IRISH IRE
FAI irritate Ireland supporters with latest clue as to when next manager will finally be appointed
Meanwhile the Greek FA is indicating it may retain Gus Poyet
THERE is no white smoke in the search for the new Ireland manager, with no FAI board meeting on the books before April 30.
Abbotstown director of football Marc Canham announced last month that Stephen Kenny’s successor would be in place early this month.
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But, while that led to hopes of an appointment by next week, after the women’s international window, the board — which must ratify any new hire — has not been put on notice.
The 14-person committee who will make the decision were last week told by Canham and under-pressure CEO Jonathan Hill that the process is ongoing.
But there has been no movement towards a conclusion with the calling of a required board meeting.
While that could still be called on a few hours’ notice, it is understood that Hill and Canham are due to attend Ireland’s Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier in France tomorrow.
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John O’Shea is believed to be still in the frame after his two games in interim charge.
Former Ireland coach Anthony Barry — who is set to leave Bayern Munich — is highly rated within the FAI.
Roy Keane’s salary expectations are believed to be too high and Lee Carsley — who has committed to England’s Under-21s — and Chris Coleman were also out of the FAI’s price range.
The association has refused to comment on Greek reports that Gus Poyet turned them down.
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But Poyet, who is thought to still be keen on the job, could yet be retained by his current employers, with Greek FA president Takis Baltakos saying that a decision will be made at the end of the month.
The Uruguayan is out of contract following his side’s Euro 2024 play-off penalties defeat to Georgia.
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But Baltakos has said that Greece have not decided to move on yet.
He said: “We are making contacts, but the ones that have come out are not in touch with reality.
“Of course, there is Gustavo Poyet.
“I imagine he wants to stay but that’s something you’d have to ask him.
“Normally we should leave it for the summer, to the new administration, but we cannot leave the national team.
“They have a friendly on June 7 against Germany. By the end of April, we must have made a decision.”