CAN’T MICK BOSS ROLE

Kenny: 2020 it’s mine..nothing changes that

STEPHEN KENNY has no intention of delaying his start date as Ireland boss in the event Mick Mccarthy is a roaring success.

“No, the decision has been made,” he said last night. “It’s clearly defined. I take over in August 2020. It’s a succession plan.”

Kenny rocked double winners Dundalk by quitting on Saturday to take up his new role as Irish U21 boss with a guarantee of succeeding Mccarthy after Euro 2020.

New senior manager Mccarthy is tasked with leading Ireland to the European finals where four games will be staged in Dublin.

But there could be a clamour for ‘Big Mick’ to stay on if he delivers on his end of the bargain – and then exceeds expectations.

“That would be a great scenario for everyone, for football in Ireland,” said Kenny.

But he won’t be taking a back seat in that happens and added: “August 2020, I’m taking over and that has been decided. It’s in writing.”

On Sunday, Kenny joined Mccarthy, FAI chief John

Delaney and other key

FAI figures for dinner.

But the mechanics of the swap over were not discussed. While Kenny wants to learn from Mccarthy, inset, he will also keep his distance.

“We’ve not had any discussions in that regard. It’s not my intention,” added Kenny whose brief also extends to an overview of the U19, U18, U17, U16 and U15 teams.

“I’ve got respect for Mick and the job he has as he’s got a huge opportunity to qualify for the Euros. “I’ll be very much focusing on the U21s in the next couple of years. I’ll be very much out of the picture in terms of the senior setup. I don’t see myself travelling with the team.

“It’s a great position to be in, to take a step back. I’ve been 20 years in management and I’ve never really been out of work for more than a couple of weeks.

“I’ve been on the go. It’s just taking a deep breath and analysing everything about the international game and to really update.

“I watch the matches and I’m fascinated by the different tactical approaches of different teams, that’s of great interest to me.”