Heimir Hallgrímsson, former manager for Iceland and Jamaica, has extended an invitation to John O’Shea to join his coaching team in the Republic of Ireland. Having acted as interim manager in matches with Hungary, Portugal, Switzerland, and Belgium, O’Shea recently received a call from Hallgrímsson expressing his desire for O’Shea to be part of the nation’s football journey. Hallgrímsson believes that with O’Shea’s participation, the team could advance more rapidly in their objectives, strengthening their culture.
Set to relocate to Ireland with his spouse, Hallgrímsson’s contract will extend until post the 2026 World Cup qualification. Football director Marc Canham of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has proposed Malahide in North Dublin as an ideal location for their base.
Although the recruitment process led by Canham experienced some uncertainty with a 231-day timeline, Canham stands by his decision, asserting that Hallgrímsson was always the initial choice. However, the final decision was only reached recently. Particulars of the process remain undisclosed.
According to Canham, Hallgrímsson, who previously ushered Iceland into the Euro 2016 knock-out stages and the 2018 World Cup and brought Jamaica the Copa America, was the perfect candidate. Importantly, under his leadership, both teams experienced a significant rise in the global rankings.
Canham pointed out that securing the right person was the focus and revealed that contract terms were only offered to Hallgrímsson. Although they anticipated Hallgrímsson’s join, he was fully committed to the Jamaican national team competing in Concacaf Nations League and Copa America leading to a delay in his appointment, a decision the FAI respected and patiently waited for Hallgrímsson’s availability.
The course of action was always centred around finding the right individual. Naturally, and to safeguard the Association, we constantly touched base with other prospects, and held open and crystal clear discussions with Heimir. Our willingness extended to waiting for our priority choice.
Previously, linkages were made with Lee Carsley, Willy Sagnol, Gus Poyet, Roy Keane, and various other experienced managerial individuals for the position. “If we were to do it all over again, we’d assert right from the beginning that our attention was on securing the person best suited for the role. From this, we infer that we ought not to have established timelines concerning the appointment.
“Our intention was never to deliberately deceive individuals.” Canham responded to an inquiry regarding his statements made earlier in February. “We acknowledge that it wasn’t the finest example of communication on our part.”
Hallgrímsson expressed, “I had alternate proposals, yet my inclination was always towards Ireland. Preceding the Copa America, I communicated to the president of the Jamaican federation my decision to step down following the tournament. I endeavoured to leave Jamaica in the most positive light possible.”
“On arriving here, it was always exciting and topped my list of interests. The date on which I decided to take up this opportunity remains unclear. However, I have always appreciated the level of professionalism exhibited by the FAI board.”
Before discussions between Canhan and Hallgrímsson were held at the Aviva Stadium, David Courell, the acting chief executive of FAI, initiated attempts to justify the timing of naming the Irish men’s manager amidst historical allegations of inappropriate behaviour and forced sexual advancements by male coaches towards their female counterparts.
Courell voiced, “Please understand that our desired approach would have been to make this announcement at a more opportune time. However, given the complex circumstances, we had no choice but to proceed today.”
“We conveyed this to the collective of women ahead of time, and solicited their comprehension. We have no intention of belittling this situation or attempting to overlook what is an issue of extreme gravity.
“Regardless of today marking a significant day for Irish football, those brave women remain at the forefront of our focus. It remains the top priority of the Association.”
This announcement indeed eclipses the Nation’s League match between Ireland and England at Carrow Road in Norwich slated for Friday evening.
Courell emphasised that they attempted to show utmost respect towards the women’s global squad. Prior to revealing the news, they conferred with Eileen [Gleeson], who comprehended the situation. Professional football carries this harsh reality. With an overcrowded schedule, an opportune moment for such announcements rarely presents itself. They had successfully acquired their favoured candidate and aimed to have him operational as soon as possible.
Courell further mentioned, putting off the announcement would merely affect the women’s match with France at Páirc Uí Chaoimh the following Tuesday.