Ellis Lims switch is put on ice
CONNOR ELLIS’ move to Limerick is in the balance after Neil Mcdonald’s sudden exit from the club.
Shocked players returned for the first day of pre-season yesterday only to be hit with the news that their manager was gone.
Mcdonald – who was appointed in May – has returned to England where he will take up the role as assistant boss with Scunthorpe United.
Striker Ellis was among 14 players at Limerick training as a transfer from champions Cork City is on the cards.
He has fallen down the pecking order at the Rebels who have Karl Sheppard, Graham Cummins and Josh O’hanlon vying to lead the line. A transfer could still materialise but may also drag on as Limerick pick up the pieces and search for a new manager.
“I had a fantastic time at Limerick even though it was a short period,” said Mcdonald who was known to be frustrated at budget cuts.
“I came to do a specific job – to help the club maintain its Premier status, to thin the squad out and to give young players a chance – I achieved all three.
Eric Kinder, who was assistant to Mcdonald and also Blackburn Rovers academy director until July last year, will take temporary charge.
But Limerick expect to have a new full-time boss in place before the season starts on February 16, but won’t rush into a decision.
Former title winning boss Paul Doolin – most recently with the Irish under-19s – will be among those linked with the vacancy.