Fenlon favourite to take Hoops hot seat

Pat Fenlon has emerged as the favourite to succeed Trevor Croly as Shamrock Rovers’ manager following his departure by "mutual agreement’ on Saturday after the 4-1 defeat at Limerick the night before.

Croly’s assistant, John Gill, who takes charge for this evening’s EA Sports Cup semi-final at arch-rivals Bohemians, described the parting as the culmination of a witch hunt and he hailed Croly’s work at the club in his 21 months in charge.

“It’s very sad,” said Gill, who will remain in a caretaker role until a new manager is appointed, which could well be before Friday’s home league game with Derry City.

“He’s a top fella who I feel did a great job here, but unfortunately there has been a witch hunt. It [was] a sad day for Shamrock Rovers and a sad day for football. He’s a top operator.

“It’s amazing how things can change, but it’s a big football club and expectation levels are high, which you expect. But sometimes they are unrealistic.”

Holders Rovers are without suspended midfielders Gary McCabe and Robert Bayly for the trip to Dalymount Park. Bohemians are themselves reeling from a 4-0 defeat at Derry City on Friday.

“But there’s no better way to bounce back than by reaching a cup final and beating Rovers in the process. That should drive the players on,” said Bohemians’ boss Owen Heary, who reports a full squad to pick from.

Star midfielder Richie Towell is suspended for league leaders Dundalk who host First Division Wexford Youths at Oriel Park in the other semi-final.

With bigger targets this season, manager Stephen Kenny is expected to rejig his side, with Mark Rossiter, Ciaran O’Connor, Georgie Poynton and Keith Ward likely to feature.

Wexford Youths boss Shane Keegan remains withoutinjured quartet, Sean Skelly, Jimmy Dermody, Ricky Fox and Craig McCabe.