Kenny now has two games to save his skin as Ireland boss
STEPHEN KENNy’S future as Republic of Ireland manager hinges on improved results in the next two Nations League games.
Sportsmail understands that successive defeats have prompted a shift in support for Kenny (below) among the FAI hierarchy and left him with little room for error.
If Ireland are out of the running for a top-two finish after playing Scotland at home tomorrow and Ukraine in neutral Poland next Tuesday, Kenny’s reign could come to a juddering halt.
Even if Ireland pick up points and Kenny rides out the midsummer storm, he may not be in charge after the final Nations League games in September.
In March 2021 after Ireland lost at home to Luxembourg, FAI chair Roy Barrett felt ‘bumps on the road’ were inevitable as Kenny sought to impose his style on the team.
While Barrett remains in Kenny’s corner, support for the manager among directors is not as robust as before. If the next two games go badly, even Barrett’s influence may not protect the former Dunfermline manager.
The terms of Kenny’s contract extension, which was agreed in March and covers Ireland’s involvement in the 2024 European Championships, include a breakout clause which would see him entitled to a modest compensation if the FAI decide to cut ties.
Since Giovanni Trapattoni’s departure in 2013, the FAI have coughed up more than £4million in compensation to former managers and senior staff.
After 1-0 defeats by Armenia and Ukraine, Kenny’s declaration of intent about Nations League promotion has been ripped to shreds.
Ireland have blown a coveted second seeding at the Euro 2024 qualifying draw on October 9, while the cushion of a play-off place for the Euros has become improbable.
Unless Kenny turns things around, relegation to League C for those European teams ranked 33-48, is a possibility.
That would have a subsequent impact on Ireland’s seeding for the 2026 World Cup.
In the event of a succession stakes, Chris Hughton would have strong support within FAI circles. Hughton, 63, is currently technical advisor to Ghana, who are heading for the World Cup finals.
The former Ireland full-back, a hero of Euro ’88, was previously assistant Irish manager to Brian Kerr from 2003 to 2005.
A Hughton management ticket would likely include Steven Reid, the former Scotland coach.
Lee Carsley, Michael O’Neill, Neil Lennon and Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin would come into consideration but Sportsmail understands the FAI would be wary of Roy Keane, the former Irish captain and assistant manager to Martin O’Neill.
Meanwhile, Ireland will be without the injured John Egan for tomorrow’s game against Scotland. Kenny revealed that Egan would have been captain if fit. Shane Duffy led Ireland on Wednesday and is set to do so against Scotland, a game Ireland must win.
‘We need to try and get a big win against Scotland,’ said Kenny.