The next Ireland manager?

[Junior]

I thought I read somewhere that O'Neill is lined up to take a mega-bucks job in Saudi Arabia on a 2 year contract.

Yeah, O'Learys assistant I think.:rolleyes:

[SwanVsDalton]

Just about, also he isnt a coach and has left many dressing rooms very unhappy

I think MON's the type of coach that players love when it's going well and hate when it's going not so well. Probably because he's stubborn and combative. And certainly at Villa he had his team and those who wern't getting a look in wern't happy. But that's the way it goes. To contrast, Houllier's had a go at Stephen Ireland and Nigel Reo Coker in the last three days and MON would never have done that - always says the team played brilliant, bigs up players regularly etc. It's his style and, generally, I like it.

Was the Celtic dressing room that unhappy? I always thought they were fairly settled under MON...

[SwanVsDalton]

I thought I read somewhere that O'Neill is lined up to take a mega-bucks job in Saudi Arabia on a 2 year contract.

It was in the Mirror last week like a done deal. Haven't heard a peep about it since though.

[bennocelt]

I think MON's the type of coach that players love when it's going well and hate when it's going not so well. Probably because he's stubborn and combative. And certainly at Villa he had his team and those who wern't getting a look in wern't happy. But that's the way it goes. To contrast, Houllier's had a go at Stephen Ireland and Nigel Reo Coker in the last three days and MON would never have done that - always says the team played brilliant, bigs up players regularly etc. It's his style and, generally, I like it.

Was the Celtic dressing room that unhappy? I always thought they were fairly settled under MON...

He is a manager
Probably was liked in dressing room at celtic, but the football was dire stuff to watch.

[Crosby87]

If we go down in flames on Tuesday who will the FAI look to next?

[Murfinator]

I'd rather Trap and Tardelli got a final campaign. They aren't progressing the team in an attacking sense but they have us competitive which is something many managers wouldn't be able to.
Many of the senior players have already said whether they play or not would depend on if he gets a new contract and realistically we need Given/Keane/Duff/Dunne/O'Shea around for it, a new manager may force many of their hands into retirements which would not be in our immediate interests and force the dreaded "transition period" phrase to be uttered, appointing a new manager would essentially be forfeiting the World Cup qualifiers if that were to happen.

Give Trap 2 years, the "golden era" folk will retire and then we'll be in a period of major transition. Thats the time for a new face.

[Murfinator]

If we go down in flames on Tuesday who will the FAI look to next?

If they're dumb enough to think they can do better than the current setup on their budget and with chumps like Andrews/Whelan/Ward being amongst our best available then logically Don Givens would be their dream selection.

[Murfinator]

It'll most likely be Brady and/ or Tardelli.

Brady wanted the job prior to Trapattoni's appointment and there's no real reason to suggest that desire for the job is gone.

Anybody else notice how "diplomatic" Brady has become in evaluating individual player performances on RTE? Prior to the appointment of Trapattoni, one of the reasons Brady has not deemed suitable for the job was his criticism of players on RTE. While Brady's more diplomatic approach in appraising player performances can be seen as a show of support for Trapattoni, Brady might also be consciously considering the future and the part he has to play in it.

Reading too much into it, he was an employee under Trapatoni and part of the team involved of creating that system and uncovering many of the players hes analysing. He's just not in a position to be critical of them because most of the criticisms directed at the squad were problems present while he was there. It'd first of all be disrespectful to people he'd worked with and secondly embarrassing for himself to complain about problems present while it was his job to correct them as they would be an admittance of failure on his part.

[Noelys Guitar]

The opposing manager tonight (on a fraction of what Trap is on) might take it. Advocat if offered the right terms would definetely take it. Right terms meaning a boatload of dosh.

[DannyInvincible]

In the Slovakia match thread, greendeiseboy (http://foot.ie/threads/154681-2-Sept-Slovakia-6-Sept-Russia-Thread?p=1527827&viewfull=1#post1527827) claims he was texted after the game by someone with a contact high up within the FAI - I'm guessing a relation of John Delaney - saying that Rafa Benitez would be our next manager if we fail to qualify for Euro 2012.

[Spudulika]

Sir Tony. He'd pay his own wages and encourage positive articles and threads about his management skills. Plus he's not Irish anymore and can use it as a way into the Aras in 7 years. Easy peasy!

