It has been six years since Stephen Bradley’s most enjoyable moment in football but he’s planning on restoring Shamrock Rovers’ fortunes.
Rovers arrived in Finland this morning, ahead of their Europa League qualifier second leg, and they had some news.
Former Rovers player Stephen Bradley has taken over as caretaker boss of the Tallaght side following the axing of Pat Fenlon. Stephen McPhail and Glenn Cronin will be his assistants. A Uefa ruling, however, means Bradley may not be permitted to stay in the role until the end of the season.
Bradley, who won the league with Rovers in 2010, had been assistant to Fenlon before he was let go. The 31-year-old was in the Arsenal youth academy but never made his senior debut for the side. He played with Dunfermline before returning to Ireland and winning the league, in 2007, with Drogheda.
There was a brief spell with Falkirk before he was picked up by Rovers and enjoyed the best spell of his career. He moved on to St Patrick’s in 2011 and finished his playing career with Limerick in 2013. A Rovers statement reads:
“Stephen has been a key part of our coaching team at the club for the past two years at both senior and Academy level and will take charge for Thursday night’s Europa League qualifying 2nd leg against ROPS of Finland.
“Glenn Cronin and Stephen McPhail – who will take up the role of player coach – will assist Stephen between now and the end of his tenure. The club would like to place on record our huge appreciation to all of our new senior management team for accepting the responsibility of leading the first team forward.”
Bradley’s time in charge may well be finite as he does not have a Uefa Pro Coaching Licence. That means he will only be allowed to stay on in his caretaker capacity for a maximum of 60 days.
