New Irish manager

[Stuttgart88]

Appointment imminent but FAI urge patience
Paul O'Hehir
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

The appointment of the next Republic of Ireland manager is imminent but FAI chief executive John Delaney has urged football fans to be "a small bit more patient".

The FAI board will discuss the vacancy tonight and although Delaney says the meeting will be "significant", the appointment of Steve Staunton's successor is not expected to be finalised.

The three-man recruitment panel of Don Givens, Don Howe and Ray Houghton - charged with finding the new manager - have compiled a progress report which Givens will present to the 10-man board.

It was hoped the trio would present the name of their preferred candidate which the board would then ratify and install before the Brazil friendly on February 6th.

But Givens - who has been Ireland's caretaker boss since Staunton's departure in October - will name the squad for that game on Thursday and is also likely to be in charge on the night.

Still, it is possible the new boss will be announced ahead of the Brazil game but, owing to the close proximity of the fixture, adopt a watching brief and take charge afterwards.

"What I would say to people is to be a small bit more patient but we are definitely very close to the next appointment, there's no doubt about that," Delaney told RTE Radio this morning.

"I don' think it was ever said a manager would be appointed for the Brazil game. It was said it wasn't compulsory but would be nice if we did. But we've a board meeting (tonight) and that will be a significant board meeting in my opinion.

"Don (Givens) is going to come and give a report on the sub committee's workings to date between Ray Houghton, Don Howe and himself. I met the three guys last week and I was hugely encouraged by what they've done to date.

"Tonight's board meeting will be a significant board meeting in terms of arriving at the new manager to manage the Irish team."

Terry Venables is still the frontrunner for the job although Gerard Houllier is also in contention despite weekend reports suggesting he had withdrawn from the race. Kenny Dalglish, Liam Brady and Glenn Hoddle are also believed to be in the running.

Delaney said most candidates who had expressed an interest in the vacant position had been interviewed although the recruitment panel reportedly still have to meet both Lawrie Sanchez and Billy Davies.

"We've had a hell of a lot of interest in the job, based on two reasons," added Delaney. "Certainly the squad of players available to the new manager are better than the ones that maybe Stephen Staunton would have inherited a couple of years ago. I think that's one of the positive legacies of Stephen's time.

"But we're also prepared to pay up to a seven figure sum here to ensure that we can try and get the best manager to manage Ireland going forward. What I would say to people is to be a small bit more patient but we are definitely very close to the next appointment, there's no doubt about that."

© 2008 ireland.com

[geysir]

It's the money that talks loudest when it comes attracting managers.

Fair enough that they are not rushing into an appointment just to satisfy those who can't take the not knowing any longer.

[irlphily]

everyone in the office here agrees no way to El Tel!! he'll spend his time buying up NightClubs in Dublin, we will be drinking in 'Venners' this time next year

[lionelhutz]

It's the money that talks loudest when it comes attracting managers.

Fair enough that they are not rushing into an appointment just to satisfy those who can't take the not knowing any longer.

Spot on. I know it would be helpful to have the new manager in place for the Brazil game but I'd much prefer they get the right man in 2 months rather than a rushed decision now - just cause Roy et al are taking the p*ss out of the process

[citizenerased]

always comes back to Roy....ffs

[cheifo]

Who in undergoodness voted for Sam?:eek:

[Noelys Guitar]

Houghton has said on Skysports that he is not ready to recommend a new manager. What a joke. He is speaking for himself. Givens is off doing his coaching badges. Howe is proably in Ibiza.

[shakermaker1982]

sure why not wait till September so? What's the rush? Forget forward planning. Sorry for our impatience John - your quick enough sending out ticket invoices but getting a manager? Countries have fallen out, gone to war and made up again in quicker time.

How difficult is it to telephone the 5 best candidates, sit down with em, pick the best man for the job, offer him the job and get him to sign the contract?

[geysir]

If they are not ready to appoint a new manager then thats good news to me, that means that they want somebody better than Venables or that somebody better than Venables is out there.
There could also be some unfinished business with Houllier needing to be wrapped up when he comes to Ireland (this week?).

