Stephen Kenny

[mark12345]

What's the alternative?

For all Kenny's faults, our only way to score prior to his arrival was to push the big man up front.

I feel that Kenny's reign is symptomatic of Irish football in general. We are falling further and further behind other nations in terms of progress. We cannot create anything in midfield, cannot score goals at a consistent level and now we are good to concede in almost every game we play. Kenny can be blamed for some aspects but not for all.

[joey B]

Jonathan Hill confirms Stephen Kenny will be in charge for remaining three games of Euro 2024 campaign and friendly with New Zealand

Suggests full in-depth review will take place then

Per Dan McDonnell.

[seanfhear]

Jonathan Hill confirms Stephen Kenny will be in charge for remaining three games of Euro 2024 campaign and friendly with New Zealand

Suggests full in-depth review will take place then

Per Dan McDonnell.
With no obvious replacement ~ I suppose this is just a holding position until a new manager is found.

[tetsujin1979]

Surely he's a lame duck manager now? Would four wins from the remaining four games save his job?

[seanfhear]

Surely he's a lame duck manager now? Would four wins from the remaining four games save his job?
Probably more chance of Stephen Kenny giving me the euro-millions lotto numbers when it is a jumbo jack-pot ! ! !

[Diggs246]

that means he gets the playoffs, if we fluke it

I feel like crying

[pineapple stu]

With no obvious replacement ~ I suppose this is just a holding position until a new manager is found.
Don't know about no obvious replacement - I would have thought the FAI Board should be generally keeping an eye on who's available, especially given the Kenny regime hasn't gone south yesterday. They should have knowledge about managers that random punters on the internet wouldn't have.

[seanfhear]

Don't know about no obvious replacement - I would have thought the FAI Board should be generally keeping an eye on who's available, especially given the Kenny regime hasn't gone south yesterday. They should have knowledge about managers that random punters on the internet wouldn't have.
Or ~ Perhaps the potential replacement / s does not consider this the best time to take the job.

[Diggs246]

But it's getting toxic
We are better off with John O Shea in the interim until the candidate is identified and signed etc.

[Diggs246]

_lvL4Bzyumg

[EalingGreen]

Jonathan Hill confirms Stephen Kenny will be in charge for remaining three games of Euro 2024 campaign and friendly with New Zealand

Suggests full in-depth review will take place then

Per Dan McDonnell.Gives the FA more time to tie down Lee Carsley. Or maybe they just have, hence the extra time for SK, while the FAI look elsewhere?

[zero]

a couple of wins and a decent performance in amsterdam and people will start to believe (again) that a corner has been turned...

[Real ale Madrid]

FAI in big debt and there plenty time after November for a new manager to bed in so unless the right man is readily available they are surely doing the right thing by letting him remain for the next 2 months. Out next competitive game won't be until September 2024.

There is no chance we make a playoff.

[tetsujin1979]

Thought it might be interesting to see how many caps each player used by Kenny has earned during his time in charge, and which manager gave each player his debut.
1702297666854519029

[ifk101]

It should be noted as well that Matt Doherty (31 years old) played just 251 minutes for the senior team prior to the start of 2020. John Egan (30 years old) played 398 minutes prior to 2020, and all minutes were in friendlies. And Josh Cullen (27 years old) played 180 minutes prior to the start of 2020. Stephen Kenny didn't give debuts to any three of these players but he was Kenny that has made them mainstays in the team.

[Kingdom]

Thought it might be interesting to see how many caps each player used by Kenny has earned during his time in charge, and which manager gave each player his debut.
1702297666854519029

there's nothing there?

[backstothewall]

Jonathan Hill confirms Stephen Kenny will be in charge for remaining three games of Euro 2024 campaign and friendly with New Zealand

Suggests full in-depth review will take place then

Per Dan McDonnell.

If Jonathan Hill thinks fans like me are making another 200+ mile round trip to watch this crap again he needs to get out for some fresh air and a think.

I wonder what Lansdowne Road looks like with <20,000 people in there.

[SkStu]

It should be noted as well that Matt Doherty (31 years old) played just 251 minutes for the senior team prior to the start of 2020. John Egan (30 years old) played 398 minutes prior to 2020, and all minutes were in friendlies. And Josh Cullen (27 years old) played 180 minutes prior to the start of 2020. Stephen Kenny didn't give debuts to any three of these players but he was Kenny that has made them mainstays in the team.

Same could definitely be said about Michael Obafemi - and Aaron Connolly even?

