The former Shelbourne striker Stephen Geoghegan was last night set to succeed Pat Fenlon as manager of the troubled League of Ireland champions. The 37-year-old, who spent nine seasons at Tolka Park in a career that also included spells with Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk, returns to the club after a recent spell in non-league management.

His appointment will come as a major surprise just a day after former Everton midfielder Andy King had discussions with Shelbourne chief executive Ollie Byrne regarding the vacancy.

Byrne recently expressed gratitude to the Dubliner after he rang into RTÉ radio's Liveline to voice support for the club's embattled administrator.