[greendeiseboy]

In the Slovakiha match thread, greendeiseboy (http://foot.ie/threads/154681-2-Sept-Slovakia-6-Sept-Russia-Thread?p=1527827&viewfull=1#post1527827) claims he was texted after the game by someone with a contact high up within the FAI - I'm guessing a relation of John Delaney - saying that Rafa Benitez would be our next manager if we fail to qualify for Euro 2012.

Not a relation but close - he wouldn't be my choice to be honest.

[legendz]

The FAI have been right so far not to give Trap a contract. His style of play is not endearing the public to come in huge numbers to watch the games. It's sad as well though how some have turned there backs and hopped off the bandwagon. It is fair that Trap will only earn a new contract based on qualification. With Martin O'Neill still out of a job, it's got to be something the FAI will want to consider.

[born2bwild]

Pat Fenlon.

[Eminence Grise]

We need somebody with a track record in leadership and on the international stage, who has been a regular at Lansdowne over the years. Somebody who is known for a stylish approach...

Step forward Mary McAleese!

She can build bridges with northerners who want to play for us, and actually get the IFA to appreciate it!


Edit.
I'd rather wait till this campaign is over before having a serious discussion on this. There's still time for drama in the remaining games, and after Tuesday we may find ourselves wanting to give Trap honorary citizenship rather than the boot. (Yes: I am the possessor of a pair of rose-tinted spectacles and a half-full glass!)

[greendeiseboy]

We need somebody with a track record in leadership and on the international stage, who has been a regular at Lansdowne over the years. Somebody who is known for a stylish approach...

Step forward Mary McAleese!

She can build bridges with northerners who want to play for us, and actually get the IFA to appreciate it!

Dont think Nigel Worthington and the IFA would be too happy about us poaching her.....in fact this could tip things over the edge:)

[Crosby87]

I wonder if, to save $$, they would give Noel King a look.

[ped_ped]

I wonder if, to save $$, they would give Noel King a look.

It's certainly possible. I think it'd be a large step down from Trap, but then again why would that dissuade the FAI?

I'm assuming their apparent plans to train Tardelli in under Trap would fall flat if Trap's contract is terminated at the end of this campaign?

[Noelys Guitar]

If we fail to qualify then the new manager will probably be one of MON if he is interested (his stock has fallen slightly so there is a chance he might be). O'Leary or whoever has recently been sacked from the Premiership/championship if/when the vacancy becomes available. It will depend on how much money the FAI intend to pay. If O'Brien is willing to stump up the readies again. Two outsiders who have said recently they would like to manage at international level are Darren Ferguson (who has been at a fair few Ireland training sessions) and Sean O'Driscoll of Doncaster Rovers

[the bear]

I'd rather wait till this campaign is over before having a serious discussion on this. There's still time for drama in the remaining games, and after Tuesday we may find ourselves wanting to give Trap honorary citizenship rather than the boot. (Yes: I am the possessor of a pair of rose-tinted spectacles and a half-full glass!)

well said, bigger fish to fry at the moment

[Stuttgart88]

Hopefully we're in a 1987 0-0 home draw against Scotland scenario. Nobody complained about what happened next.

Getting of the fence though, my Trapometer was at about 60% pre-Macedonia at home. It went up to about 80% by June, is is down to about 35% right now. The lack of fluency and invention in this team is just shocking. OK, so that 45% drop is down to a pathetic attempt at a header by our leading goalscorer but such are the margins in sport.

[legendz]

For a LoI manager to be considered, I think they need to plot a course beyond winter in a European club competition first to build up there CV. Championship managers are a gamble but with the money offered, it wouldn't surprise me. Mick McCarthy is the man I want back in charge.

[AlaskaFox]

Kevin Kilbane should be the next Ireland boss. :D

[DannyInvincible]

Kevin Kilbane should be the next Ireland boss. :D

No way. Couldn't agree with that. Sure he still has years left in his legs to play.

[Noelys Guitar]

The Sunday Indo reporting that Trap will be offered a further two year deal (wages reduced from 1.8 mil to 900,000. Entire management team from 2.5 to 1.5). But only if we at least reach the play-offs.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/traps-pay-to-be-cut-in-half-2866261.html

[Sullivinho]

Rafa Bentitez? I find him a more inspiring choice than Avram Grant but it's marginal.


