Taylor on list as Limerick chase new boss

Limerick FC are compiling a shortlist of candidates for the vacant manager’s position with a view to making an imminent appointment.

Former England U21 manager Peter Taylor is believed to be one of those still in contention after yesterday’s closing date for applications. Taylor – who, when caretaker manager of the senior England team in 2000 famously gave David Beckham the captain’s armband for the first time – lost his job as manager of the Bahrain national team in March.

Pat Scully, who was sacked as Limerick boss despite having guided them to the Premier Division, recalled yesterday that he had played under Taylor at Southend United in the early 90s.

“But I didn’t have any sway in a decision about their new manager,” he said. “And I haven’t spoken to him. It’s nothing to do with me any more. And it’s not for me to give anyone any advice. I don’t take advice off many people so I don’t dish it out either. Whoever the new manager is, it’s up to him to do his job. I think I’ve done mine.”

Asked if he had seen his own exit coming, Scully laughed and said “probably”, adding, “but that’s the way football is. If I was sitting here sacked because I did a terrible job and I was a failure then I would be gutted, I would be devastated. But I think I did a great job. And it’s up to people who run football clubs to run football clubs the way they want to. That’s up to them. And I had no problems leaving Limerick.”

While it’s understood that an agreement for Limerick to play at Thomond Park next season is close to being concluded, Scully suggested that the move could prove a challenge for the newly promoted club.

“It depends on if you’ve got a winning team and are doing well,” he said. “It’s a 26,000 capacity stadium. If you’re not doing well, how many people are going to come to the games would be maybe a problem.”

Sources at the club believe that Thomond is a viable venue, however, pointing out that it regularly hosts smaller crowds for AIL rugby games. An average attendance of around 2,500 would be the target for the Premier Division club, rising to five or six thousand for big games such as a visit by Cork City.

Limerick still plan to return to their spiritual home of the Market’s Field next year but, in the meantime, the appointment of a high-profile manager is seen as something which would add further lustre to the club on its return to the top-flight.