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.
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"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 long time now, not just as the manager but as the head of youth team development. He's part of the culture of the club.
"The squad is there, the team is there. The work that Stephen has done, that will be the legacy if he does go.
"Who will they get in? I don't know. I'm sure if Shamrock Rovers put out an application for a job, they will get hundreds and hundreds of applications."
Former Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers said the choice between testing himself in the UK and remaining at one of the top jobs in Irish football would be a tough one for Bradley to make.
"Either way, Stephen has really good options. Obviously, Shamrock Rovers is a top job in the country. European football, they're pushing for another league title. There are still huge plusses for him to stay.
"But obviously the opportunity to go to the UK is there for him and managers, like players, like to go and test themselves.
"And if the opportunity comes up - and we don't know how solid it is but it appears to be so - you'd imagine if you turn it down, do you get another opportunity?
"What Stephen has done with Shamrock Rovers as a young manager has been brilliant. He's brought so many young players through. To win cups and leagues at a young age.
"It's no surprise that there is interest in the UK, I know MK Dons were linked with him last year.
"We're second guessing here. But if he does go, who goes into Shamrock Rovers? That'll be very interesting. I've been in dressing rooms before when managers have left.
"When Paul Cook left Sligo, he had signed the whole squad and he left the week before the start of the season. Sligo got that right in that instance that they brought in Ian Barraclough and he did a fantastic job.
"But it'll be a tough conundrum for Shamrock Rovers to get that appointment right - if he goes."
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