The Sunday Indo reporting that Trap will be offered a further two year deal (wages reduced from 1.8 mil to 900,000. Entire management team from 2.5 to 1.5). But only if we at least reach the play-offs.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/traps-pay-to-be-cut-in-half-2866261.html


Ireland may look like they are short of options but Trapattoni refused to add to the squad, insisting that he had the players in his panel who could pull off one of the most unlikely away victories in Irish football history.With Doyle looking very off-colour and Cox the only option on the bench (I find Keogh something of a non-entity at this level*) you'd think a case could be made for bringing in Walters or Best.


He dismissed suggestions from Slovakian players that Ireland were predictable.

"We expected Ireland to play long ball and we prepared for that," Slovakia's Martin Skrtel said afterwards, "but I think to be honest we played better than you today, and that's it."

"Why did they say that?" Trapattoni replied. "They have the same points as us, and they didn't score. I change the game depending on what players I have. A player can change the result and that is not predictable. We have good organisation."

Look into Martin Skrtel's face Trap. Yes, I know it's difficult but look at him. That is the face of an honest man Giovanni and we are in fact, both well organised and utterly predictable.



*But you just watch him score the winner on tuesday.

[the bear]

Look into Martin Skrtel's face Trap. Yes, I know it's difficult but look at him. That is the face of an honest man Giovanni and we are in fact, both well organised and utterly predictable.



not sure why the trap would argue with that since its exactly what he's tried to set us up as since taking the job.
in all honesty it's miles better than what we were before

[AlaskaFox]

No way. Couldn't agree with that. Sure he still has years left in his legs to play.

Well obviously that's after Trap retires in 2018. ;)

[kennedmc]

Rafa Benitez won:

2 La Liga titles.....(The best or 2nd best league in the world.
1 UEFA cup
1 Champions League
1 FA Cup

Regularly got Liverpool to latter stages of champions leagues despite having to manage in the most f**k up situation imaginable.

Avram GRant? eh let me see now. Nice guy, decent manager but nowhere near at Rafa Bentitez level as a manager.

In fact how many managers have won as much as Bentitez in top tier competition over the last 10 years? Ferguson, Mourinho, Ancelotti - I'm sure there is a few more.

Benitez is a top class coach. THere is no chance who woould look at Ireland :rolleyes:

[CraftyToePoke]

Rafa Benitez won:

2 La Liga titles.....(The best or 2nd best league in the world.
1 UEFA cup
1 Champions League
1 FA Cup

Yes, a highly decorated man, but not recently. His stock has definitely fallen and I wouldnt place him out of Irelands reach at all, thats not saying I would want him, or that I think he is likely to be the next manager. Just that he is not all you bill him as, not anymore.

[elroy]

Trap and Co want to stay on. It is definitely the right course not to make any offer on contract until the end of campaign. If we get playoffs, then maybe. If we qualify, no question, new contracts all round. If we dont qualify and dont make playoffs well then a serious look will be needed as well as consultation with the players. We would be heading into 10+ years of no qualification and a difficult WC group as well.

The below quote troubles me though "I dont understand well in English".........like after the best part of four years in the job now and to say that - not good enough really. How the hell do they communicate with the team!!


Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will stay in his job as long as he is wanted, according to his assistant Marco Tardelli.

Trapattoni, 72, flew out to Moscow with his players ahead of tomorrow’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Russia yesterday having woken to reports that the Football Association of Ireland were edging towards offering him a contract extension, but on half his current salary as part of plans to reduce expenditure on the management team from €2.5m to €1.5m.

Tardelli admitted that was news to him, but was relaxed about the whole situation after speaking to FAI chief executive John Delaney earlier this week.

He said: “I spoke with John Delaney two or three days ago. He never told me about this. For me, it’s speculation. Also two years ago, we took a cut in our contracts.”

Asked if it would be a problem to take a pay cut, Tardelli said: “Not too much.

“I don’t understand well in English, but John Delaney didn’t talk to me about that.

“Many times, we speak with John and the board to decide to continue or not. For us, you know our idea – we want to stay on.”

The reports also claimed the retention of Trapattoni and his staff would depend on Ireland at least reaching the play-off stage of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, although Tardelli was unaware also of that.

