Mark Canham has declined to say whether a new Republic of Ireland manager will be appointed for the international friendly in March.
Football Association of Ireland (FAI) director of football Mark Canham says the organization is “closer” to appointing a new Republic of Ireland manager to replace Stephen Kenny.
Republic has been without a coach since Kenney’s three-year term ended in November 2023.
“The process is ongoing, and we want to complete that process as quickly as possible,” Canham said Tuesday.
“We’re getting closer. That’s all I have to say about it,” he added.
Former Wales manager Chris Coleman was also in talks with the FAI and was one of his favorite candidates, but is currently not in contention for the job.
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder and England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley and ex-Celtic manager Neil Lennon are also favorites for the post, while Chris, who was recently sacked from Ghana’s national team following AFCON disappointment – Mr. Hughton may also be appointed.
The Republic senior men’s team will next be in action in March, playing international friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.
“We continue to have positive discussions with candidates about their roles,” Canham explained at the launch of the Football Pathway Plan.
“We know it is an important role for Irish football and we completely understand that. We are doing things the right way.
“We set standards in terms of who we are looking for. Budget is not an issue. We are making progress and we are doing things in a very thorough and robust way, and we are Step by step method.”
“I’m not going to talk about the candidates or anything specific. We went through a very rigorous process in terms of all the people we talked to and are talking to.
“All we need to do is keep it completely confidential.”