Source: Team_Talk
Dillon: Fenlon can replace Levein
Fenlon is believed to have agreed a deal to join United and was back in Dublin on Thursday trying to negotiate his release from Bohemians.[LNB]The 40-year-old has won the title five times in seven seasons as a manager, with Shelbourne and the Bohs, so has built a reputation as the most highly-rated coach in Ireland.[LNB]He signed Dillon from Longford town in 2006 and the pair combined to win the championship in their only season together.[LNB]Fenlon's relationship with former United boss Craig Levein led to him selling Dillon to the Tangerines in January 2007, with the pair now set to be reunited at Tannadice.[LNB]Levein is believed to have initially recommended Fenlon to United chairman Stephen Thompson and Dillon insists his manager-elect has the personality to take over from the new Scotland boss.[LNB]He said: "Without a doubt, he is the outstanding manager in Irish football.[LNB]"Anyone who wins five leagues from seven deserves a reputation like he's got.[LNB]"He's won it with two clubs as well, with Shelbourne and Bohemians, so that proves his ability as a manager.[LNB]"He's a big personality, so if it happens and he comes to United, he's the perfect man to replace Craig Levein.[LNB]"I worked with him for a year at Shelbourne before I came to Scotland.[LNB]"I loved every minute of it, we won the league and were used to winning every week.[LNB]"He ticks all the boxes in what you are looking for from a manager.[LNB]"He's a great man manager, he's brilliant on the coaching field and he's good tactically.[LNB]"He's had big results in Europe, beating the likes of Hadjuk Split and then facing Deportivo in the Champions League.[LNB]"He went to Chelsea as a player, played in the north for Linfield and had a great career in Ireland - he's seen and done it all."[LNB]Fenlon was linked with the Peterborough job when Darren Ferguson left late last year but turned the post down after meeting with their board.[LNB]But he views United as the best place to further his career and while Dillon knows the SPL is a level above the Irish league, he is confident Fenlon will make the transition.[LNB]He added: "This is a step up for him but he clearly feels it's time to make the break into Scottish football.[LNB]"I love the Irish league, I wouldn't say a bad thing about it, but there's no doubt this is a step up.[LNB]"The standard in Scotland is better, the games are bigger and the crowds are bigger.[LNB]"If it happens then everything is in place at United for him to be a success and that means a success for the team as well."[LNB]Meanwhile, Bohemians honorary secretary Gerry Conway has set a deadline of 6pm on Friday for an agreement to be reached with United over Fenlon.[LNB]Conway confirmed Thompson had finally made contact with him, telling BBC Scotland: "We had amicable discussions. We have agreed to give it until six o'clock.[LNB]"I would say the chances of it happening are 50-50."[LNB]Bohemians reportedly want around £250,000 in compensation for the loss of 40-year-old Fenlon.[LNB]Conway added: "There's always room for negotiation. We would be prepared to move a little, but it would only be a token negotiating stance.[LNB]"We expect to be compensated appropriately. If there's not a 'two' at the start of the number, we can't go with it."[LNB][LNB]
