Eddie Gormley will take charge of Bray Wanderers for the first time this evening after being asked to replace Tony McGuirk, who left the manager's job by mutual consent on Thursday night.

The Dubliner began and ended his playing career with the Wicklow club and has been first-team coach, then assistant manager at the Carlisle Grounds since retiring as a player at the end of last season. He admits, however, the chance to manage the side himself has come a good deal sooner than he had expected.

"These sort of situations are always difficult but the fact is that I've been asked to take over and you've got to take your chance when it comes to you," he said. "Obviously the last few weeks have been difficult but I was still surprised and saddened to see Tony go. After all that he's done for the club here over the years, though, I'm sure that the door would never be closed to him in the future."

In fact, senior club officials made it clear last night they hope McGuirk will return to the club in some role after taking a break.

Gormley's first game is the visit to Drogheda United this evening when Wanderers will be looking to end a run of nine straight defeats. The new manager will have a full panel to choose from if, as expected, Brian McGovern, Philip Keogh and Stephen Gifford all come through fitness tests.

Drogheda are without James Keddy and Damien Lynch while Tony Grant and Brian Shelley are major doubts but manager Paul Doolin does have Graham Gartland back from suspension.

John O'Flynn is once again a doubt for Cork City as they travel to Belfield for this evening's game against UCD. Having boosted the Munster club by playing twice in a week after a long lay-off with a groin strain, the striker is struggling again. UCD have Ronan Finn and Paul Byrne back but are still without Brian Shorthall and Stephen Hurley.

Waterford look to maintain their recent improvement against a Bohemians side that has taken just one point from its last four league outings. The visitors have Alan Reynolds back from suspension while the Dubliners will be without Dessie Byrne (thigh) and Vinny Arkins (hamstring).