Dicks set for Irish role?

Julian Dicks is hoping to return to management with League of Ireland Premier League club Shamrock Rovers.

The Hoops, the Republic's most successful club of all time are based in Dublin and play at the Tallaght Stadium which has a capacity of just over 6,000.

Over the weekend former West Ham and Liverpool star Dicks - who was last in management in 2011 at Grays Athletic - become the latest manager linked with replacing Stephen Kenny, who was fired last week following the derby defeat against Bohemians.

And last night Dicks, speaking to KUMB.com, confirmed that he had applied for the post.

"It's true that I've put my name in to the hat," he said. However he conceded that he faced stiff opposition from the likes of current Hibs manager Pat Fenlon - the fans' choice to succeed Kenny - and Brian Laws, the former Burnley manager who is also considered to be a front-runner for the vacancy.

Since ending his playing career, Dicks has held two jobs in management - firstly at Eastern Counties League Premier Division club Wivenhoe Town in 2009 and then at Grays Athletic, whom he managed between September 2009 and May 2011.

In December of last year he was offered the opportunity to take over at Blue Square Bet South outfit Dorchester Town but failed to agree personal terms.

Since then, the 44-year-old former left back has been working primarily as a freelance coach and radio pundit - as well as penning a column here on KUMB.com - but still harbours hopes of returning to full time management.

Shamrock Rovers chairman, Jonathan Roche, announcing the departure of Kenny last week said: "We have not taken this decision lightly and we are extremely disappointed with the turn of events. However, the club feels that this is the right decision at this time."