[SkStu]

Jonathan Hill confirms Stephen Kenny will be in charge for remaining three games of Euro 2024 campaign and friendly with New Zealand

Suggests full in-depth review will take place then

Per Dan McDonnell.

Cant agree that this is the best thing to do for all concerned. As tets says, he is a lame duck - he knows it, the players know it, the fans know it. Keeping him there (unless there are significant financial implications to terminating) is no good for anyone. Even a caretaker role would be better for all concerned.

[ifk101]

Same could definitely be said about Michael Obafemi - and Aaron Connolly even?

Parrott as well. Just took those 3 names as they are in the top 5 of capped players by Kenny. The other two in the top 5, McClean and Hendrick, were given debuts by Trapattoni.

[Kingdom]

Jonathan Hill confirms Stephen Kenny will be in charge for remaining three games of Euro 2024 campaign and friendly with New Zealand

Suggests full in-depth review will take place then

Per Dan McDonnell.

- The FAI have looked at the playing population and feel there isn't a whole lot more that someone other than SK can extract from whats available, at a price that can be afforded; or
- The Media "ins" in the FAI aren't what they appear to be (therefore they've no credibility - John Fallon looks to be particularly guillable in this regard) regarding providing an accurate FAI position post-NL;
- As crowds have held (with a disclaimer), the need to push the big red button isn't as pressing just yet;
- the FAI are/were in the process of sounding someone else out and realise the wages just are too much;
- The FAI is in ever worse financial state than we thought;

I'm wondering about the timing of the John Giles soundbyte now after seeing the McDonnell tweet. It came out of nowhere and was a real surprise.

[Kingdom]

If Jonathan Hill thinks fans like me are making another 200+ mile round trip to watch this crap again he needs to get out for some fresh air and a think.

I wonder what Lansdowne Road looks like with <20,000 people in there.

Those of us who've been there for 20k attendances know what it looks like :-)

[SkStu]

Those of us who've been there for 20k attendances know what it looks like :-)

toilet bowl half full or half empty?

[tetsujin1979]

there's nothing there?

Fixed it, hadn't pased the twitter id correctly

[third policeman]

Cant agree that this is the best thing to do for all concerned. As tets says, he is a lame duck - he knows it, the players know it, the fans know it. Keeping him there (unless there are significant financial implications to terminating) is no good for anyone. Even a caretaker role would be better for all concerned.

I know it’s not going to happen, but he should actually resign. It’s all done, and it would be clearly be helpful for the succession if he went now.

[Colbert Report]

I'm not sure why there's such a big discussion over how many players a manager has given a debut to. There's no manager in the world that would ignore a talent like Evan Ferguson. Why should Stephen Kenny, or any other manager for that matter, get credit for picking him?

Surely Steve Staunton must have given out about a dozen debuts on that trip to America in 2007 or so when we played Ecuador and someone else? Does he get credit for picking Joseph Lapira?

[seanfhear]

I'm not sure why there's such a big discussion over how many players a manager has given a debut to. There's no manager in the world that would ignore a talent like Evan Ferguson. Why should Stephen Kenny, or any other manager for that matter, get credit for picking him?

Surely Steve Staunton must have given out about a dozen debuts on that trip to America in 2007 or so when we played Ecuador and someone else? Does he get credit for picking Joseph Lapira?Maybe from Joseph Lapira.

[third policeman]

Don’t know how many times I’ve heard the line that “no-one could have done better with these players” excuse. Worth remembering that Anthony Barry seems to have managed to do it.

[tetsujin1979]

I'm not sure why there's such a big discussion over how many players a manager has given a debut to. There's no manager in the world that would ignore a talent like Evan Ferguson. Why should Stephen Kenny, or any other manager for that matter, get credit for picking him?

Surely Steve Staunton must have given out about a dozen debuts on that trip to America in 2007 or so when we played Ecuador and someone else? Does he get credit for picking Joseph Lapira?
Because, when O'Neill was sacked, one of the criticisms of his, and Trapattoni's, time in charge was that no players were breaking into the team, it was the same players in every squad

[John83]

The dearth of good players in their late 20s is not because O'Neill didn't cap them, it's because they don't exist. There was an understandable frustration that we were continuing to rely on players Glen Whelan and Jonathan Walters, but the idea that it was happening because O'Neill was ignoring good young alternatives is just wrong.

[CraftyToePoke]

SKs celebrations after a poxy late winner v New Zealand after losing two and maybe winning v Gibraltar will be too much for some I'd wager. There are times in this life when it's best to look away.

