FAI begin hunt for Head of Football to oversee game

THE FAI is seeking a new Head of Football to point the way forward for the development of the sport in Ireland. The post will be advertised shortly and it is understood the Association are keen to make it an Irish-based appointment.

Former Ireland manager Brian Kerr is one candidate with the credentials that would be ideal for the post. It remains to be seen how the new Head of Football role would impact on the High Performance director, a post which Dutchman Ruud Dokter has held since 2013.

Meanwhile, FAI chairperson Roy Barrett yesterday announced the confirmation of the chairs of key football and business committees, including the independent chairpersons of the women’s football strategic committee and the national league committee.

Former Government Minister, and long-time Dundalk supporter, Dermot Ahern will chair the national league committee, which oversees both the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland and the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League. It is an interesting appointment as Ahern has in the past voiced his support for an All-Island league.

‘I am delighted to take up this role, particularly given my own football background,’ Ahern said.

Sally Horrox, who has worked as a consultant with UEFA and other sporting organisations, will chair the women’s football strategic committee.

Horrox has a wealth of experience, working with the FA in England to develop the Women’s Super League and also with the Italian Football Federation to grow the game there and help Women’s Serie A transition into a professional status.

Other chairs confirmed yesterday include Packie Bonner on the International and High Performance Committee, John Finnegan on Amateur & Youth and Tom Browne on the under-age committee.

Newly elected FAI board member Gary Twohig will chair the Commercial Committee with Liz Joyce (Executive Performance and Remuneration), Catherine Guy (Governance), Gerry McAnaney (Nominations) and Robert Watt (Audit, Risk, Compliance and Finance) also confirmed as Chairs of Business Committees.