It appears that the announcement of a new leader for Ireland’s men’s football team will be made any day now. This drawn-out process has spanned the tenure of two Taoisigh, two GAA presidents, and even two lost referenda. Stephen Kenny’s departure coincided with Storm Debi, and now we’re expecting Storm Lilian. If the search continues, storms Tamiko and Walid could also feature.
On record, it has taken 20 weeks, or to be more exact, 143 days and counting. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise to believe that the search began somewhat earlier. Kenny didn’t shock the nation with his sudden exit from the FAI in November. We were defeated at our home ground by Greece on October 10th, and then again in Athens in June. So, for the past 10 months or so, the FAI most probably knew they’d need a new manager.
The announcement of the long-awaited successor is expected next week, possibly on Thursday, marking the choice’s responsibility of leading the team in the upcoming years. The chosen candidate is yet to be revealed. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appears to be a possible selection. The general negative reception to John O’Shea possibly being chosen reflects how fatigued everyone has become with the current situation.
What needs emphasising is that this shouldn’t be how things are managed. The Ireland men’s football team holds notable significance in Irish society, resonating with people of every county, class, and background. Regardless of their sentiments, whether they have complaints or praises, individuals across Ireland and even abroad feel a deep bond with the team, a relationship that should be treated with utmost care.
The notion that all major Irish teams, like the men’s rugby squad or the women’s teams or any of the GAA teams could command interest equally among the general sporting populace, is nothing more than a hopeful wish. These teams cater to specific audiences and stand isolated in their appeal. On the other hand, the men’s football team manager holds a different appeal. At least that’s how it should be.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is currently facing a significant trial due to this very reason. A common fact in this often deceptive world is that it’s impractical to choose an Ireland manager clandestinely. A certain amount of secrecy during the selection process is a different matter altogether. Marc Canham and Jonathan Hill have efficiently managed to keep much of the details of the process under tight wraps, consciously refraining from dropping hints to the FAI board to avoid any unnecessary rumours or leaks.
However, there will inevitably come a stage where they would have to disclose the final decision to the public. This is the point where the process will undergo retrospective scrutiny to understand how the result aligns with previous statements.
In early December, Hill mentioned that preliminary discussions had been held with all potential candidates. Given that Solskjaer’s name is only surfacing now, it appears unlikely that he was one of them. There are accounts suggesting Roy Keane and O’Shea were definitely part of the discussions. This takes us almost one-third closer to the entire team of Manchester United from 2003. Could Eric Djemba-Djemba have been a dark horse?
However, the truth remains that regardless of how the FAI portrays the events next week, it will struggle to convey a sense of control over the process. Taking five months to make a decision hardly indicates a grasp on the situation. Neither does appointing an individual who was never the first, second, or even third choice.
It’s evident that one doesn’t hold the reins if one is discussing waiting out contract obligations to either confirm or deny the appointment of candidates like O’Shea, who expressed a desire for the position four weeks ago, or Solskjaer, who has been jobless since November 2021. This doesn’t depict one as commandeering the situation, rather, it portrays the situation as dictating the course of action.
To some extent, these actions may be justified. The FAI didn’t precisely have a laid out red carpet for the task. Overseeing the Ireland men’s football team can’t be cast as an enticing occupation, considering all factors. The pay equates to around a mid-Championship level – any driven youngster naturally leans towards opportunities that teeter on the brink of the Premier League rather than a country that has twice missed participating in the Euros and hasn’t shown its face at the World Cup since 2002.
Moreover, the quality of the players doesn’t stimulate optimism. Our top-notch goalkeeper is merely holding the fort until Liverpool’s main man returns to the field. In the upcoming weeks, nearly four members of our trusted defensive line may potentially face relegation.
The possibility looms that if Josh Cullen faces defeat with Burnley, the newly-appointed manager might not have a single Premier League midfielder at his disposal when the Nations League rolls around in September. Meanwhile, Evan Ferguson, the most promising player on the horizon, has not achieved a goal for Brighton in the past half-year.
No matter which angle one scrutinises it from, there are scant appealing aspects tied to the position. This likely explains the protracted process of filling the role. Years of poor administration have resulted in an average team with restrained opportunities and zero potential for offering the kind of remuneration that would pique the interest of a high-profile candidate.
The FAI has been given a hard nut to crack. Yet, in many ways, they’re simply dealing with the fallout of their previous actions.