He was due back home at lunchtime and was heading straight for talks with his current employers in a bid to get them to release him from a contract that still has three years left to run.

On paper, that means the Irish champions should be due six-figure compensation for losing him, but severe financial problems there mean Fenlon believes that is no longer the case.

Sources close to him have revealed he waived his right to unpaid bonuses dating back over the past two seasons, but only on the understanding that if the chance came to move to a bigger job he would be allowed to do so for free.

Bohemians have now changed their tune and he wants a face-to-face meeting to get the matter sorted.

From United’s point of view, that is an issue for their prospective employee and his current employers to settle, but they still hope to have his name on a contract before Saturday’s Scottish Cup visit to Partick Thistle.

They would even be prepared to wait until the beginning of next week for things to be resolved, but, should it drag on any further, other candidates will again be considered.

Until news arrives from Ireland tonight, there was little more to be said by United today, though chairman Stephen Thompson did take a dim view of suggestions from Bohemians that the Tangerines had shown them a lack of respect.

“Dundee United have acted properly throughout our search for a new manager,” he said.

“We approached Bohemians for permission to speak to Pat Fenlon and only did so once they had faxed that permission.

“I would add when they gave permission for us to speak to him they did so without any pre-conditions.”

What is now clear is that, while Fenlon could be at Firhill for the cup-tie, caretaker boss Peter Houston will be picking the team this weekend.

Today, he suffered a fitness blow when striker Danny Cadamarteri tore a calf muscle in training that could rule the front man out for anything up to a month.

While he remains some way off a competitive return, United have had the boost of seeing striker Francisco Sandaza kicking a ball again for the first time since groin surgery in the autumn.

“We had a game in training and Fran was able to get the last 15 minutes.

“That was good and now it is a matter of seeing what his reaction has been,” added Peter.

Boss Jocky Scott, meanwhile, is working hard to add new faces during this transfer window.

A deal to bring former Inverness Caley Thistle defender Pavels Mihadjuks has collapsed after the player’s agent demanded a five-figure fee, and the Dark Blues are now pursuing other options.

“Right now, nothing is imminent, but I have been speaking to a few clubs about players and we’ll see where that takes us. Over the last couple of days I’ve been focusing on loan deals and there are a few ideas I am following up,” said Jocky.

The manager refused to discuss the identity of any of the players he’s inquired about, though the likes of Russell Anderson, Stephen Dobbie and even Aberdeen’s young striker Michael Paton have all been rumoured as possible targets.

With the first two, their respective wages from Sunderland and Swansea could prove a problem, while Paton is highly thought of at Pittodrie and been in an out of the team.

No decision has as yet been taken over whether or not to appeal Gary MacKenzie’s red card against Airdrie at the beginning of the week.

Jocky, his assistant Ray Farningham and coach Barry Smith were having another look at video footage today.

“I am still of the opinion the tackle was only a booking, but it comes down to whether or not we think there is enough on the video to persuade the referee to change his decision.”

Meanwhile, the weather forced Saints to train indoors today. Stuart McCaffrey returned following his injury, but Steven Anderson, Graham Gartland and Steven Milne are still out.

Gartland and Milne are expected to be OK in the next few days, though.

Boss Derek McInnes is happy at the form shown by Gary Irvine since he made his return to the side. His first-team opportunities have been limited due to the fine displays of Dave Mackay at right-back, but, since Dave switched to the centre of the defence, Gary has come in at right-back.

“Gary was desperate to get involved, but had to show patience. He’s performed admirably,” said Derek.