Originally Posted by
samhaydenjr
Actually, he didn't... it was a combination of our UEFA National Team Coefficient ranking putting us into League B of the Nations League and the fact that more than 14 teams from Leagues A and B qualified through the main process. You're definitely right to note that Mick did well in quickly integrating ascendant players into the squad (McGoldrick, Egan, Robinson, Stevens, Doherty), so Kenny will have a settled team, and will be able to call on the likes of Connolly, Parrott, Hogan, Cullen, Travers, Browne and O'Connor knowing that they have at least some international action under their belts.
That said, I was really hoping that the FAI would have thought outside the box on this one, especially considering the circumstances. Surely it would have been possible to defer Mick's payment for July and/or June, allow him to take up the reins for the playoffs, and have the option of giving him a short-term contract for the Finals. Kenny could still be have been in charge for the World Cup and Nations League, if it happens. Plus, it may have freed up Kenny to continue with the U21s, depending on when they see action again.
I just hope it doesn't end up like the last time we let Mick go prematurely and replaced him with a successful LOI and underage manager