Mccarthy in frame to make Republic return
O’neill and Keane leave after disappointing year FIA determined to move fast for Euro 2020 draw
Mick Mccarthy is leading the running to become the Republic of Ireland manager after Martin O’neill was forced to step down following crisis talks with John Delaney, the chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland.
The FAI is keen to make a swift appointment and has indicated to sources that the new manager will be in place before the draw for Euro 2020 qualification is made in Dublin on Dec 2. That would suggest it already has someone in mind who is not currently employed.
It is believed that former Ireland manager Mccarthy, who was in charge the last time the team qualified for a World Cup in 2002, has already indicated he would be interested in taking on the role for a second time. Mccarthy has been out of work since he left Ipswich Town in April.
There is also support within the FAI for Stephen Kenny, although the 47-year-old Dundalk manager would be a risky choice given he has never managed outside the League of Ireland.
It is understood neither Sam Allardyce nor Steve Bruce have had contact with the FAI, while another potential candidate, Brighton manager Chris Hughton, has no desire to leave the Premier League club.
The Daily Telegraph revealed yesterday that O’neill was set to lose his job after he was summoned for talks on Tuesday night. Assistant manager Roy Keane has also been dismissed.
Having been led to believe he would be in charge for the start of the Euro 2020 campaign, O’neill expressed his sadness at being told his time was at an end.
“I have had the great honour of managing the Republic of Ireland for the past five years and it is with a heavy heart that I leave this role,” he said in a statement. “It was one of my ambitions to take charge of the Irish squad and I would like to thank the FAI board for giving me that opportunity. “Knowing that the past year would be a transitional phase, I have capped 12 new players in the last nine games, with the aim that they become significant international contributors in the coming campaign.
“To the players, I reserve praise and admiration for the commitment they have shown. Having had these great experiences, Iam looking forward to my next adventure.” Ireland have failed to score in more than six hours and have not won a competitive game in 2018. With supporters venting their frustration in the direction of Delaney and the FAI, rather than O’neill and Keane, it seems the management were partly sacrificed to quell dissent. Sources within the FAI told The Telegraph that Delaney was alarmed by the fact only 31,000 people attended last week’s friendly against Northern Ireland, with concern growing over the organisation’s finances.