FAI has shown faith in O’Neill so he should stop his dithering
THERE are arguably Justice. more definitions of loyalty than there are email trails in the Department of
But one caught the eye yesterday in the context of the uncertainty shadowing Martin O’Neill’s position as the Republic of Ireland manager. It’s a Hebrew take on allegiance which states: ‘Loyalty is not grey, it’s black and white. You’re either completely loyal or not loyal at all.’
Where the Ireland manager’s job is concerned, the only colour is green, and commitment towards the role is non-negotiable. It’s a 24/7 gig and all managers should be privileged to carry the torch of responsibility.
Eight weeks ago, on the eve of the home World Cup qualifier against Moldova, O’Neill revealed the FAI wanted him to continue through to the Euro 2020 Championships.
‘I’ve agreed to do so,’ stated the manager. That should have been the end of the matter. The FAI had backed their man to continue his work and O’Neill had accepted. And why not? A basic annual salary of €1m for 10 internationals of a year, five of them competitive, is very rewarding.
Yet the Derry native hasn’t signed.
Not in the aftermath of the wins over Moldova and Wales, nor in the build-up to the play-offs with Denmark when his stock was at its highest. Instead, he prevaricated and, in doing so, allowed uncertainty to fester.
Managerial vacancies began to crop up in the Premier League, and after Ireland crash-landed against the Danes, O’Neill gave himself space by stating he’d ‘have a think’ about things.
The link to Everton gathered strength last week to the point where the Ireland boss became the bookies’ favourite to succeed his old adversary, Ronald Koeman, at Goodison Park. As speculation of his future gathered pace, it appeared that O’Neill was calling the tune, not the FAI’s pipers.
Even so, the FAI not only ignored the mob calling for the manager’s head, but also kept their contract offer on the table even as Everton were putting out feelers.
O’Neill is reported to have attended a meeting at Abbotstown last Friday while FAI treasurer Eddie Murray reiterated the new contract was agreed by both parties and he expected the former Celtic manager to sign.
And yet there is no white smoke over the working farm in Dublin 15.
Two months since all was hunky dory, the FAI continue to appear to be in thrall to their employee, rather than the other way around.
THIS has happened before. Prior to the Euro 2016 finals in France, the FAI released a statement confirming a new deal for O’Neill to cover the 2018 World Cup.
As it turned out, nothing was signed for another couple of months, during which time the FAI were powerless to stop their man from walking out the door. It’s the same scenario now. O’Neill was working this month so will have been paid for November but what then? Is he a free agent from Friday, December 1?
O’Neill likes to keep his cards close to his chest — just ask the players who are told 90 minutes before kick-off whether or not they are playing.
But he can’t be allowed to continue his will-o-the-wisp ways. With Christmas distractions approaching, the FAI must seize the initiative.
O’Neill should be summoned to Dublin to sign on the dotted line in the full glare of the media spotlight, where he can express his joy at being wanted for such a prestige post, and also to outline his plans.
At 65, he has a huge challenge ahead of him, as great as any in his managerial career, for not everyone in Irish football is convinced he is the right man for the job, and snipers aplenty lie in the long grass.
Movie mogul Sam Goldwyn said he was prepared to take 50 per cent efficiency from his staff.
On that score, how is O’Neill shaping up? Of all Republic of Ireland managers, Brian Kerr delivered the highest winning return of 55 per cent, ahead of Jack Charlton on 50 per cent.
After that, comes Mick McCarthy (43 per cent), Giovanni Trapattoni (41) and then O’Neill (40), whose return is better than Liam Tuohy, John Giles, Eoin Hand and Steve Staunton.
On balance, O’Neill has been an efficient Ireland manager, who has reached successive play-offs, winning one.
He deserves a third campaign, and a chance to right the wrongs of the Danish pasting. New blood is needed and new concepts too, as Ireland need a fresh tactical approach. No longer can the team be easy to read, as Denmark boss Age Hareide cruelly observed this month.
For the FAI, the Euro 2020 finals is the dream ticket. The Aviva Stadium will stage four games while the qualifying draw takes place in Dublin a year from now, on December 2.
The FAI have invested heavily in Euro 2020 and are trusting their man to deliver. From their side of the table at least, the loyalty shown to O’Neill has been steadfast.
O’Neill was calling the tune, not the FAI’s pipers