[gustavo]

Who in undergoodness voted for Sam?:eek:

3 Heroes, as_i_say, Block G Raptor, Drumcondra 69er, gilberto_eire, gspain, Hibs4Ever, holidaysong, HolylandsMan, jackaroo, KevB76, L37Ultra, Lim till i die, nui-harp, patcorr, pmannion, SeanieBoy, SkStu, The Bit O'Red, Youths4Ever

[shakermaker1982]

If they are not ready to appoint a new manager then thats good news to me, that means that they want somebody better than Venables or that somebody better than Venables is out there.
There could also be some unfinished business with Houllier needing to be wrapped up when he comes to Ireland (this week?).


if that was the reason then I'd be content enough with that. Instead it wouldn't surprise me if it's down to some comical error like losing the telephone numbers of the candidates.

[shakermaker1982]

if Didier was available when I voted then I'd have gone for him instead of Houllier.

[Hibernian]

Venables has the job in the bag imo.

Its only matter of time, properly get it this week maybe even tonight when the Board Meeting takes place

[eirebhoy]

if Didier was available when I voted then I'd have gone for him instead of Houllier.
He was.

[Carrigaline]

At this stage, we've missed out on so many good candidates that we'll be lucky to get anyone at all. Might as well just give it to Venables, he's the best of a bad lot at this stage.

[shakermaker1982]

He was.

I must have missed him so, Didier is my choice. :D

[geysir]

Venables has the job in the bag imo.

Its only matter of time, properly get it this week maybe even tonight when the Board Meeting takes place
You could read Delaney's statement like that. Unless there is something of substance behind the bets on Houllier, Delaney's words could be the Venables endorsement.
"Tonight's board meeting will be a significant board meeting in terms of arriving at the new manager to manage the Irish team."

[Hibernian]

You could read Delaney's statement like that. Unless there is something of substance behind the bets on Houllier, Delaney's words could be the Venables endorsement.
"Tonight's board meeting will be a significant board meeting in terms of arriving at the new manager to manage the Irish team."

I hope your right to be honest.

Im am not big fan of El Tel. Would take Houllier in a shot.

His record is good with all clubs including Liverpool where he won more trophies then most around him before and present since 1990. He has worked with France World Cup winners and also impressive with Lyon.

[Noelys Guitar]

Brady is going to be the new bookies Fav within the hour. A lot of money going on him.

[abbeyvale]

Brady is going to be the new bookies Fav within the hour. A lot of money going on him.

Ive heard the same rumour, as much as it pains me to say it.

[KMH2]

Brady is going to be the new bookies Fav within the hour. A lot of money going on him.


brady just went out on pp

[Carrigaline]

What price is he on betfair?

[shakermaker1982]

If Brady gets it then I had to admit I didn't see that one coming.

[Block G Raptor]

If Brady gets it then I had to admit I didn't see that one coming.

If brady get's it I'm taking up going to windsor park FACT

[livehead1]

If Brady gets it then I had to admit I didn't see that one coming.

Shakermaker, do you play any gaa?

[citizenerased]

if brady gets the job its a farce...same old same old crap...The only thing that desuades me from venables having the job is the drifting odds(exchanges)...he would have lumped a lot of cash on himself deffo if he got it...Please let it be the Hou..

[eirebhoy]

Brady's level with Venables on Betfair at just over 4/1. Houllier still the fav.

btw, this is the first thread in this forum to reach 100 pages.

[Hibernian]

Brady is going to be the new bookies Fav within the hour. A lot of money going on him.

ffS if Brady gets the job we might as well forget 2010

jesus christ there no way he can get it nooooooooooooooooooo

Backwards step id rather have stan in there.

[Hibernian]

Brady's level with Venables on Betfair at just over 4/1. Houllier still the fav.

btw, this is the first thread in this forum to reach 100 pages.

Lets have a party

[Bondvillain]

Undependable grapevine says Houllier was set to be ratified, but has informed the FAI of his withdrawal from consideration, citing some kind of dissatisfaction (with the FAI? Quelle surprise!) . Hence no announcement today.

[colster]

If Brady gets it then I had to admit I didn't see that one coming.

I reckon Brady will get the Director of International Performance position.

[Carrigaline]

Undependable grapevine says Houllier was set to be ratified, but has informed the FAI of his withdrawal from consideration, citing some kind of dissatisfaction (with the FAI? Quelle surprise!) . Hence no announcement today.
In fairness now, we've heard so much unsubstantiated nonsense since this whole farce began, that we can pretty much disregard anything that doesn't come from the horses mouth; or so to speak.

[tetsujin1979]

What time is the AGM on today?

[Spider Baby]

Has there been much movement in the market for Tigana? Heard one those "inside stories" that he's been approached! Don't have access here to any betting sites.

