Succession strategy is hit by uncertainty
Plans now unclear for McCarthy and Kenny
MICK McCARTHY could yet remain in place as the Republic of Ireland manager for the Nations League campaign in the autumn. McCarthy, 61, is due to step down at the end of July to make way for his successor, Stephen Kenny, as part of the quirky succession strategy devised by former FAI chief executive John Delaney.
But the handover may be delayed by the impact of the coronavirus on international fixtures and competitions.
Next Tuesday, it’s widely anticipated that UEFA’s hierarchy will heed the concerns of their 55 member states and postpone the Euro 2020 finals until the summer of 2021.
The threat to the public’s health by staging the finals in 12 countries against the backdrop of the pandemic would be too risky to contemplate.
The Euro 2020 play-offs fixed for March 26 and March 31 will certainly be shelved, as will the upcoming Euro Under 21 qualifiers, until the deadly virus has run its course.
FIFA last night recommended all international matches scheduled for March and April ‘be postponed until such time that they can take place in a safe and secure environment’.
The world governing body has also decided that clubs are not obliged to release players for internationals in this March-April international window period.
A likely revised date for the play-offs is June, but it could well be later.
Either way, their imminent postponement makes things potentially complicated for the FAI.
McCarthy’s contract with the FAI runs until the end of Ireland’s involvement in the Euro 2020 competition but no one can say for certain when that point will arrive.
It may come this June, or it may not come until June 2021, should McCarthy oversee wins against Slovakia in the semi-final, and either Bosnia-Herzegovina or Northern Ireland in the final.
If McCarthy survives the minefield of the play-offs, and guarantees Ireland’s presence in the finals, which includes playing two games in Dublin, the FAI would have no justification in ushering him off the premises.
Nor would McCarthy feel he should go.
His remit is to qualify for the Euros and, if that comes to pass, he would be fully entitled to continue at the helm until the finals.
As it stands, there are six Nations League games to come in September, October and November. Should they fall in the path of an Irish team headed for the Euro finals in 2021, it would be common sense to have the one manager in place for both competitions.
The notion of asking McCarthy to stand back for the Nations League to let Kenny step up temporarily would be impractical. There is also the matter of the 2020 World Cup qualification draw this November.
In fairness, no one saw the virus coming and the dark shadow it has cast over world health.
As for the football conundrum, it is not of McCarthy’s or Kenny’s making, but some workable solution may have to be found if the play-offs go well for Ireland.
One way around things would be for Kenny to agree to stay on as U21 manager and, as compensation for doing so, the FAI could confirm a four-year term for the Dubliner as senior manager to involve the 2022 World Cup finals and the 2024 Euros.
Kenny, 48, has done an outstanding job with the U21s and has led the team to the brink of a first appearance in the European finals.
The FAI had ‘no comment’ to make yesterday when asked about the future of McCarthy and his contract. They are sitting tight until next Tuesday when the timeline for the Euro 2020 play-offs and finals should become clearer.
A delay to the play-offs would be a plus for McCarthy’s injured players, Seamus Coleman and Ciaran Clark, while it could open the door for others to make a late push for involvement.
One of those players, Southampton striker Michael Obafemi, hasn’t given up hope on catching McCarthy’s eye.
Speaking on Irish Football Fan TV, Obafemi feels he is ‘ready’ for a senior call up, if it comes.
‘I’ve been playing regular Premier League football. I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it, I’ve got a few goals along the way. I’d say I’m ready. If I get it, I’ll take it with both hands and show everyone what I’ve got,’ he said.
Obafemi reckoned it would be ‘crazy’ to be involved in the senior set-up should Ireland qualify.
‘It would be crazy, a young lad like myself going to the Euros. You dream of that growing up. It would be amazing. If we do qualify and I do get called up, I’ll do the best I can and show people what I can do.’
The Southampton striker is still eligible for the U21s and he regards Kenny highly.
‘You can see by the U21 results. It’s down to his tactics and the belief he has in his players.
‘All the boys with the U21s believe in him. He’s probably one of the most passionate managers I’ve met,’ he said.
‘Delay to play-offs would be a plus for injured players’