Pat Fenlon has resigned as manager of league champions Shelbourne fuelling speculation that he will fill the vacant position at Derry City.
The Dubliner had been mulling over his future since claiming the championship a fortnight ago. His decision to leave, however, is not unexpected as Fenlon had grown increasingly frustrated with off-field financial difficulties at the Drumcondra club this season.
Two months ago he was offered the Bohemians job but despite the attractive nature of that offer Fenlon opted to stay with Shelbourne for the "foreseeable future".
At that time he refused to say whether or not he would leave Shelbourne at the end of the season although it was always anticipated he would.
It was clear he was reluctant to leave a club that - despite its financial difficulties - was within touching distance of another league success. And, as it quickly transpired, Fenlon vindicated that decision by winning his third league title with the club in four seasons.
"I've had a great time here at this club as both a player and manager," Fenlon said in a brief statement this evening. "It was an absolute pleasure to work with all the staff, players, directors and fans at Tolka Park, but unfortunately I can't stay any longer."
Fenlon was unavailable for further comment.
Shelbourne chief executive Ollie Byrne thanked Fenlon "wholeheartedly" for the success he brought to the club and said he was "sad to lose him".
Byrne said: "He was a thorough professional to work with as a player, a union representative and a manager and he put a huge amount of work in behind the scenes here at Tolka Park, at all levels of the club, particularly in the schoolboy section."
Fenlon was linked with Derry following Stephen Kenny's initial departure to Dunfermline a fortnight ago but that speculation had died down of late with others, including former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr and player Mark Kinsella, since tipped for the post.
But now that Fenlon has finally shown his hand it is anticipated the Derry City board - who had already made it known to Fenlon he is their preferred replacement for Kenny - will step up their bid to secure his services.
Derry City this evening refused to comment on Fenlon's departure. "We hope to appoint a manager in the new future," a spokesman said without elaborating.
It is also believed that Fenlon has at least one offer from a Danish club.
Longford Town manager Alan Matthews, Drogheda United boss Paul Doolin and current Shelbourne assistant Eamonn Collins have already emerged as early candidates to succeed Fenlon.
Former Shelbourne player Pat Scully has also be touted for the position but the current Shamrock Rovers manager is unlikely to leave the club he just steered to the First Division title.
Shelbourne job: 3/1 Alan Matthews, Paul Doolin 5/1 Pat Scully, 8/1 Damien Richardson, Eamon Collins,12/1 John McDonnell, 14/1 John Gill, 16/1 Liam Buckley, Brian Kerr 18/1 John Aldridge 28/1 Ronnie Whelan 33/1 Pat Dolan 40/1 Tony Cousins 66/1 Ray Houghton, Roddy Collins (odds from Paddy Power)
