FAI to reveal update on hunt for new manager
THE FAI’s search for a new Republic of Ireland manager will hit 150 days tomorrow — with no sign of an appointment. The impasse increases the likelihood of John O’Shea being invited to step into the breach for a second time for the friendly internationals in June against Hungary and Portugal. Some senior FAI figures believe there is no urgency to have a manager in place until the opening Nations League fixture against England on September 7.
Independent FAI chair Tony Keohane addressed concerned FAI staff in the canteen at Abbotstown yesterday. Keohane confirmed there would be a media statement today about the manager’s situation. It’s understood the update will not reference names or any timeline for an appointment.
Already, the FAI has missed two stated deadlines for a new manager.
The first was February 8, the date of the Nations League draw, the second was ‘early April’ as promised by director of football Marc Canham last month.
Lee Carsley, first choice for the position, opted to stay with the England Under 21s, while contract talks with former Greek boss Gus Poyet collapsed. The departure of Jonathan Hill as CEO has removed a key player in negotiations and points to a greater involvement from Keohane and president Paul Cooke The search for a new CEO to replace Hill will not be rushed either, with a timeline of six months agreed by FAI chiefs. Keohane would not detail to staff whether Hill left voluntarily, by mutual consent or if he was dismissed.
Nor did he clarify, when asked, if Hill had been held accountable for the recent events which have cast the FAI in a negative light.
Rather, he spoke of an ‘arrangement’ that was arrived at between Hill and his employers, which will see the Englishman officially off the payroll on April 30.
Staff were furious that Hill received pay increase of 23 per cent as CEO while refusing to put in place improved pay and conditions for the lower paid employees on the work force. A meeting at the WRC is due next month to resolve the issue.
The need to foster stronger ties with publicly-elected representatives was stressed from the floor.
Meanwhile, Finn Harps, FAI Cup winners in 1974, have accepted they risk dropping out of the League of Ireland unless they get their new Stanorlar stadium project over the line.
The County Donegal club are prepared to sell their Finn Park home to help secure the finance they need to complete their nearby move.
Harps have secured €5.8m but need to raise a further €1.5m to pay for the final construction works.