Airtricity League preview: Stephen Bradley gets advice from Wenger

Stephen Bradley has revealed he got Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s blessing to take temporary charge of Shamrock Rovers as he prepares for tonight’s derby with Bohemians at Tallaght Stadium.

Director of coaching at Rovers’ schoolboys section, as well as a first-team coach at the club, Bradley stepped in last week to take charge of the first team following Pat Fenlon’s sacking.

The 31-year-old is also senior scout in the island of Ireland for Arsenal, a role he will continue to fulfil. “I spoke to Arsenal, I spoke to the boss, and he’s given me permission to do it until the end of the season,” said Bradley of his contact with Wenger after being asked to step into the hot seat at Rovers, though he can only do so for 60 days as he doesn’t yet have a Pro Licence.