Derry set their sights on Hegarty

League of Ireland:Derry City are believed to have targeted Finn harps manager Paul Hegarty as John Robertson's replacement after the Scot was effectively sacked at a board meeting on Tuesday night.

Hegarty, a former Derry City player who went on to be Stephen Kenny's assistant during the Dubliner's time in charge of the Brandywell club, has just completed his first season in charge of Finn Harps by guiding them to the Premier Division via the play-offs.

Kenny was expected to be the City board's first choice but he has indicated a preference to stay in Scotland, at least for the moment, and he is reported to have recommended Hegarty.

The former midfielder would be likely to prove a popular choice amongst fans and has the advantage of still knowing the bulk of the current squad well but Finn Harps would be reluctant to let him go in a week that they are planning to unveil their plans for the coming year.

Robertson was "released from his contract" after failing to move to Ireland on a permanent basis since landing the City job during the early part of the summer. The former Hearts player and manager's situation was complicated by his family situation back in Scotland but it had been increasingly obvious recently that he would not be in charge for the start of next season.

The 43-year-old has been linked with the vacancy at Dunfermline created by Kenny's dismissal but he is not expected to get the job.

Vinny Perth and Aaron Callaghan, meanwhile, are set to be on the shortlist to succeed Alan Mathews at Longford Town and there is continuing uncertainty regarding Damien Richardson's position at Cork City.

Richardson told a meeting of the club's supporters on Tuesday night that he was given a two-year contract 12 months ago which he understands to be legally binding. The general belief, however, is that the deal was never signed.

City officials are believed to have offered Pat Dolan the opportunity to take over with the former Cork and St Patrick's Athletic manager saying on radio yesterday that he would relish a return to club management while Mathews has confirmed he was approached by an intermediary acting on behalf of the club's board.

Mathews said while he was not putting his name forward for the job at this stage, he had indicated he would be interested in talking about the position in the event it becomes vacant.