The rumours even spread to the Cork City message board on the club’s official website.

But Dykes, a FÁS coordinator in Sligo, insists the rumour is untrue, insisting the pair met purely to discuss business.

He said: “I did meet Mr Dolan and we discussed business. I know he is looking for an assistant but it’s not something I’m interested in. I’m based in Sligo and Cork is simply too far away.

“I’m not looking to get back into football at the moment but if something comes up that interests me, I might throw my hat in once again.”