Stephen Bradley has had no shortage of suitors during his trophy-laden spell as Shamrock Rovers manager but recent links to Millwall have taken things up a notch.
It was first reported by The Irish Mirror that the Championship side have shortlisted Bradley as one of their candidates for the managerial vacancy at the club, following the exit of Neil Harris.
Millwall, who are currently 13th in the second tier of English football, are said to be impressed by the outstanding job Bradley has done with Rovers in the Europa Conference League this season.
The Dubliner has overseen a remarkable league phase with the Tallaght club, who are just one of three teams from the 36 participants to remain undefeated at this stage of the competition.
That could change when they play away to Chelsea on Thursday night, but Bradley has already done his job by getting Rovers into the knockout phase of the ECL.
In doing so, his Rovers side have become the first ever Irish team to advance to the knockout rounds of a major European competition.
The Millwall job would certainly present a major step up for Bradley, who gave his assessment of the links in his pre-match press conference ahead of Rovers vs Chelsea.
18 December 2024; Manager Stephen Bradley speaks to the media during a Shamrock Rovers press conference at Stamford Bridge in London, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Stephen Bradley had commendable take on Millwall rumours
While Bradley is flattered, he set his priorities straight with his son, Josh, still in the midst of a cancer battle.
The 10-year-old was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in 2022 and that naturally remains a 'priority' for Bradley.
I've made no secret that I want to challenge myself at the highest level. I've never shied away from that," Bradley told reporters.
"I've had a number of approaches in the last 18 months from clubs. But I've also made it very clear that my son has been battling cancer and that's been my number one priority. Thankfully, and hopefully, we're nearly finished that.
"It's really flattering to have that interest and clubs wanting to speak to you. But my son, my family and his illness comes before everything and nothing will ever change that.
"Do I want better myself and be the best manager I can be and challenge myself? Of course I do, 100 percent I do. But for that to happen, everything has to be right.
"I’ve said I’m 40, I’m not 60 thinking it has to happen tomorrow, I’m still developing, still learning, let’s see what the future holds for me."
"It's really flattering to have that interest and clubs wanting to speak to you. But my son, my family and his illness comes before everything"
A very commendable stance from the former Ireland underage international, who has put things into perspective.