[Razors left peg]

I thought when Carsleys contract was up at England it coincided with some of his mates in the media pushing his name forward for the job, Dunne and Kilbane especially. I had hoped this meant that some back door discussions had been had between the FAI and Carsley and there was a gentlemans agreement in place. More fool me for thinking the FAI could act like a normal semi well run business.

Instead now we have a lame duck manager, when the 4 coming games could have been preparation for a new guy. We'll end up in a long review process that the FAI always love, they might even try to get Mazars back in for the craic, and at the end of the process we'll end up with Sam Allardyce or Neil Lennon.

Today is utterly depressing

[Stuttgart88]

The dearth of good players in their late 20s is not because O'Neill didn't cap them, it's because they don't exist. There was an understandable frustration that we were continuing to rely on players Glen Whelan and Jonathan Walters, but the idea that it was happening because O'Neill was ignoring good young alternatives is just wrong.I don't think he even knew where to look though and when he did pick an emerging player he'd pick him out of position (not that I can remember any examples now though!).

[CraftyToePoke]

I don't think he even knew where to look though and when he did pick an emerging player he'd pick him out of position (not that I can remember any examples now though!).

How could you forget Cyrus C in midfield having been told to run around and add energy ? ;)

[elatedscum]

The dearth of good players in their late 20s is not because O'Neill didn't cap them, it's because they don't exist. There was an understandable frustration that we were continuing to rely on players Glen Whelan and Jonathan Walters, but the idea that it was happening because O'Neill was ignoring good young alternatives is just wrong.

We'd have Jack Grealish if MON wasn't so conservative and **** at bringing through young talent. Remember seeing him play for Notts County at 18 and it was obvious how special he was and that he was ready to play international football. And MON waited until Jack was doing it for Villa.

Listen to Obafemi's interview from summer, https://x.com/offtheball/status/1661387829388410881?s=20 That's how bad he was. I guarantee you if I was in charge, Rice would also have been capped nine months before he was capped by MON

[nigel-harps1954]

If Jonathan Hill thinks fans like me are making another 200+ mile round trip to watch this crap again he needs to get out for some fresh air and a think.

I wonder what Lansdowne Road looks like with <20,000 people in there.

Did you forget Martin O'Neills final home game? I think there were about 17,000 that day against Northern Ireland, with the away side heaving full and the rest of the ground embarrassingly empty.

If fans like you want to stay at home, you're welcome to, but the rest of us will still make our 200+ mile round trip.

[ontheotherhand]

The FAI clearly have no resources to do the multiple jobs that need to be done and that includes finding a new manager apparently.

As McDonnell said on his podcast, the real focus should be on securing a large chunk of the money going to dog and horse racing so we can develop football in the country to a point where we are competitive again. That should be the one and only thing they are focused on. Instead we have a managerial replacement circus and a strategic plan that was never attainable.

I don't even care if the money goes towards helping players get to other countries for their development. That is, at least, a plan and Luxembourg seem to have implemented a version of it well although their plan included domestic investment. (https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/luxembourg-s-emphatic-rise-has-created-an-unforeseen-problem-1.4521217)

The saddest thing about Kenny not working out is the amount of people who seem to think it's completely down to him. In reality, his struggles against the likes of Luxembourg paint a far grimmer picture. They invest, we do not. They have been planning for decades while we've been neglecting. We are sliding down the rankings for a reason. The FAI is in a complete shambles.

But Carsley should sort it all out. No bother.

[nigel-harps1954]

The FAI clearly have no resources to do the multiple jobs that need to be done and that includes finding a new manager apparently.

As McDonnell said on his podcast, the real focus should be on securing a large chunk of the money going to dog and horse racing so we can develop football in the country to a point where we are competitive again. That should be the one and only thing they are focused on. Instead we have a managerial replacement circus and a strategic plan that was never attainable.

I don't even care if the money goes towards helping players get to other countries for their development. That is, at least, a plan and Luxembourg seem to have implemented a version of it well although their plan included domestic investment. (https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/luxembourg-s-emphatic-rise-has-created-an-unforeseen-problem-1.4521217)

The saddest thing about Kenny not working out is the amount of people who seem to think it's completely down to him. In reality, his struggles against the likes of Luxembourg paint a far grimmer picture. They invest, we do not. They have been planning for decades while we've been neglecting. We are sliding down the rankings for a reason. The FAI is in a complete shambles.

