Drogs close to appointment as O’Neill opts out
SOME of the bigger names in League of Ireland management circles look set to be overlooked as Drogheda United continue their search for Pete Mahon’s replacement following Collie O’Neill’s decision to turn down the job.
The current UCD boss considered the offer for a few days but decided he couldn’t accept after being promoted at work, and the board have spent the past week considering other potential suitors.
Two candidates were interviewed yesterday (Monday) and chairman Fiachra Kierans said in advance of those interviews that he expected to be able to make an appointment by tomorrow, refusing to make public the identities of the pair.
However, it’s understood that Drogheda native Darius Kierans and Damien Richardson, both of whom previously managed the Boynesiders, are unlikely to be considered despite being in contact with the club in recent days.
Current Dundalk assistant manager Vinny Perth was another target for the Boynesiders and experienced League of Ireland managers Martin Russell and Tony Cousins were also linked with the vacancy, but again they are not in the frame to take over from Mahon as things stand.
Chairman Kierans was reluctant to discuss the two interviewees on record, pointing out that the appointment process was at a delicate stage.
‘I want to keep it under the radar,’ he said, speaking on Monday morning.
‘We spoke to Collie and Vinny, but Collie couldn’t commit to it for work reasons although he was very positive about the job, and the timing wasn’t right for Vinny.
‘One other person has had an interview, and we’re doing one this morning and another this evening, and we should have it done and dusted in the next 48 hours, I hope.
‘But we are prepared to hold out for what we want.’
Meanwhile, despite the club being without a manager for more than two weeks, talks have begun with members of last year’s squad about re-signing for 2018, with nine players ready to commit according to Kierans.
However, last season’s Player of the Year Stephen McGuinness won’t be one of them as he has opted to sign for First Division rivals Cabinteely.