Bohs want payment from Dundee United for Fenlon

BOHEMIANS last night insisted that Pat Fenlon remained their manager despite claims he has agreed a deal to take over as Dundee United boss.

Fenlon returned to Dublin yesterday following talks with United chairman Stephen Thompson at Tannadice on Wednesday.

Bohemians received a fax from the Clydesdale Bank Premier League club on Tuesday seeking permission to speak to Fenlon, who has won the last five League of Ireland titles with Bohs and Shelbourne. And, although they granted permission, they maintain they did so subject to a suitable compensation agreement being struck.

Reports yesterday claimed that unpaid bonuses meant Fenlon was entitled to leave his Bohemians contract, which has three years left to run, without the Dublin club being compensated.

But Gerry Conway, honorary secretary of the Irish champions, dismissed those suggestions. “Bohemians Football Club is entitled to compensation, that’s the bottom line,” Conway said.

“Anybody who says otherwise or leaks things to the media suggesting that is being mischievous.”

Conway added: “The position is the same as it was two days ago. We have had no approach from Dundee United, so Pat is our manager. We’ve had no phone-call, no fax, no email.

“Pat remains our manager without a compensation deal being agreed. Pat knows that and I have told him that.”

Conway has accused United of treating Bohemians with disrespect by failing to follow up their initial fax.

“I was surprised on Tuesday and Wednesday and I’m both surprised and disappointed today that we still haven’t had a phonecall,” Conway added. “I don’t know why they haven’t made contact.”

Thompson recently accused the Scottish Football Association (SFA) of treating his club “shabbily” for failing to send a compensation offer when Craig Levein agreed to leave United and take over as Scotland manager.

But the Tannadice chairman has defended his club’s conduct towards Bohemians.

“Dundee United have acted properly throughout our search for a new manager,” Thompson said. “We approached Bohemians for permission to speak to Pat Fenlon and only did so once they had faxed that permission.

“I would add, when they gave permission for us to speak to him, they did so without any pre-conditions.”

Meanwhile George O’Callaghan looks set to become Roddy Collins’ first signing as manager of Cork City.

Collins has revealed he has held talks with former City favourite O’Callaghan and hopes to bring him back for a third spell at Turners Cross.

“I had a great chat with George on Tuesday night,’’ Collins said. “I understand George and I understand his ability.

“I see George O’Callaghan as a horrendous underachiever for the talent he has and that’s due to moving to people who don’t understand George’s mentality. I’ve no problem with George and I’d love to work with him.’’