Bohemians' quest to find a new manager has taken an exciting turn with the consideration of Stephen Kenny.
They look to their next chapter, post Declan Devine, with Kenny emerging as a prospective architect of their future.
But this isn't the straightforward sort of story of managerial appointment. It's a complex narrative that blends timing, opportunity, and ambition - especially from the former Republic of Ireland manager's perspective.
Just months after his exit from the FAI's top job - and before his permanent successor has even been named - he finds himself in the mix for a big job in the league where he made his name.
Imagine the inner workings of Kenny’s mind as whispers of Bohemians' interest reach him. Sacking season in the UK is over, with clubs settling into the final stretch of the season. This reality restricts the possibility of opportunities abroad, tempers foreign ambition and presents him with a pivotal career decision.
Does he base his next move on the immediacy of the Bohemians role? Or does he wait for the summer, having patience and trusting in his belief that doors will open in the UK or even further afield?
For a seasoned manager like Kenny, the draw of daily involvement at a club cannot be overstated; the day-to-day routine that makes the role so enticing. Players and staff involved in football tend to be routine junkies.
Bohemians offer a chance not just to manage but to embed himself in a club that is woven tightly into the community's identity. A club he knows well. The opportunity to influence this project could be too tempting to pass up.
Developments across the water or lack thereof might influence his decision regarding Bohemians. The management position at Aberdeen is currently vacant and if you believe the bookmakers, Kenny was never in the running.
This may remind him of the unpredictable nature of football management abroad as he experienced already in Scotland - and nudge him towards a more certain opportunity in Ireland.
Meanwhile, Jim Crawford and Alan Reynolds present Bohemians with intriguing alternatives. Jim's excellent record with the Irish Under-21s, characterised by a progressive style of play and a deep connection with his players, marks him as a manager ready for senior responsibilities.
His mentoring prowess has not gone unnoticed, something I experienced first-hand when I was breaking through as a young player at Shamrock Rovers. These attributes lay down a marker for his suitability at a top-flight club.
Alan Reynolds' narrative is unique; rumours suggest he was offered this role pre-Declan Devine. His achievements, particularly with Waterford and the Ireland Under-21s, depict a coach whose management skills have been honed and proven across various roles and challenges.
Stephen's decision will be a blend of the head and the heart, weighing up the familiarity and the known excitement of the League of Ireland against the potential prestige of a position in the UK.
In his deliberation, the factor of timing is as critical as the allure of the roles themselves. Bohemians, meanwhile, must balance their urgency with the potential of securing the right candidate whose playing style aligns with their vision.
Whoever steps into the managerial role - be it Kenny, Crawford, Reynolds or another candidate - will inherit a club punching above their weight off the field.
Each candidate offers a unique set of attributes. Whichever one gets the role will have to get the club to match the weight class they are punching at off the pitch.
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