Hughton back in mix as FAI forced to delay

The FAI’s timeline for the appointment of a new Ireland boss has been pushed back again with

Chris Hughton the latest candidate to receive a fresh approach.

Media had been put on notice for the announcement of Stephen Kenny’s successor this week, but this is no longer on the cards with the process once again clouded in uncertainty.

Jonathan Hill’s departure from the Association has added another twist to an elongated search. He had been conducting interviews along with Marc Canham and board member Packie Bonner.

It has emerged that Hughton has been contacted by the FAI in recent weeks, which follows on from another attempt to establish where Anthony Barry stands.

Hughton and Barry were both on the radar when Kenny departed, but they were non-runners because of their commitments at that stage – their situations have changed, but that does not mean they are interested in the Ireland job.

Barry has more lucrative options on the table as his exit from Bayern Munich looms, while Hughton still has loose ends to tie up after his departure from Ghana and is unsure about pursuing the Irish option – but would be in the frame if he firmly threw his hat into the ring.

The delay suggests the FAI are not ready to place their trust in John O’Shea, the interim boss for March’s doubleheader. He wants the job and is available now but said yesterday he hadn’t been interviewed and has “no idea” where it stands. O’Shea (above) refused to rule out returning in an interim capacity.

Blues swoop to get Bleyendaal

Leinster have launched a second sensational southern hemisphere swoop in 24 hours by snapping up highly-rated former Munster out-half Tyler Bleyendaal as their new attack coach.

The current Hurricanes assistant, who was on the Tongan coaching ticket when they faced Ireland in the 2023 World Cup, replaces Andrew Goodman, who will succeed Mike Catt on Andy Farrell’s coaching team at the end of this season.

Bleyendaal will link up with another former Munster coach in Jacques Nienaber at a province, who on Monday unveiled Jordie Barrett as a stunning marquee signing. This news came just several months after securing the services of former Munster lock RG Snyman.