The Next Ireland Manager

[Bielsa´s irish]

he defeated Barcelona, that Barcelona, I judge him for the CL record and he qualified to the last 16 and went to group stages most of the times

[Kingdom]

There was a reference to approaching Jim Goodwin. I would say that's an interesting proposition. I would also say that I don't think his approach would be entirely different from Kenny's (in philosophy). It's unlikely that taking the Ireland role and it being a disaster (or akin to what it currently is) would affect his standing in Scotland or in the English lower leagues post Ireland.

There would still be a huge amount of "who?" factor though.

Crucially, you'd have to imagine he'd be within the financial bracket that we're looking at, or that a package could be put together that would be appealing to both parties with success being a topper-upper.

[ifk101]

My list for next manager.

1. Robbie Keane. No extra expense as paid already.
2. Stan. Everyone deserves a second chance.
3. Mick McCarthy. Everyone deserves a third chance.
4. FAI players selection committee/ alternative foot.ie poll. Players organise themselves on match day.
5. A washed up lower Brit league manager looking for a job.

[John83]

What's Lord Buckethead doing these days?

[Kingdom]

My list for next manager.

1. Robbie Keane. No extra expense as paid already.
2. Stan. Everyone deserves a second chance.
3. Mick McCarthy. Everyone deserves a third chance.
4. FAI players selection committee/ alternative foot.ie poll. Players organise themselves on match day.
5. A washed up lower Brit league manager looking for a job.

Skstu's suggestion of slitting throats and bleeding out is becoming a nice proposition...

[Diggs246]

Just one more thing on chris wilder. ( I know he may not want it etc) but his formation of choice 3 5 2 would suit us as we saw v Portugal. I know there is more to being a manager then that but I wouldnt rule him out. I think we will have to invest extra funds for him and like all investments there is risks involved. I would also suggest to offer him 500k with a massive bonus for qualifying. Sweden used to do that and possibly still do. The names on "kingdoms list"!! Are by and large a disaster

[Bielsa´s irish]

now Mark Lawrenson is supporting the idea from Paul McGrath. Veterans Paul McGrath and Mark Lawrenson against Kenny??

[Bielsa´s irish]

ive got to admit I admire the passion of Lawrenson for the irish shirt

[brine3]

I'd still like to know if the team video is the real reason the Duffer left.

[brine3]

Just one more thing on chris wilder. ( I know he may not want it etc) but his formation of choice 3 5 2 would suit us as we saw v Portugal. I know there is more to being a manager then that but I wouldnt rule him out. I think we will have to invest extra funds for him and like all investments there is risks involved. I would also suggest to offer him 500k with a massive bonus for qualifying. Sweden used to do that and possibly still do. The names on "kingdoms list"!! Are by and large a disaster

Yeah took them up from League 1 to PL and then got sacked. Very harsh.

[zero]

It would still be Hughton for me. I know his stock has fallen a bit (and he is still currently employed!) but he is a very decent guy and his teams play decent stuff. He was solid at Newcastle, Brighton and Norwich.

He has said in the past that he felt too young for international management but with dwindling options at club level should he lose his job at Forest and now in his 62 year it should be mutually beneficial were he to be appointed ahead of the nations league campaign.

Obviously SK still has 4 games left to convince people he's worth a contract extension. I'd rather him remain than Lennon or Keane coming in.

[Kingdom]

On Hughton, it cannot be overlooked that he was the coach of Kerr's team. I know he received a lot of praise for his coaching, but that was a relatively drab Ireland team on the pitch despite being relatively glossy on paper. If Keane is associated with the calamity of O'Neill's style, then the same can't be ignored for Hughton. His club career hasn't been more Gruner Veltliner than Cava to be fair too.

[Diggs246]

On Hughton, it cannot be overlooked that he was the coach of Kerr's team. I know he received a lot of praise for his coaching, but that was a relatively drab Ireland team on the pitch despite being relatively glossy on paper. If Keane is associated with the calamity of O'Neill's style, then the same can't be ignored for Hughton. His club career hasn't been more Gruner Veltliner than Cava to be fair too.

No dice. Hughton was what an assistant manager should be an assistant. Keane was a bellend pop star, with a few whitty gags. Keane had already had the highlight of his managerial career with Sunderland. Hughton would after the Irish job go on to do an excellent job with several clubs

[ifk101]

There's no obvious choice - all on the potential lists have (many) faults. Anybody with credentials won't take the job and we can't afford them anyways. The current manager has a contract that runs out in the middle of the next qualification campaign. What an utter mess. I think you have to stick with Kenny until his contract expires and hope he can turn it around in the meantime.

