Ian Baraclough and Stephen Kenny in mix to be St Pat’s boss after Jon Daly axing

Hailed as a Saints hero for delivering the FAI Cup six months ago, Dubliner Daly was dismissed less than 24 hours after Monday’s loss to struggling Sligo Rovers, a third defeat in four games.

Daly had to rebuild his side after that with seven of his Cup-winning side leaving the club, but recruitment was patchy with some imports like on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga failing to impress.

Only last week Daly said he was aware of grumbles from supporters over the lack of consistency in the league, but owner Garrett Kelleher wasted no time as Daly was axed after a series of meetings with confirmation in a brief statement.

That statement made no mention of an interim boss and it’s believed that former international Stephen Elliott, who has been in place as their head of academy since January, will take training today but the chase is on to have a manager in situ for Friday’s derby away to champions Shamrock Rovers.

And some big names will be in the frame for the Richmond Park post, like ex-Ireland boss Stephen Kenny, former Saint Curtis Fleming and current Waterford manager Keith Long, but Barraclough is said to be high on the list.

The 53-year-old enjoyed success in his second managerial gig at Sligo Rovers, where he won a league title and the FAI Cup. He was appointed as Northern Ireland boss in 2020, after a spell with their U-21s but had a tough time with the IFA, winning six in 28 games.

Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 8th May

Baraclough has been in place as assistant manager with Cheltenham Town, relegated to League Two, since January so some compensation would have to be paid if he leaves that role but that’s not a major stumbling block.

​The name of ex-Ireland boss Kenny – who has a link with the Saints as his first coaching position was with their U-20 side – is also in the mix and he would also be a target for ambitious owner Kelleher. But just as he rejected the chance to take over at Bohs before they hired Alan Reynolds, Kenny may hold out for a position abroad.

He is said to be reluctant to manage in the League of Ireland at this point in time, though Kelleher may try and persuade him otherwise to improve the side and lead a title challenge in what’s looking like an open race for the league.

Kenny and Baraclough were both linked with the Bohemians job when they sacked Declan Devine in March but timing ruled them out.

Ex-Dundalk boss Vinny Perth has also been touted by some Saints fans and Long also holds appeal but the fact that he rejected an approach from Dundalk last month before they hired Noel King suggest he’d be reluctant to move, especially as his Blues outfit are a point ahead of Pat’s in the table.

Pat’s have a testing spell in the weeks ahead with derbies against Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne and Bohemians as well as a game against Derry City.