John O’Shea, former Republic of Ireland interim manager, is being advised by Shelbourne’s boss, Damien Duff, not to take up a second term. During a podcast episode with Richie Sadlier, Duff suggested O’Shea had been left uncertain about his future with the team. Despite the uncertainty, O’Shea is set to announce the Irish squad that will confront Hungary in Dublin and Portugal in Aveiro as preparation matches for the Euros in Germany.
O’Shea had temporary leadership for Ireland’s March matches against Belgium, ending in a draw, and a close defeat against Switzerland, both games at the Aviva stadium. Marc Canham, the FAI football director, declared in February that Stephen Kenny’s replacement would be confirmed in early April. The delay has been pinned on the top candidate’s “existing contractual obligations”. However, April passed without further elaboration or a new manager’s appointment.
The resignation of Jonathan Hill as CEO of the association marked a significant change in the recruitment process, with acting CEO David Courell now stepping in. The new FAI deadline to reveal Kenny’s successor is set ahead of the Dublin-hosted Nations League tie against England on September 7th.
Duff, although thrilled for O’Shea’s chance to manage his country, criticised the FAI for the handling of the entire process, arguing that the organisation has lost its former footballing prowess. Despite O’Shea’s previous obligations as Ireland under-21 coach and assisting Kenny in 2023, as well as managerial roles at Reading, Stoke City, and Birmingham City, the FAI had deemed him lacking the required experience for consideration for the vacant position.
“John should contemplate on embarking on his personal path if they offer the position to him again,” Duff remarked. “He was undoubtedly elated coaching from the sidelines at the Aviva. Yet, I wouldn’t recommend him accepting it the second time. The management has left him in limbo. He’s too accomplished a person and coach for that. Hanging in the balance, unsure of his future is not ideal for him.
“I’d advise John not to take it personally if he can, but to focus on a learning journey of daily coaching. That’s where the growth lies for us as fledgling coaches. He has the potential to be an extraordinary coach and manager in his own right”. In 2020, Duff himself had the experience of training Kenny’s Ireland squad for a span of under a year.
“And how does one enhance their skills? Certainly not by cramming into international camp every quarter to lead a single session. It is undoubtedly through daily practice, managing players, handling various personalities and successfully coordinating a locker room.
“I would relish seeing John take charge of a club team now rather than holding on to see what the FAI decides.”