SOCCER: After Cork City received over 15 applications for the vacant manager's job it is understood Derry City boss Stephen Kenny has rejected approaches while former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr is believed to be in the running for the vacant post at Turner's Cross.
The Derry boss is no stranger to approaches from eircom League rivals since his return to the Brandywell after time spent managing Scottish side Dunfermline. In November Kenny was a target for Shamrock Rovers.
Kenny, 37, was said to be unhappy with the cuts to player budgets at the Brandywell but club chairman Pat McDaid was quick to say their manager was committed to the Derry cause.
"He appreciates and understands why the cuts are needed. The club is embedded in the community and Stephen is passionate about what it is doing," said McDaid, noting that Kenny has refused to speak to Cork City.
Kerr, meanwhile, is believed to have held talks with the Turner's Cross outfit after a club spokesman confirmed the news in yesterday's Irish Examiner.
"We have had meetings with Brian Kerr on a number of occasions with a view to filling the managerial position," said the club spokesperson. "Brian is one of the most experienced coaches in the domestic game having worked at youth and international level with Ireland and at senior level in the League of Ireland."
Cork City chairman Tom Coughlan is believed to have met Kerr and three other Cork officials in Portlaoise to outline his plans for the future the day after the December 19th deadline for applications.
Aside from international experience as senior Republic of Ireland manager from January 2003 to October 2005, Kerr also has considerable domestic managerial form. He managed St Patrick's Athletic for 10 years from 1986 when they won two league titles (1990 and 1996).
Last May he stepped down as director of football with St Pat's and currently carries out television pundit work, including an analysis column for The Irish Times.
The Setanta Cup winners have been without a manager since December 9th after the somewhat surprising sacking of Alan Mathews after the club cited financial constraints as the primary reason for his departure.
Other names mentioned for the vacant post includes former Cork football manager Billy Morgan, Galway United's Jeff Kenna and new Waterford United boss Stephen Henderson.
"The applications received are currently being assessed, and the interview process will commence in the first week of January," the club's statement added.
"The club also wish to point out that the manager's position will only be available to candidates who hold the relevant Uefa coaching qualifications.
A decision on Mathews' replacement is expected before the players return for the start of pre-season training in February.
