Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr is believed to be in the running for the vacant managerial position at Cork City.
City, who are without a boss since the surprise sacking of Alan Mathews on 9 December, have revealed that there have been 15 applications for the post and that they have since spoken to Kerr about filling the vacancy.
A club spokesman, quoted in Monday's Irish Examiner, confirmed: We have had meetings with Brian Kerr on a number of occasions with a view to filling the managerial position.
'Brian is one of the most experienced coaches in the domestic game having worked at youth and international level with Ireland and at senior level in the League of Ireland.'
New City owner Tom Coughlan is understood to have met Kerr three other Cork officials shortly before Christmas to outline the club's plans for the future.
It is expected that a decision will be made before the players return for the start of pre-season training in February.
The spokesperson added: 'The club will make an announcement before the end of January as we look to fulfil our ambitions of winning the league and competing in the Champions league.'
Kerr has substantial experience of the league, having managed St Patrick's Athletic from 1986 to 1996, during which time he led them to two league titles in 1990 and 1996.
More recently, he has served as Director of Football with St Pat's, a position he stepped down from last May.
Approaches are also believed to have been made to former Cork football manager Billy Morgan, while Galway United boss Jeff Kenna and new Waterford United number one Stephen Henderson have also been mentioned as possible successors.
