Shelbourne turn attentions to Sligo Rovers boss John Russell

Sligo Rovers manager John Russell. Pic ©INPHO/Evan Logan

Shelbourne have been granted permission from Sligo Rovers to discuss their managerial vacancy with John Russell.

The Irish Examiner reported on Friday that the Reds had held preliminary talks with Linfield boss David Healy about succeeding the sacked Joey O’Brien.

No formal offer was made to Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer as the Shels hierarchy kept their options open and it appears Russell is now in pole position for the Tolka Park hotseat.

Russell took up his first senior managerial post in 2022 and has another two years on his deal, meaning Shels would have to broker compensation once they agree terms with the 41-year-old. His Sligo side remained rooted to the bottom of the table following Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Galway United.

Shels are currently fifth in the League of Ireland table and are next in action on Friday when they travel to face Kerry in the FAI Cup on Friday night.

After that, their Conference League campaign begins, either against Nõmme Kalju or Healy’s Linfield. The Estonians take a 1-0 advantage to Belfast for Thursday’s second leg.

More to follow…