[backstothewall]

Just one more thing on chris wilder. ( I know he may not want it etc) but his formation of choice 3 5 2 would suit us as we saw v Portugal. I know there is more to being a manager then that but I wouldnt rule him out. I think we will have to invest extra funds for him and like all investments there is risks involved. I would also suggest to offer him 500k with a massive bonus for qualifying. Sweden used to do that and possibly still do. The names on "kingdoms list"!! Are by and large a disaster

While it's true that his system would fit the players we have right now, in 2 years we could have a totally different looking squad.

Having watched a decade of Trapattoni, O'Neill and Kenny desperately trying to smash square pegs into the round holes they've cut out for themselves, I think we need someone who will come in, pick the best players, and then train them in a system to get the best out of their strengths, and exploit the weaknesses of the opposition.

[Stuttgart88]

While it's true that his system would fit the players we have right now, in 2 years we could have a totally different looking squad.

Having watched a decade of Trapattoni, O'Neill and Kenny desperately trying to smash square pegs into the round holes they've cut out for themselves, I think we need someone who will come in, pick the best players, and then train them in a system to get the best out of their strengths, and exploit the weaknesses of the opposition.
Maybe but there isn't a system on the planet these days that overlooks the basics principles that Kenny talks about - bravery on the ball, being comfortable and cohesive on the ball. Formations and team selections notwithstanding, using the ball well has to feature. That's what annoys me with Kenny most. He talks about what he wants and it's probably what we all want, but a lot of the time he just doesn't pick an XI capable of delivering it.

[Strongbow10]

There was a reference to approaching Jim Goodwin. I would say that's an interesting proposition. I would also say that I don't think his approach would be entirely different from Kenny's (in philosophy). It's unlikely that taking the Ireland role and it being a disaster (or akin to what it currently is) would affect his standing in Scotland or in the English lower leagues post Ireland.

There would still be a huge amount of "who?" factor though.

Crucially, you'd have to imagine he'd be within the financial bracket that we're looking at, or that a package could be put together that would be appealing to both parties with success being a topper-upper.

Jim Goodwin could be an inspired kind of choice, but my worry is he would be doomed from the beginning as Irish fans who are used to calling for Mourinho/Moyes/Tuchel/Klopp/Solskjaers head every weekend will be asking who the hell he is!!

Discussion on who should be the next Ireland manager is a joke in itself, question should be whats being done with the game as a whole on this island.

[Stuttgart88]

Goodwin is definitely one to keep an eye on.

[MylesNotMiley]

Lars Lagerback anyone?

Experienced international coach.
WCs & Euros experience with Sweden.
Big part of Iceland's success over recent years.
Not so great with Norway, but they sacked him just as their young players are starting to come good.

[pineapple stu]

73 now and seems to have a cushty advisory role with the Icelandic FA. Sounds ideal at his age.

[MylesNotMiley]

Yeah, he already came out of retirement to take the Norwegian job - unlikely to be interested in going again at 73.

[mark12345]

An awful lot of names being bandied about. So what is the goal of a new manager if and when he comes? Get us more organized and stop the slide of defeats/draws? But will he be able to qualify Ireland for the next Euros? Is that an unachievable goal with the current squad? As soon as the window of qualification closes he will be the next managerial casualty. And then the clamour will be for us to play more constructive football (a la what SK is doing now). Vicious circle.

[Colbert Report]

I'd settle for a manager who can keep us from finishing bottom of the group. I don't think people realize the long term implications in terms of seeding when discussing the disaster that is our current managerial situation.

[Diggs246]

An awful lot of names being bandied about. So what is the goal of a new manager if and when he comes? Get us more organized and stop the slide of defeats/draws? But will he be able to qualify Ireland for the next Euros? Is that an unachievable goal with the current squad? As soon as the window of qualification closes he will be the next managerial casualty. And then the clamour will be for us to play more constructive football (a la what SK is doing now). Vicious circle.

I think qualification for EURO 2024 is what we want.
For the team and the country to play football on the ground, we need to start from the ground up and that might take more time then we have
in relation to long term planning we need a fully professional league with proper stadia, pros on a minimum of 90k a year and with proper post career opportunities and education n place .

