FAI Director of Football Mark Canham believes the appointment of a Republic of Ireland men’s head coach could take place within the next two weeks.
“We want to complete that process as quickly as possible and we are getting close to it,” Canham said at the FAI Pathways Strategy launch at the Aviva Stadium. “We are following a very similar process and a similar timeline to the women’s head coach appointment. While we do not intend to comment on individuals or situations, we continue to have positive discussions with candidates regarding this role.”
Canham didn’t go into details, but the strictest interpretation of his words means he has two weeks to replace Stephen Kenny. It took 15 weeks to appoint Eileen Gleeson as Ireland women’s head coach in mid-December. Kenny’s contract was not extended 13 weeks ago.
Former Wales manager Chris Coleman and former Northern Ireland international Neil Lennon will not replace Kenny, according to numerous reports. Both veteran managers were interviewed for the vacant positions by the FAI recruitment team, which included Canham, CEO Jonathan Hill and Packie Bonner.
Lee Carsley was the association’s main target and informal approaches were made to the England Under-21 manager while Kenny was still in the job. Anthony Barry’s candidacy for the managerial role could be revived once his stint at Bayern Munich under manager Thomas Tuchel ends.
“This is a confidential process,” Canham added. “We’ve had a very rigorous process. In terms of all the people we’ve talked to or are talking to, we have to make sure that we keep that content completely confidential.
“So it’s the same message. It’s an ongoing process. I know it’s an important role for Irish football. I completely understand that and I understand the responsibility. We We’re doing things the right way and we want to complete that process as soon as possible. “
In December, Hill emphasized the importance of completing the hiring process in February. If the process stalls again, an interim appointment could be needed for friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland in March.
Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea could be in the caretaker slot as he briefly coached Ireland under Kenny last year before taking Wayne Rooney’s place at Birmingham City. Rooney was released after 83 days, making O’Shea available again.
Meanwhile, regarding hiring a replacement for Gleeson as the FAI’s head of women’s and women’s football, Canham said the process was ongoing.
“Almost a day after Eileen was announced as the permanent head coach, we advertised it. We have begun the interview process and hope to complete the interviews as soon as possible. For the game It’s a really important role.
“What we can say is that even though we are recruiting a head of women’s and women’s football, essentially a leader in that area of football, there is already opposition within the association to women’s and women’s projects and initiatives. We have the talent, and the work doesn’t stop just because we don’t have the talent. But we want to come to a conclusion as soon as possible and it’s important for the development of women’s and women’s football in Ireland. It will be a great role.”