But Carsley should sort it all out. No bother.


Nail on the head for me. Couldn't agree more.

[Crosby87]

What ever happened to Traps assistant, Tardelli? He wouldn't be a bad hire.

[Jolly Red Giant]

What ever happened to Traps assistant, Tardelli? He wouldn't be a bad hire.

Like Trapp - Tardelli is old school Italian - park the bus outside the penalty area and hope to win 1-0.

Besides he hasn't had a job since he left Ireland in 2013.

[Jolly Red Giant]

I thought when Carsleys contract was up at England it coincided with some of his mates in the media pushing his name forward for the job, Dunne and Kilbane especially. I had hoped this meant that some back door discussions had been had between the FAI and Carsley and there was a gentlemans agreement in place. More fool me for thinking the FAI could act like a normal semi well run business.

Instead now we have a lame duck manager, when the 4 coming games could have been preparation for a new guy. We'll end up in a long review process that the FAI always love, they might even try to get Mazars back in for the craic, and at the end of the process we'll end up with Sam Allardyce or Neil Lennon.

Today is utterly depressing
There could be two football reasons why they are keeping Kenny for the moment.

1. They want Carsley and can't afford any compo - so they are waiting for his current contract to run out - which may be in the new year (he was offered a new contract in July - there was a break clause in the contract then - which is when the FAI should have acted if they really want him). On top of that, apparently Carsley has expressed an interest in a club job - so he may not want to stay in the international set-up - and he is also being touted as Southgate's replacement in 18 months.
2. They know they can't get Carsley and are eyeing someone else who may be out of contract in the new year - e.g. Chris Hughton's contract with Ghana is up after AFCON in January.

[CraftyToePoke]

Today is indeed strange particularly the wording that there will be a review after the friendly, after the campaign. Kenny himself looked like he thought he was going in the Dutch post match, looked absolutely beaten by this, so why did the FAI wrestle him on the break clauses in this present contract only to not avail of them ? Would the play off chance still having a vague pulse protect him in the contract ?

I don't accept they haven't been working on this to be honest, they must have been. So it's either someone is lined up from November, or the unmentioned nuclear option that they don't consider Kenny's results to be far below the ceiling of what can be reasonably expected of this squad with particular reference to midfield options available.

Would people sounded out have balked at the qualification requirement and passed on it leaving them stuck with what they have and having to think again ?

All very strange as I say, but this should be over this week & yet it isn't.

[Fixer82]

Yes I’m looking at it like they’re letting SK contract run out and have Carsley ready to go.
Maybe that’s wishful thinking but it would make sense financially

[JR89]

There could be two football reasons why they are keeping Kenny for the moment.

1. They want Carsley and can't afford any compo - so they are waiting for his current contract to run out - which may be in the new year (he was offered a new contract in July - there was a break clause in the contract then - which is when the FAI should have acted if they really want him). On top of that, apparently Carsley has expressed an interest in a club job - so he may not want to stay in the international set-up - and he is also being touted as Southgate's replacement in 18 months.
2. They know they can't get Carsley and are eyeing someone else who may be out of contract in the new year - e.g. Chris Hughton's contract with Ghana is up after AFCON in January.

Most places I've seen say Hughtons contract is until December 31st 2024.

[backstothewall]

Those of us who've been there for 20k attendances know what it looks like :-)

When did we ever do less than 20,000 since the rebuild? As one of the 27,000 who showed up to see us play Oman the second time, I just assumed that was as low as it's gone since the days of Eoin Hand.

[TrapAPony]

Yes I’m looking at it like they’re letting SK contract run out and have Carsley ready to go.
Maybe that’s wishful thinking but it would make sense financially

I know he won the U21 Euros but I'd be unsure of Carsley at this level tbh. I also do not see an up & coming coach going to bother with us anyway. They would be gone at the 1st offer of an English club job. John Eustace & Anthony Barry were here 5 minutes, Carsley would be the same IMO.

Steve Bruce is now the bookies favourite and I think that is far more realistic tbh. He is the right age for the job, has a good managerial CV, a respected playing career, Irish connection, knows what we are about, no compensation to be paid to get him & might grab a few granny rulers to boost our squad.

[ifk101]

Can understand why the FAI are giving Kenny four more games to turn it around if Steve Bruce is the available alternative.

[seanfhear]

Steve Bruce = = Ah, God Help Us.

[ontheotherhand]

Thought I'd clicked on a thread from 2007 there.

[SkStu]

What about Roddy Collins?