Hello there. With recent talk of a number of Premier Division managers being under increasing levels of pressure, it was inevitable that there would be changes soon rather than later and last weekend saw Jon Daly lose his job at Waterford, who remain winless and adrift at the bottom of the table.
Fellow Dubliner Graham Coughlan was on Wednesday named the new Blues boss until the end of the season and the former Bristol Rovers and Newport County gaffer has been tasked with masterminding a great escape.
His tenure begins in the televised match away to St Patrick’s Athletic, sitting second with 25 more points than their latest opponent’s on the board.
Three clear of the Saints are defending champions Shamrock Rovers, who appear to be cruising with a trip to Eamonn Deacy Park to face Galway United on the cards tonight.
Third and fourth place meet at Oriel Park – Bohs currently on a nine-game winless run and Dundalk looking for a first victory in four.
At Sullivan & Lambe Park, Drogheda United host Derry City in a replay of the 2024 FAI Cup final. The Candystripes have made improvements by getting results against Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers but Kevin Doherty’s men would join them on 19 points with a win.
Shels have amassed just three points at Tolka Park this season with Sligo Rovers arriving intent on taking advantage of that dismal home form.
UCD lead the First Division on goal difference but Cork City have a game in hand and the two title challenges are in action at Turner’s Cross.
As usual, the Irish Independent LOI blog has got you covered in terms of build-up, live updates, reports and reaction over the next three hours or so.