[pineapple stu]

Euro 2024 qualification can't be a realistic target. I think we need to get that out of the way early doors tbh.

[jbyrne]

Euro 2024 qualification can't be a realistic target. I think we need to get that out of the way early doors tbh.

of course it is. being one of the 24 out of 55 teams is a realistic target.
i thinks its fair to expect a decent number of our current crop of younger players to become something.
no way it can be accepted to write off the next euros

[Diggs246]

Euro 2024 qualification can't be a realistic target. I think we need to get that out of the way early doors tbh.
I really dont agree. Its 2 automatic places with a NL play off possibility as well.

[pineapple stu]

You have seen the current group table for WC qualifying, yep?

You can say we should be ahead of Luxembourg - but we're not - but we're miles behind Serbia and Portugal. Also, we're currently ranked 31 in Europe.

Of course we should be trying to qualify and we should be trying to win all our games, but I wouldn't be coming out and saying qualification is what we want in a new manager.

[Diggs246]

You have seen the current group table for WC qualifying, yep?

You can say we should be ahead of Luxembourg - but we're not - but we're miles behind Serbia and Portugal. Also, we're currently ranked 31 in Europe.

Of course we should be trying to qualify and we should be trying to win all our games, but I wouldn't be coming out and saying qualification is what we want in a new manager.
I would. I think you are being too kind to Kenny. A new manager could easily have us in the mix. He hasnt done a good job. One of the lads was saying that under Kenny our competitive top scorer is shane Duffy. So for all the horse **** about pretending we can be xavi and pirlo. at the end of the day it was shane duffy our centre half that has possibly kept him in a job with set piece goals.

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

of course it is. being one of the 24 out of 55 teams is a realistic target.
i thinks its fair to expect a decent number of our current crop of younger players to become something.
no way it can be accepted to write off the next euros

Of course it can't. It seems like some are buying into the Kenny bullsh1t. Results don't matter, it's about building for the future. That's complete nonsense. He's already failed to qualify for the euros, had a dreadful Nations league and has us bottom and out of World Cup qualification. All this with little to no encouraging signs on the pitch. No matter who we appoint as the next manager, they can't possibly do worse than Kenny has done.

[Real ale Madrid]

We are still in League B so we will probably get into the playoffs anyway for 2024. Nobody from League A or B was left out last time. I think with that in mind I think its an ideal time to give a manager a good amount of time.

[pineapple stu]

I would. I think you are being too kind to Kenny. A new manager could easily have us in the mix. He hasnt done a good job. One of the lads was saying that under Kenny our competitive top scorer is shane Duffy. So for all the horse **** about pretending we can be xavi and pirlo. at the end of the day it was shane duffy our centre half that has possibly kept him in a job with set piece goals.
I don't think we've bottomed out under Kenny yet. John83 did a stat yesterday which showed our Elo rating under Kenny was 1483 - that would have us 41st in Europe. So saying that we're ranked 31st now is like looking at a Premier League team in, say, 12th but on a run of eight defeats in a row and freefall towards relegation - you're hoping the a manager can get them back up to 12th. That's the way I view things at the moment.

[Diggs246]

As you know, football is a funny old game. First game in the euro 24 qualifiers goes our way and boom the country gets behind BigSams army!@!

[seanfhear]

There’s definitely blood in the water with all the posts on here.

[Kingdom]

We are still in League B so we will probably get into the playoffs anyway for 2024. Nobody from League A or B was left out last time. I think with that in mind I think its an ideal time to give a manager a good amount of time.

Qualifying format isn't confirmed yet, but 10 UEFA qualifying groups, 20 spots based on your group finish. That leaves 3 spots to be contested - so something different has to happen compared to 2020 qualifying. I guess that UEFA could be guaranteed that all NL A teams will qualify automatically, which would mean you would only have to provide 3 spots for leagues B, C & D. You could allow for only 9 runner's up qualifying automatically and hope that one of the big boys doesn't have a calamity (Uefa thinking not mine).
Then you would have playoffs as per last time between each NL group winner (or next best ranked).

Bosnia, Finland, Ireland, Armenia. That's a potential NL group for us. Could we top it? Yes, in some fantasy land world where players have developed further, and or a new manager is in place with a different tactical plan, yes. So a play off is absolutely possible. As per the calendar, play-off games would likely one off affairs.

