Kerr close to South African job

**joeSoap** · 05/01/2006, 9:39 AM

Said I'd post it in World football seeing as its not a Rep of Ireland issue, but feel free to move it if necessary.

Apparently negotiations are at an advanced stage and it looks like he'll be offered the job. I'm delighted for him, a nice fresh start and he's still in International fotball with a decent side.

Be a nice friendly for us.

**anto1208** · 05/01/2006, 11:46 AM

i hope he does get a decent job the way he was treated by the fai is shocking , didnt even phone him to tell him he was getting the chop he deserved better

**jockser** · 05/01/2006, 12:13 PM

jaysus

**Lionel Ritchie** · 05/01/2006, 12:57 PM

Hope this is true. best of luck to him.

**joeSoap** · 05/01/2006, 1:03 PM

BRIAN KERR is poised for a return to international soccer as manager of South Africa.

Sources close to the situation in South Africa have said a deal has been negotiated and it only awaits the completion of the African Nations Cup in Egypt from January 20 to February 10 before an announcement is made.

Neither Kerr nor his agent Fintan Drury responded to a query on the matter last night, but the Dubliner can be optimistic about facing a new challenge very soon.

Indeed, bookmakers Boylesports slashed the odds on his being named South Africa team boss from 5/1 on Monday to 2/1 yesterday after what they described as "sustained and consistent support" by their customers.

"There were no huge bets, and we have a number of markets on where Brian will go next but we had to cut the odds fairly quickly," said a spokesman.

The 52-year-old has maintained a low profile after the FAI decided not to renew his contract after the failure to qualify for the World Cup.

His only public comment came in a TV profile called 'Final Words: Brian Kerr's World Cup Story' before Christmas.

Apart from claiming the FAI did not give him all the support he needed, Kerr was also baffled and disappointed that the FAI dumped him without allowing him to make a case for another contract.

Now the Association is seeking a replacement and Kerr is looking for a top football job. That opportunity beckons with South Africa, whose team the 'Bafana Bafana' (The Boys) also failed to reach the World Cup.

That was a big blow to the hosts for the 2010 World Cup finals, and their coach, Englishman Stuart Baxter, paid the price.

Baxter, also 52, resigned in November, and has been replaced for the African Nations Cup by 69-year-old Romanian-born Ted Dumitru.

Dumitru has won successive League titles with Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, and is nicknamed 'The Professor'.

However, his age and possibly a reputation for uncompromising criticism of officialdom on occasions counts against him as a long-term bet for the job.

In addition, South African football officials are very concerned about putting development structures in place, and this is where Kerr would score highly.

They now have a four-year schedule leading to the prestigious holding of the World Cup and need to overhaul their game from top to bottom.

The forthcoming African Nations Cup and another in two years' time offer competitive challenges for the team, but the big target is a high level of performance in 2010.

Kerr has an excellent reputation at UEFA and FIFA level, and brought an Irish under age team for the Meridian Cup, an invitation tournament, in Cape Town in 1999.

Andy Roxboro, the former Scotland boss who is now the UEFA Technical Director, is a Kerr admirer and would have no hesitation in recommending him for the job.

A job with the South Africans won't be easily maintained, but Kerr has no doubt learned many lessons from his experience as Irish team manager.

The Bafana Bafana have had 11 coaches in 13 years, including Carlos Queiroz the ex-Real Madrid manager who is now assistant to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

**NeilMcD** · 05/01/2006, 2:36 PM

Brian Kerr's agent Fintan Drury has denied a report that the former Ireland manager is set to take charge of the South African national team.

According to a report in the Irish Independent, a deal has already been agreed for Kerr to take over the South African hotseat, but Drury claims that there is no truth to this report.

While Kerr has applied for the job and held talks with the South African FA, no permanent manager will be appointed until the African Nations Cup is over.
Email Services from RTE

Romanian Ted Dumitru is in charge of the team on an interim basis during the Nations Cup, but is unlikely to be given a full time role.

Former Ireland manager Kerr has maintained a low profile since the FAI decided not to renew his contract in the wake of Ireland's failure to qualify for this years World Cup in Germany.

Kerr has been linked to several jobs, including Portsmouth, but has so far stayed out of the limelight.

**Metrostars** · 05/01/2006, 3:48 PM

Great for Kerr especially considering that the World Cup will be held there in 2010.

**OwlsFan** · 06/01/2006, 1:07 PM

Originally Posted by NeilMcD

Former Ireland manager Kerr has maintained a low profile since the FAI decided not to renew his contract in the wake of Ireland's failure to qualify for this years World Cup in Germany.Kerr has been linked to several jobs, including Portsmouth, but has so far stayed out of the limelight.

I suppose a whole RTE programme with lots of interviews with him about the failed campaign and his contract not being renewed is staying "out of the limelight".

Good luck to him if he gets the job.