Poyet rules himself out of Ireland job

Uruguayan loses interest in another embarrassing FAI setback

Gus Poyet has become the latest high-profile candidate to turn down the chance to become Republic of Ireland manager, in what is yet another embarrassing setback for the FAI. The experienced Poyet had emerged as the firm favourite to take over from Stephen Kenny after former Ireland midfielder Lee Carsley opted to remain in his role as England under 21 boss following talks with football chiefs from Abbotstown.

While Poyet had publicly expressed an interest in succeeding Stephen Kenny as Ireland boss, it emerged yesterday that the current Greece head coach has now ruled himself out of the running.

In fact, reports in Greece yesterday suggested the Uruguayan had rejected a five-year deal.

It’s understood that negotiations with Poyet broke down as he was looking to bring an extended backroom staff with him into the job, something the FAI does not seem prepared to countenance.

Despite Poyet’s withdrawal from the race to be the next Ireland boss, a senior FAI official told the Sunday Independent last night that they “remain on track for an April appointment”.

Frenchman Willy Sagnol has been strongly linked with the Ireland vacancy in recent weeks, but he will not be available until after this summer’s European Championships after leading Georgia to the finals in Germany thanks to a dramatic play-off win against Poyet’s Greece last Tuesday.

John O’Shea has confirmed he would relish the chance to take on the role after stepping in as Ireland’s interim boss for recent home friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.

Poyet’s withdrawal will increase speculation that O’Shea is the front-runner.

Former Ireland and Manchester United captain Roy Keane is believed to have met with FAI chiefs to discuss the vacancy, while the highly respected ex-Ireland defender Chris Hughton could be part of a new-look set-up.

Ireland’s next matches are in June when Hungary come to Dublin for a friendly international before a game against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Aveiro.