[osarusan]

There was a a report leaked last year, it was a survey about wages in EFL clubs around England.

I think the average salary for managers in the championship was £878,000 a year, League 1 was £182,000 a year, and League 2 was £80,000.

Surely there's a manager in League 1 with, firstly, a good few years in the English system where they are able to hold their own, and secondly, a decent track record of bringing young players through and turning them into decent players. Obviously it won't be an amazing managerial record, but a decent record.

That would be a clear improvement over Kenny in my opinion, and doesn't have to break the bank at all.

[osarusan]

Here's the list of managers in the EPL and EFL. By default it's ordered by length of time at their current club, but if you click on 'Division' it'll reorder starting with EPL. You can scroll down to the list of League 1 managers (still ordered by length of time at the club).

EDIT: forgot link! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_Premier_League_and_English_Footbal l_League_managers

Paul Cook is one name I'd be happy enough with from that list. Not doing too well with Ipswich right now, but has been around a while, has League 2 (twice) and League 1 titles under his belt, has something of an Irish connection and an understanding of the the domestic scene.

[Diggs246]

Here's the list of managers in the EPL and EFL. By default it's ordered by length of time at their current club, but if you click on 'Division' it'll reorder starting with EPL. You can scroll down to the list of League 1 managers (still ordered by length of time at the club).

Paul Cook is one name I'd be happy enough with from that list. Not doing too well with Ipswich right now, but has been around a while, has League 2 (twice) and League 1 titles under his belt, has something of an Irish connection and an understanding of the the domestic scene.
Any sligo rovers fans here, re the rumour that he left loads of bar and restaurant tabs unpaid after he left? It could be nonsense but have heard it more than once

[Fizzer]

I’d actually stick with Kenny for a bit yet, but if he does go I’d like to see Eddie Howe in the conversation.

[tetsujin1979]

Here's the list of managers in the EPL and EFL. By default it's ordered by length of time at their current club, but if you click on 'Division' it'll reorder starting with EPL. You can scroll down to the list of League 1 managers (still ordered by length of time at the club).

Paul Cook is one name I'd be happy enough with from that list. Not doing too well with Ipswich right now, but has been around a while, has League 2 (twice) and League 1 titles under his belt, has something of an Irish connection and an understanding of the the domestic scene.
I'm guessing you meant to include this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_Premier_League_and_English_Footbal l_League_managers

[Real ale Madrid]

Qualifying format isn't confirmed yet, but 10 UEFA qualifying groups, 20 spots based on your group finish. That leaves 3 spots to be contested - so something different has to happen compared to 2020 qualifying. I guess that UEFA could be guaranteed that all NL A teams will qualify automatically, which would mean you would only have to provide 3 spots for leagues B, C & D. You could allow for only 9 runner's up qualifying automatically and hope that one of the big boys doesn't have a calamity (Uefa thinking not mine).

Then you would have playoffs as per last time between each NL group winner (or next best ranked).



Bosnia, Finland, Ireland, Armenia. That's a potential NL group for us. Could we top it? Yes, in some fantasy land world where players have developed further, and or a new manager is in place with a different tactical plan, yes. So a play off is absolutely possible. As per the calendar, play-off games would likely one off affairs.



Yes, I see that there are 16 teams in leagues A, B and C now - so 32 teams in leagues A & B. I'd imagine they will keep 1 playoff solely to League C teams - therefore there will be say 20 main path qualifiers which in theory will all come from the 32 teams in leagues A & B so that would leave 11 teams (excl Germany) looking for 8 playoff spots for 2 places. So not as a sure thing as I had thought but still - a very high % chance we would be involved.

[weldoninhio]

from the bunch i would get Neil Lennon because he is younger and has won a few things, he is not a bad manager. i would judge him because of Hibernian than Celtic and he did very good. Plus Martin O Neill could be behind that appointment and that would be great, You need to get a guy who indentifies with your people and history, first a sense of belonging with the irish and celtic culture, someone who comprehend that issue and is part of the community.

I have always championed for Gus Hiddink for the Republic of Ireland national team.

Neil Lennon is not a good manager. He also seems to have his own personal demons that effect his management. He absolutely destroyed Celtic last season. I think he needs a year or two out of the spotlight to work through his personal demons before he takes another job, if anyone would offer him one after last season.

[dynamo kerry]

eh..
why aren't we considering non-traditional managers
Lee Carsley
Steven Reid
Damien Duff

or JoSh

or Richard Dunne - lure him back from Monte Carlo..