He said: “We don’t have any such targets. We spoke with John Delaney two or three days. If the board want me and Giovanni to stay here, it’s okay. There’s nothing to be discussed at the moment.”

Tardelli’s comments came after the squad’s final training session in Malahide before they left for Moscow yesterday afternoon.

But he and Trapattoni had more immediate concerns with John O’Shea ruled out due to hip and calf injuries, and goalkeeper Shay Given undergoing a scan on a back problem which has hampered him since last weekend.

Richard Dunne and Robbie Keane are also being nursed through knocks picked up during Friday night’s 0-0 draw with Slovakia.

Given was able to travel with the rest of his team-mates, but O’Shea’s ailments have stopped him from making the trip.

The Sunderland defender, who started at right-back on Friday evening, was one of the candidates to replace the suspended Sean St Ledger in central defence, and his absence has further limited Trapattoni’s options.

As a result, Leeds’ Darren O’Dea is likely to partner Dunne in a patched-up back four.


Read more: http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/tardelli-we-want-to-stay-on-519220.html#ixzz1X4Gpz6HJ

[TiocfaidhArmani]

Surely Martin O'Neill would be a better option. I'd love to see him leaping about the Aviva. Trap is living off Paris, it's not been a good reign outside of that if you look at results.

[Duggie]

if rafa benetiz got the job after trap i would be physically sick. robbie would retire aswell. RAFA out now!!!!

[OwlsFan]

Surely Martin O'Neill would be a better option. I'd love to see him leaping about the Aviva. Trap is living off Paris, it's not been a good reign outside of that if you look at results.

I agree about Martin O'Neill. On the other hand, Trap's results haven't been bad, especially away from home. I'd say Scotland, Wales and Norn Iron would snap your hand off for such results. The problem is at home. He can't or won't change his system and we have been mediocre at best in Ireland. Mind you, I knew we were in for a long night when I heard the awful rendition of the anthem by the band. Not exactly rabble rousing stuff.

[Noelys Guitar]

Considering the FAI are allegedly cutting Traps wages for the third time I would say the list of candidates will be full of the usual suspects IF Trap goes. No MON, no Rafas. Championship and lower Premership between jobbers will make up the list. No Premiership manager would leave their job to manage Ireland. Maybe and its a big maybe one or two Championship managers might.

[shakermaker1982]

Billy Davies?

Didn't he nearly get the job last time around or did I dream that?

[Noelys Guitar]

Billy Davies?

Didn't he nearly get the job last time around or did I dream that?

I believe they interviewed him. The two managers who allegedly turned them down were Hodgson and Coppell. Interestingly Coppell is interested in the Iceland job along with Roy Keane. And I would expect Coppell to be a front runner if there is a vacancy. Plus there will be a big bandwagon for Roy to get the job (again if there is one. I hope there isn't).

[kennedmc]

if rafa benetiz got the job after trap i would be physically sick. robbie would retire aswell. RAFA out now!!!!

Wht would you be physically sick?

My preference would be for Martin O'Neill - Irish connection and has performed well at clubs with limited resources. There is a reason why he never got a job at a top club in a top league but I think he would be a good fit for Ireland.

[Noelys Guitar]

Wht would you be physically sick?

My preference would be for Martin O'Neill - Irish connection and has performed well at clubs with limited resources. There is a reason why he never got a job at a top club in a top league but I think he would be a good fit for Ireland.

If we want to qualify for 2014 then MON is the only man. But it will take the type of money Trapatonni was originally on to get somebody like O'Neil interested. MON's will still be one of the first managers contacted when a Premiership vacancy comes up.

[jbyrne]

Mind you, I knew we were in for a long night when I heard the awful rendition of the anthem by the band. Not exactly rabble rousing stuff.

was dreadful.
also, we have one of the best ever football songs but it never gets an airing. when it was played (and then cut short) v france the place went mad. baffling that its not played between the anthems and ko.

[Spudulika]

For some reason when I was seeing MON, I thought it meant Michael O'Neill.

We'd be best off with an established foreign coach, possibly German and not someone who can't get a job in the sky leagues. The problem is that unless the name has appeared in Shoot or one of our hacks accidentally sees it on sky sports, we'll go for the same old same old. I'd love to see Felix Magath get the job. He's a great person, great coach, sets his teams out of play physical, attacking football and is a stickler for discipline. He'd jump at the chance to come manage Ireland too! Stupid fact - he used to have an Irish red setter called Rotti. Almost qualifies him to play for us I reckon.

