
Lincoln City’s search for a new manager goes on, with Stephen Bradley remaining in Ireland.
The Shamrock Rovers head coach released a statement on their official site, explaining his decision to remain in the League of Ireland.
“During the past few days there has been much speculation about my immediate future as Shamrock Rovers Head Coach,” he said. “I would like to thank Lincoln City for expressing an interest in speaking to me about their vacant managerial position.
“Like every manager and coach I one day have an ambition to test myself in different countries and at different levels of the game. But right now, I am very happy to stay and continue my work at Shamrock Rovers. I love this club and I feel that our work here is not yet complete.”
Bradley had been heavily linked with a move to the Imps, and seemingly spoke to representatives from our club this week, but has chosen to remain with Shamrock. They’re second in the League of Ireland, looking to win the league for the third season in a row, and will enjoy a European adventure when the competitions kick off again in August. The lure of trophies and developing Shamrock further has clearly proven to be too much.
What the news does suggest is he was our first choice to replace Michael Appleton, and now we have to go back to the candidate list for another look. My expectation is that the name Ian Foster will come up rather regularly over the coming days, but it remains to be seen.
It’s a bit of a blow in my eyes; Bradley looked to be a strong appointment on paper, he has a good pedigree in Ireland, he’s young and up-and-coming and he’s highly regarded at Shamrock. Still, that’s football, we move on, and attention now turns to who may be next in line.
It also means I’ll have to can my ‘three links between Shamrock and Lincoln’ piece I had prepared. FYI – Neale Fenn, David Campbell and Chris Fagan. Oh well.