No idea why we feel we need to go for one of the merry go round managers who are "names"...

I'm all for giving Kenny time. there are already big wins in terms of new players and I'm not sure what a new manager will do differently that will really add value. the snag is of course our coefficient is getting hammered..I personally can live with that.

if he has to go, I'd offer the job to Carsley and if declines (reasonable, England U21 is a big job), interview any of Duff, Reid etc who want the job and pick the best one. affordable and more emotional ties to the team.

Lennon - too much baggage
Van Gaal - can't see it (was mentioned 20 years ago)
Roy - not the right man for this group I fear
Robbie - would feel like a "Hoddle" appointment - loves the game, maybe struggle to translate that into a plan

[Stuttgart88]

Duff has baggage I think and seems to have a pretty thin skin. Never seems to stay in a job for very long. Still not sure why he quit the Kenny set up but it didn't look good.

[dynamo kerry]

Duff has baggage I think and seems to have a pretty thin skin. Never seems to stay in a job for very long. Still not sure why he quit the Kenny set up but it didn't look good.

That is a fair point. I just did a few searches looking for something indicating why he dropped out - nothing out there. I don't in any way feel inclined to disagree about the thin skinned comment - there's no evidence to suggest it's not a valid theory. I still think offering Carsley the job should be done if it hasn't been already. If we think like Rugby for a moment it's a good career move for him.

I'd forgotten Hughton - Chris would be an interesting choice in my book too.

Allardyce would have me seriously reconsidering buying my season ticket.

[SkStu]

The last couple of weeks has seen the Kenny Out campaign go from "he only has pub league management experience" as the main stick to beat him with to "we should appoint people with no management experience". Bizarre. Its "frying pan to the fire" stuff lads.

In one of the more insane posts, there was a call for any manager from League One in England to be appointed because the non-existent manager would just automatically be better than Kenny. He just would. Paul Cook's name was subsequently put forward as the candidate of choice. Sorry, what?!

Sam Allardyce also being put forward as the saviour of Irish football by some.

Through the looking glass...

[zero]

The last couple of weeks has seen the Kenny Out campaign go from "he only has pub league management experience" as the main stick to beat him with to "we should appoint people with no management experience". Bizarre. Its "frying pan to the fire" stuff lads.

In one of the more insane posts, there was a call for any manager from League One in England to be appointed because the non-existent manager would just automatically be better than Kenny. He just would. Paul Cook's name was subsequently put forward as the candidate of choice. Sorry, what?!

Sam Allardyce also being put forward as the saviour of Irish football by some.

Through the looking glass...

by the same token, the pro SK camp are now saying he should stay on indefinitely no matter what the results are as there are no viable alternatives...

[SkStu]

Indefinitely? Don't think so. I haven't seen any/much of that at all. To the end of this campaign, sure. Results (rate of wins) then the only consideration as to whether he should take the reigns for the next campaign.

Even then, the candidate list is not inspiring. At all. And the task is no less formidable.

[Diggs246]

The last couple of weeks has seen the Kenny Out campaign go from "he only has pub league management experience" as the main stick to beat him with to "we should appoint people with no management experience". Bizarre. Its "frying pan to the fire" stuff lads.

In one of the more insane posts, there was a call for any manager from League One in England to be appointed because the non-existent manager would just automatically be better than Kenny. He just would. Paul Cook's name was subsequently put forward as the candidate of choice. Sorry, what?!

Sam Allardyce also being put forward as the saviour of Irish football by some.

Through the looking glass...

Im with you on Paul cooke no thanks

but can I just ask a direct question, would you object to either chis hughton or Chis wilder? and if so why?
( obviously only of kenny is sacked )

[zero]

Indefinitely? Don't think so. I haven't seen any/much of that at all. To the end of this campaign, sure. Results (rate of wins) then the only consideration as to whether he should take the reigns for the next campaign.

Even then, the candidate list is not inspiring. At all. And the task is no less formidable.

I should have said 'elements within the pro SK camp'. There have been a few that have said they'd like him to stay on for the euro campaign which implies a contract extension. I certainly wouldn't advocate getting rid of him until his contract is up unless there's a very compelling reason to i.e. a manager we want becomes available and is keen.

I think there needs to be a marked improvement in results (not just the subjective 'performance' element) before considering renewing his contract.