Last weekend, it was announced that former Wales and Sunderland manager Chris Coleman was the leading candidate to fill the vacant Republic of Ireland manager’s role.
The Welshman, who played for the likes of Manchester City and Fulham during his career and also managed Wales and Coventry City, is the bookmakers’ favorite to replace the long-departed Stephen Kenny.
After retiring, Coleman began his coaching career at Fulham. In his first full season as manager, he led the club to ninth place in the Premier League in the 2003-04 season. Stints with Coventry City and Greek side AEL were less fruitful. But his best job came in 2012 when he was named to the Wales squad. Wales achieved their highest ever FIFA ranking and reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, despite being at a huge disadvantage.
The search for a new Ireland manager has been ongoing since November, with the FAI claiming a few weeks ago that a new manager was on the horizon. However, the process of finding Ireland’s new manager has been delayed by reports that candidates are considering second thoughts and salary requirements.
The main target, Lee Carsley, was the favorite, but it looks like he has escaped. Former teammate Shay Given said last week that he could not see his old teammate getting the Ireland job.
Coleman has become a new favorite to represent Ireland. Some bookmakers say Coleman’s chances of taking the job are about even.
Former Wales manager Chris Coleman is a candidate to represent Ireland after negotiations with England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley stalled ⚽️
It’s a rumor ⬇️#BBCFootball
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) February 19, 2024
The Mirror said: “The FAI hopes to appoint a replacement for Stephen Kenny in the coming days, with the manager search entering its third month. Former Wales manager Coleman will be joining the team this evening. He is considered a strong candidate for the post.” Gambling markets were also suspended. MirrorSport understands that if Coleman’s deal is secured, his long-time assistant Kit Symonds and Ireland legend John O’Shea will be part of the backroom team.
Despite Coleman’s potential appointment, fans on social media are not taking kindly to the idea of the Swansea native becoming the next Ireland manager.
One of X’s accounts said: “Chris Coleman for the Irish job? Please, stop it, Jesus Christ.” Others said: “It’s a brutal appointment. The FAI is a mess.”
Other users of the popular media site took a more nuanced view, refuting the theory that Coleman owed his success to the talents of former Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Wales legend Gareth Bale. ing.
“Chris Coleman. On the positive side, I’d say he’s a good communicator, which he’s proven at international level, which is different than a club manager. But… Gareth Bale. Regardless, he got the best out of Bale.” One user added: “I’m definitely not thrilled with him, but he could have done worse,” while another said: “ “I don’t dislike the idea of having Chris Coleman as Ireland manager.” We don’t have Bale, Ramsey, Allen, so I don’t know if he will bring the same success. There’s no emotional connection, no fancy groundwork that Gary Speed gave him, but he’s more appealing than most serious links.
The Mirror also added on Sunday: “An announcement on the identity of the new manager is imminent and could be made within 24 hours.”
I hope this story ends as soon as possible.
