Ireland still looking for National Team Coach
Aviva Stadium Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)
Ireland's soccer association has postponed its deadline for hiring a men's national team coach to September.
The association has also issued an apology to fans for the delay. After not qualifying for the upcoming European Championship, Ireland initially aimed to appoint a new coach by April after Stephen Kenny's contract was not renewed last November.
“We recognize that the timelines and deadlines that we’ve previously set have created a sense of expectation and potentially confusion for everyone,” Marc Canham, director of football at the FAI, said in a recent video statement. “We recognize and apologize for that but we’re also confident that ultimately we believe this process will result in us finding the best person for the job."
The FAI aims to appoint a coach before Ireland's match against England on Sept. 7 in the UEFA Nations League. John O'Shea, the ex-Manchester United defender who has 118 international caps with Ireland, served as interim coach for two international friendlies in March. Canham expressed the desire for O'Shea to stay in that role for Ireland's June friendlies against Hungary and Portugal. However, O’Shea’s return as the interim coach remains unconfirmed.
“We’re very pleased with what he did in the March friendlies, and we’re talking to him at the moment. We hope to be able to confirm that as soon as possible,” Canham said.
With Ireland not participating in the Euros, there is no rush to fill the vacancy. Of course, the Euros will still be a huge event for sports bettors throughout the world. Now is a good time to compare various sportsbook bonuses from several prominent betting platforms, especially since the Euros isn’t the only major sporting event on the horizon.
In February, the FAI stated that its search for a permanent coach was nearing its conclusion. However, a variety of factors have caused a delay, as some candidates are presently under contract elsewhere. Canham has indicated that the coaching market is competitive, especially with Ireland seeking candidates who have both club and international experience.
Several individuals have been linked to the Ireland job, including Lee Carsley, the England under-21s coach; Neil Lennon, the former Celtic coach; Roy Keane, the former Ireland captain; and Chris Coleman, the former Wales coach. Some have also backed O’Shea to have the job on a permanent basis. But for now, the Ireland coaching job remains vacant.
