Potential Bradley exit would be 'conundrum' for Hoops

Stephen Bradley will leave a strong legacy in place for his successor at Shamrock Rovers if the reports of a possible move to Lincoln City come to fruition, according to RTÉ soccer analyst Johnny McDonnell.

Reports emerged yesterday that the League One side, currently 17th in English football's third tier, are set to make a move for the Shamrock Rovers boss, with their current boss Michael Appleton departing at the end of the season.

Manager at Tallaght Stadium since taking over as caretaker in July 2016, Bradley has guided the Hoops to back-to-back league title wins in 2020 and 2021, as well as a long-awaited FAI Cup triumph in 2019.

Lincoln chief executive Liam Scully hinted about recruiting an up and coming manager when speaking to local media yesterday.

He said: "All I can say is that we have a clear idea of the profiling of the person we want. Our search parameters are based on that above all else.

"We've just got to be realistic and put filters into the process, that’s going to be the deciding factor.

"We’re in a process, due diligence will be done. That may take time. We will communicate when there is something to communicate.

"There’s a bit of work to be done in the background now. That’s where we’re at."

Speaking on RTÉ Soccer podcast, ex-Pat's and Shelbourne manager McDonnell acknowledged that while the situation remains uncertain, it could benefit Irish coaches in the future if Bradley proceeds and makes a success of things cross-Channel.

"It's going to be difficult for Stephen. He has ambitions to move to England," McDonnell said.

"But we probably need someone who can go away and do well as a manager or a coach. It might open up pathways for other managers or coaches to go that way as well.

"Stephen has been there a