But my money is still on Sir Tony O'Reilly. It would mean he'd pay his own way, the media would love him no matter what, the FAI would get breathing room and teh luvvies in D4 would once again embrace "that other sport". Plus think of all the column inches he'd ensure our players got! Lovely!!!

[IsMiseSean]

I'd love to see Felix Magath get the job.

I cant see him leaving Wolfsburg to take up the Ireland job, but if he doesn't turn things around there soon he could be unemployed come December/January...

[Spudulika]

I cant see him leaving Wolfsburg to take up the Ireland job, but if he doesn't turn things around there soon he could be unemployed come December/January...

He would be an ideal coach to come in (jokes aside) as he knows how to get a team to perform above itself. In all fairness Trap has gotten us to be hard to beat again, now it's up to a more adventurous coach to bring us on. It would be tough to get him in, especially with our media as it is. But it's the only chance he'll have for an international job at a decent level as they won't make him German coach and he won't go wndering around Africa or Asia.

[Duggie]

what about someone like Lars Lagerbäck if we went "foreign" again, he did a great job with sweden qualifying through the years. sweden have a similiar style to us aswell.

[IsMiseSean]

He would be an ideal coach to come in (jokes aside) as he knows how to get a team to perform above itself. In all fairness Trap has gotten us to be hard to beat again, now it's up to a more adventurous coach to bring us on. It would be tough to get him in, especially with our media as it is. But it's the only chance he'll have for an international job at a decent level as they won't make him German coach and he won't go wndering around Africa or Asia.

He seems like a right disciplinarian. http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/soccer/story/Wolfsburg-coach-fines-players-for-ignoring-tactics-91412526

[kennedmc]

If we want to qualify for 2014 then MON is the only man. But it will take the type of money Trapatonni was originally on to get somebody like O'Neil interested. MON's will still be one of the first managers contacted when a Premiership vacancy comes up.

According to the press he is one of the first managers contacted....doesn't actually mean he is! O'Neill is almost 60 now so clubs , espeically big clubs will take this into account. He realistically has one big club mgmt job left. He has also been managing for 20 years and the highes the got was Aston Villa.

The Irish job could be a relatively stress free option, working with players who respect him, who he would know how to motivate and get the best out of. A salary of 1m nmight tempt him!!

[Spudulika]

He seems like a right disciplinarian. http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/soccer/story/Wolfsburg-coach-fines-players-for-ignoring-tactics-91412526

His finest hour was in Eintracht many years ago and he took an overpaid bunch of prima donnas to an army assault course. The group included a former sky league striker and a few internationals. Of the 30 players (first and reserve team) who started, 8 finished. 2 of the players who were "fan favourites" were lised right away. He worked wonders until the spineless wonders in the board room (at the time) who were about to be ousted, caved to agents and sacked him. He'd be great with Ireland. Plus when it comes to achievements as a player and coach he outranks most.

[Charlie Darwin]

It's probably nothing, but Gary Dicker mentioned to the Herald that Gus Poyet could be interested:


It would of course be compensation for his own fan club to see Dicker – capped six times at U21 level in 2006 – win a senior cap some day and that's something he's spoken about with his Uruguayan-born manager.

“I've had a chat with Gus about the whole Ireland thing. He told me he'd like to manage an international team some day and that Ireland could fit the bill for him, so maybe I'd get to play for him,” says Dicker, who used a break from club duties earlier this month to come home to Dublin and watch the qualifier at home to Slovakia.

“He was very interested in Ireland, how they play, who they have in midfield, so he might fancy the job some day.

http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/dicker-dream-brightrsquo-green-2883743.html

[theworm2345]

His finest hour was in Eintracht many years ago and he took an overpaid bunch of prima donnas to an army assault course.
Roy did that as well with Sunderland or Ipswich as I recall

[BonnieShels]

It's probably nothing, but Gary Dicker mentioned to the Herald that Gus Poyet could be interested:



http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/dicker-dream-brightrsquo-green-2883743.html

No bad thing

Let him get BHA into the Prem (sic) then he may be of interest.

;)