Whatever about racism accusations, Willy Sagnol is too badly dressed to be Ireland manager.
Stephen Kelly, watch this space
How about Page?
Wales on the hunt for a new manager as Page is sacked (rte.ie)
two tournaments in fairness
Not for me, but I'd take FAW's Noel Mooney as CEO
I think we should aim for better that's all. I haven't got his record to hand but it seems decent - winning NL B pool is good, does well enough in qualifying or finals tournaments too. Near miss for Euro 2024.
I just think he comes across as a competent manager who gelled with players and got fans' support because he's Welsh and part of their system but if put in the Ireland seat he'd be trying to get the best out of us (and oversee a broader system) as an outsider purely on his ability, and my feeling is that on ability alone he's only a modest candidate and I think gaining the "buy in" of players, public and the domestic coaches he needs to fullfil the FAI brief would be a struggle for him.
The role needs a competent and charismatic Irishman or a very competent and charismatic foreigner. I think the bar is a bit higher for a non-Irishman.
The positives would be that he got Wales promoted and within a shoot out of the Euros* and he's not shy about picking young players yet to be tested at club level.
*Remind me: how did they do in their group? 3rd, but play off via NL?
I think first and foremost we can now take it that the ridiculous "FAI Brief" is now firmly in the toilet.
Whoever ends up as manager wont be living in Dublin 15 and wont be working with our underage kids
They came third behind turkey and Croatia, and lost in the play off final to poland ( penos)
True.
I think I'd prefer Hughton to Page, for example.
Wales have been in steady decline under Page, coinciding with their strong team of the 2010s falling away. He's hasn't been able to do anything to arrest that slide, which is why Wales have gotten rid. Would be no better than O'Shea for Ireland.
Keane O'Shea Given Best Smallbone
He got Wales to a world cup and to the last 16 of the euros, he can't be absolutely dreadful?
I can't agree with your OShea comment. John O Shea has done literally nothing in international management
If we had Bale and Ramsay in their early 30s I'd fancy O'Shea to qualify us for something too. Pretty much anyone can do it if they have a couple of world class players. Having the likes of Bale moved Wales from also rans to qualifiers. They did it more in spite of their three most recent managers than because of them. Since Page hasn't had that luxury he's been shown up badly, which is why he's been given the boot.
Last edited by Eirambler; 21/06/2024 at 12:35 PM.
Keane O'Shea Given Best Smallbone
Having 2 good players doesn't guarantee anything.
Also was bale still a world class player when they qualified for the world cup and was Ramsey. I'm not sure
True, doesn’t guarantee anything as Norway have proved by qualifying for absolutely nothing while having Haaland and Odegaard in their ranks. It undoubtedly makes it a hell of a lot easier though and requires a high volume of incompetent players/management to fail to get close to qualifying with 2 world beaters in the side
Paaatrick's Agletic
Page would be foolish to even consider the Ireland job atm. We'll be paying him less than half what he earned with Wales and if he fails that could flat line his career.
Can see him holding out for club offers or see what international jobs are out there post Euros.
Actually other sites are saying he on 1.2m
Got them to within a penalty shootout of the current Euros too. Hammered Finland in the playoff semis and drew with Poland. Bit unlucky in the Nations League too - two 90th minute winners for Holland, both times after Wales had equalised in the 90th minute themselves. I think Eirambler is being a bit harsh on Page.
Agree with JR89 that his natural next step should be a club job though.
Last edited by pineapple stu; 21/06/2024 at 2:14 PM.
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