[Bondvillain]

In fairness now, we've heard so much unsubstantiated nonsense since this whole farce began, that we can pretty much disregard anything that doesn't come from the horses mouth; or so to speak.

Really? Thanks for that. I genuinely wasn't aware that all 100 pages here contained nothing but pure unsubstantiated speculation.

Boy, is my face red.

[Ireland4ever]

If Brady gets the job you really would have to laugh, after sacking staunton the FAI we were to believe were looking for a manager with a high level of experience. ....A unexperienced ex player, hmmm that sounds familiar (STAN)....a manager who is used to managing kids mainly(Kerr)...The FAI could do the double and repeat the same mistakes of the last two managers in one man!

[Noelys Guitar]

The bookies are manipulating the market again. Brady coming in to 2/1. Tigana reappears at 8/1. PP and the others are making a fortune on this.

[Carrigaline]

Really? Thanks for that. I genuinely wasn't aware that all 100 pages here contained nothing but pure unsubstantiated speculation.

Boy, is my face red.
Don't worry about it, everyone makes mistakes.

[Spider Baby]

Yep, most definitely. 8's now in from 40's this morning so!

[citizenerased]

If Brady gets the job you really would have to laugh, after sacking staunton the FAI we were to believe were looking for a manager with a high level of experience. ....A unexperienced ex player, hmmm that sounds familiar (STAN)....a manager who is used to managing kids mainly(Kerr)...The FAI could do the double and repeat the same mistakes of the last two managers in one man!

Well said I4E....sad but true...why do we fans bother spending all are dough on the team when we are treated with such utter contempt!

[Dr. Ogba]

btw, this is the first thread in this forum to reach 100 pages.

and to celebrate i'm going to start reading from page 1...i'm a bit behind on all the Irish manager goss...

see you all in 5 days...

[Noelys Guitar]

Radio 5 are suggesting that Houghtons comments this morning that "he" is not ready to recommend a candidate means he wants the amigos to interview Souness and possibly Daglish (if Daglish is willing to be interviewed)

[Wolfie]

Im 15, with previous experience of managing clubs like River Plate, Sligo Rovers, Leeds, Barcelona, Plymouth, Arsenal, Preston, Athlone, Spain...and most other clubs...I have won numerous number of Accolades, including 2 F.A. Cups and a Champions League with Preston, Uefa Cup with Leeds and a World Cup with Spain plus more. My philosophy is if a man with Coaching Experience of Walsall assistant manager, im sure i could do just as good a job with my Champ Man exploits.

Sit back and watch as Red&White Rover enters the betting as a certain inter net forum highlights the lads experience (on page 1 of this thread).

Its all over bar the shouting - its Red&Whites job to refuse. A most definite, shoe-in of a dead cert.

[Bondvillain]

Radio 5 are suggesting that Houghtons comments this morning that "he" is not ready to recommend a candidate means he wants the amigos to interview Souness and possibly Daglish (if Daglish is willing to be interviewed)

That theory has been backed up on local news here, suggesting that Houghton's comments could mean that harmony is not complete in Camp Amigo, and he'd like to see more before confirming.

[citizenerased]

Ray ray can go and ***** ..how many more non-entities do they want to interview for the job....jooke!

[Wolfie]

Camp Amigo

Isn't that John Motson's pet name for Mark Lawrenson?

[mackannovic]

Not Ready? In fairness he's had since November to get ready. It's a joke really and the game v Brazil (which I'm assuming is their deadline) will be the punchline to this fiasco. Should they take the finger out and employ someone today, what timeframe does that give any coach to survey over the talents that are at his disposal? What we'll end up with for this match is a squad picked by Givens and a starting XI largely influenced by his opinion. I know it's only a minor friendly but it doesn't exactly give the new man the best platform to start from.

[Stuttgart88]

Radio 5 are suggesting that Houghtons comments this morning that "he" is not ready to recommend a candidate means he wants the amigos to interview Souness and possibly Daglish (if Daglish is willing to be interviewed)Didn't Souness decline interview? He's very well backed for Scotland I think.

[Stuttgart88]

FAI has said the Brazil match is not necessarily the deadline. I agree. Now they've gone so far they should see the process through. If Houghton has his doubts and wants to exhaust all realistic opportunities then that's OK by me. At least he's being thorough.

[cavan_fan]

I just wanted to have post 2007, in honour of the start of this process. By the way I think a good point was made on page 73, though I cant remember it