If Stephen Kenny was to become the next Ireland manager, who are the potential replacements for the Dundalk job ?
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If Stephen Kenny was to become the next Ireland manager, who are the potential replacements for the Dundalk job ?
I personally would like to see the club retain the core philosophies and fundamentals that have brought them so much success, so my preference would be for them to promote from within; Vinny Perth taking over the reigns and Ruaidhrí Higgins promoted to Assistant, assuming SK doesn't take them with him. I'd also like to see Stephen O'Donnell brought onto the coaching staff.
However, given the clubs big money American owners, I highly doubt that will be a runner for them. My second choice would probably be Liam Buckley, but given his recent appointment at Sligo I think it's probably also unlikely that he is the man chosen. I would then opt for one of the younger managers who have had some relative success Alan Reynolds/Keith Long spring to mind, I have no idea how they would perform given the vastly different experiences they have both had at their clubs in their fledgling careers.
My fear is Peak6 will want to get in a foreign manager who has a proven track record with smaller clubs in Europe, who has no knowledge of the league, it all goes tits up, we go bust and come back as Dundalk Town in the 1st division (I have had a few nightmares along these line)
Vinny Perth.
Brian Kerr
Do people think Kenny is in with a chance?
I don't tbh.
Odds on Favourite with Paddy Power and a few other bookies after starting at 6/1 so the betting public definitely think he has a chance.
Edit: I hope you're right, I've candles lit at the Redemptorist and a rosary said in hope he doesn't get it... And that's before the rake of Harp to calm my nerves!
Kenny Shiels
I really hope he isn't even in consideration because I quite like him but surely Collie O'Neill has to be near the top of the list. Take a bag of money to get him though I'd guess considering he's got a very decent job with Microsoft.
I hope Kenny doesn't get it so he can stay with Dundalk, but if he was to go, i'd be getting Brian Kerr in.
Would Keith Long be a candidate?
Out to 6/4 with Mick McCarty now evens(fav) with Steve Bruce 16/1
Hoping it won't be SK and imo it wont be.McCarthy all the way.
https://www.paddypower.com/football?tab=specials
Collie O Neill is just up the road wheres hes from in Drogheda so dont know if the Dundalk locals would accept him. I hear great things about Dundalk native and ex player thats managing with Warrenpoint Town Stephen McDonnell. wonder would it be too soon for him?
Has to be someone available, who knows Irish players, big name, maybe with an assistant who played for an LoI club...
Step forward Martin O'Neill!
I posted elsewhere that I hope SK doesn't get the job - I think what he's doing with Dundalk is setting a standard in terms of style of play, confidence etc especially against European teams that other clubs can copy. Over a few seasons that kind of mentality will bring more professionalism and maybe even (semi)regular LoI players in national squads - we've seen enough in recent years to suggest that they're not all that far off being able to step up.
Indo was suggesting that SK was offered the under 21 `s presumably with a view to moving into the senior role at some unspecified point. I hope he told them what to do with themselves.
He could do the under 21 job and the Dundalk? I would imagine that Dundalk will insist on a full time manager though.
As for alternatives if he does move on, Bradser is the obvious choice
How is John Caulfield not in the reckoning for the Ireland job, considering the direct, agricultural, limited, hoofball we've been subjected to JC would be such a breath of fresh air. Stephen Kenny to Cork City then 'cause well its in Cork. Bradley to Dundalk then with his incredible ability at media mind games and demotivating opposition. Kenny Shiels to Rovers as the dugouts are in the right place and he can sign as much deadwood as he likes!
I see Pats are trying to outdo Cork for embarrassing statements on twitter.