Robson in the running as Republic race hots up
football365 Bryan Robson has confirmed he wants to be the new Republic of Ireland manager as the Football Association of Ireland prepared to interview applicants for the job.
The 46-year-old former Middlesbrough boss, reported to be the FAI's preferred choice, said he has made them aware of his interest in the post.
Ex-Northern Ireland coach Bryan Hamilton, employed by the Association to draw up a shortlist of candidates, handed his dossier to FAI president Milo Corcoran in Dublin on Tuesday night.
And Robson, the bookmakers' red-hot favourite at even money, said: "Everybody knows I've got an interest in the job - but I'm not sure what Bryan Hamilton's done with his list."
Corcoran, acting general secretary Kevin Fahy and treasurer John Delaney, aiming to appoint Mick McCarthy's successor within a fortnight, will now hold final interviews with the shortlisted candidates.
"The quality of the field is very impressive," said Hamilton. adding that he had been particularly impressed by the "level of desire shown for the position".
Old Trafford legend Robson made 464 appearances for Manchester United and won 90 caps for England. He joined Middlesbrough as player-manager in 1994 and was at the helm at the Riverside until his departure in the summer of 2001.
Bookmakers William Hill have slashed his odds on becoming the new Republic boss from 7/4 to evens.
