INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL
This week we will not be in any way critical of the FAI in the search of a new head coach to replace Stephen Kenny. One reader contacted us and said they agreed with everything we wrote last week and agreed when we wrote that the FAI is an embarrassment and a joke to all those involved in the game.
This, having heard and read in February that a successor to Kenny had been chosen but existing contractual obligations meant the appointment could not be made before April. Then, two weeks ago the month of April was changed to September. What a load of rubbish to be feeding those who love the game. This is a topic that we feel strongly about and we have every intention of continuing to highlight what we believe is a PR disaster for the Association.
As we wrote last week, John O’Shea has been appointed as interim head coach for the two friendly internationals in June. On Tuesday, June 4th Ireland will play Hungary at the Aviva Stadium and on Tuesday, June 11th Ireland will play Portugal in Averio. Both Hungary and Portugal will be playing in the Euros a few weeks later. But after those two games, we will have to wait until September for the announcement of the new head coach. We ask, is John O’Shea not the ideal candidate for the position as he will by that time have taken charge of four internationals?
If what we have been told, the new head coach will be appointed in September, he will have a very short time to work with his players as Ireland will be playing in the Nations Cup at the Aviva on Saturday, September 5th. Three days later Ireland will also be at home v Greece. So, it is obvious that whoever is appointed head coach at the end of August or start of September, will have no time to get to know his players.
In October Ireland will play two away games, starting on Thursday, October 10th against Finland and three days later Sunday, October 13th v Greece. In November, Ireland will play their two final games v Finland at the Aviva and v England at Wembley.
From the above six group games in the Nations Cup, one can see what lies ahead for the new head coach.
The Irish women’s international team will be playing Sweden at the Aviva on Friday, May 31st and will play the return four days later in Sweden on Tuesday, June 4th in the group stages of Euro 2025. Having already lost away to France and at home to England, the two games v Sweden are now very important for at least a victory, as the top two teams in the group will qualify automatically and the bottom two will play-off to see who will go forward for a play-off against another group team.
Ireland will travel to Wembley on July 12th to play England and will complete their group games when France will be the visitors. As we wrote a few weeks back, there is every possibility that this international, against France, may be played at Turner’s Cross as the Aviva Stadium is not available and Tallagh Stadium may be used by Shamrock Rovers in a European Cup fixture.
We believe the FAI should now be trying to build confidence with the public after the disastrous few months that has emanated from Abbotstown. We wait with bated breath!