Mick to step aside for Kenny at end of the Euros
MICK McCarthy’s return as Republic of Ireland manager seems likely to last no more than two years.
FAI chiefs yesterday guaranteed Stephen Kenny, incoming Ireland Under 21 manager, that he would be given McCarthy’s job once Ireland’s interest in the Euro 2020 Championships is over. McCarthy has thus become the first manager to be appointed and replaced inside 24 hours.
Kenny’s last act as manager of Dundalk was to meet FAI chief executive John Delaney and Ruud Dokter, the FAI’s high performance director in Abbotstown. Kenny accepted the role of Irish Under 21 manager, succeeding Noel King, as well as a role overseeing the FAI’s under-age teams.
But the key for Kenny was an assurance from Delaney that he would be appointed Ireland manager after McCarthy once Ireland’s involvement in Euro 2020 was over.
The offer was done with the tacit approval of McCarthy, who was aware of the FAI’s pathway plans for Kenny.
On Friday, McCarthy agreed to manage Ireland until the end of the Euros, which will run until June 2020. The deal came with an option to extend for the 2022 World Cup, despite the offer to Kenny.
Should the FAI fail to exercise that option, McCarthy will be guaranteed a seven-figure sum in compensation on top of his €1.2m annual salary.
It seems the FAI are prepared to pay this in light of their offer to Kenny.
Kenny, a Dubliner, led Dundalk FC to four titles, including two League and FAI Cup doubles.