's tradition and because next season should see them move to a new stadium in Tallaght.
Colwell, who will step down as chairman at the club's next AGM, but will continue to serve as a club director, said the new man will be allowed bring in "a few" new players.
Former Bohemians boss Pete Mahon emphatically denied having any interest in the job, telling ireland.comthat "going from Bohs to Rovers would be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire."