The discussion of who might replace Billy Reid has thrown up many names with ex assistant manager Stuart Taylor not surprisingly amongst them. After leaving Accies he joined Qatari club Al Khor Sports Club as coach last year. Not for long though, as in January 2013 he was announced as manager of Airtricity League Club, Limerick FC on a three-year deal. To many in the Irish media who had been listing some well-known figures this was a surprise appointment.
The vacancy at the club
was also a surprise as then manager Pat Scully had secured the club's first
promotion from the Irish first division in October 2012 after some 19 seasons
out of the top flight. But having done so the club and Scully parted company
with no real explanation being offered buy either side. It appears that Scully
did not fit the profile to take the club forward and they were looking for
someone who had a background in developing youth and their Academy. Step forward Stuart.
Not only is the club
looking to develop its youth system but it is currently having the former
Limerick greyhound track, Markets Field redeveloped into an 8000 seater,
Astroturf stadium courtesy of local boy and Ireland’s richest man JP McManus,
to a rumoured tune of 5 million Euros. In the interim Limerick are playing
their homes games at the 26,000 Thomond Park Stadium home of Munster Rugby.
Well how is Stuart
doing? Remembering the Irish league starts in March through to October,
Limerick have played 7 games so far. Under Stuart they have managed 4 draws, 1
win and 2 defeats. After last Fridays 2- 2 draw with Dundalk, a game they led 2
– 0 until the last 20 minutes when Dundalk came back and scored two goals in 7
minutes, they currently sit in a respectable 8th place in the 12
team League. I would imagine that to finish the season secure in the division
in a similar league position after 19 years adrift would be considered by most
as a success. So what’s the likelihood of Stuart being in the running for the
Accies job? Well given he is less than 6 months into a 3-year deal I can’t see
Accies paying the necessary compensation. This assumes Stuart would want to
leave and given it is his first season with a progressive club on the up I’m
not so sure he would be interested. We will just have to wait and see.
And here’s one for the
pub quizzers amongst you. Who was Limerick’s manager the last time they managed
promotion in season 1991 – 92. You may be surprised with the company Stuart keeps.
If you want to follow
Stuart’s progress here is the link to Limerick’s official site http://www.limerickfc.ie/
Ian Todd
Interesting stuff, Ian. I googled Limerick previous managers, but won't give the game away! I agree with your conclusion about Stuart not really being in the running for the Accies job and I noticed that Alex Neil distanced himself from the job in his post match interview with Gilbert last night by saying he has a couple of years left as a player. I wonder if the Club physio would agree with that assessment? I certainly wish Stuart Taylor the best of luck with his current job. Does anyone know why he was known as 'Stan' at NDP? Laurel?
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