The quest for a new manager by the FAI is dragging into its sixth month, with no clear indication of a decision following John O’Shea’s tenure as caretaker head coach. They potentially thought that victories against Belgium and Switzerland could resolve the issue, but as of today, the FAI is no closer to making an announcement. It seems we might expect some concrete news in the week commencing on April 8th. For now, they grapple with a predicament familiar to every GAA section nationwide – do they appoint a green, home-grown club legend or a seasoned pro with dubious reputation?
It’s uncertain where the FAI’s pursuit lies within the spectrum of GAA choices. Yet, it’s evident that the selection process is more akin to the GAA’s approach – a stark contrast to the highest levels of performance preferred by the football director, Mark Canham.
In an ideal world, a promising candidate from the local scene is hired and equipped with all they need to succeed, a scenario I’ll refer to as the “Lee Carsley situation.” Regrettably, this is rarely the case. More often than not, GAA clubs and counties face the same crossroads as the FAI currently does.
At the moment, they seem to have a small pool of internationally renowned football figures who, despite their mediocre track records, do have some experience. These records include a sizable number of matches, appointments, and dismissals that attest to their average proficiency as professional football coaches. Neither exceptional nor disappointing—simply average.
Top-tier coaches secure certain roles, and these candidates aren’t considered for them. But what you’re offering isn’t a top-tier position; it’s this particular role. And if all goes awry, your association will merely add to the growing tally of entities they fancied they could salvage.
That’s the ruthless reality of the coaching profession. Some dressing rooms resonate with their style, while others don’t. They can’t linger on past failures too much as they’re constantly on the lookout for their upcoming gig.
Undeniably, Gus Poyet’s series of discussions with the Irish press last month, orchestrated by a beverage firm while he remained Greece’s football manager, spotlighted the lack of allegiance towards his current employer. To label this as “sordid” would be a gross exaggeration, but it implicitly indicated a man whose conduct lacked a firm sense of loyalty to his present employers.
Therefore, should the Uruguayan FA approach Poyet following a hypothetical scenario of Ireland securing victories in their first eight matches under his management, it shouldn’t raise eyebrows if he switches allegiances. Under this circumstance, we must acknowledge that we have managed to secure eight consecutive wins.
The FAI could place their faith in a seasoned professional of Poyet’s calibre if their managerial structure was more solidified. However, the precarious position of the current chief executive of the FAI who, even after three and a half years, shows no intention to relocate to this country adds to the criticisms. Consequently, entrusting another significant role in Irish football to someone who seems faintly committed to the sport here might be viewed adversely.
The alternative is to recruit a former player with scant experience but for whom this would constitute a crucial role.
Observing Gaelic football over the recent months, one could see the profound degrees to which Glenn Ryan of Kildare, Meath’s Colm O’Rourke, and John Cleary from Cork (amongst others) were strongly affected by their team’s losses.
Their grief struck at the heart causing immense distress. They may at times have felt the chill of isolation this season, but their player history afforded them some respite. Their exemplary efforts and dedication as players made it apparent that they cared genuinely.
Stephen Kenny, despite his managerial shortcomings, can’t be blamed for indifference. However, he lacked the stature as a player and his coach history in domestic Irish football did not shield him adequately.
Appointing a new manager often results from recognising the former one’s shortcomings. Shamrock Rovers’ multiple-title-winning coach, Stephen Bradley, winds up penalised following this measure. Similarly, Shelbourne’s manager, Damien Duff, who also happens to be one of our most esteemed players, may inadvertently have been affect too. At present, the FAI doesn’t envision the League of Ireland as a fertile ground for future Irish… this time, at least.
In this light, Duff’s ex-team-mate John O’Shea, ostensibly a more inexperienced coach, stands firm as the last Irishman. His experience doesn’t match that of Kenny, certainly, but his playing career is among the country’s most celebrated, thus positioning him as a “character” appointment.
Suffice to say, football is a professional sport and the idea that passionate involvement can compensate for tactical ignorance might cause some to scoff, perhaps that’s my GAA bias talking. The situation, however, isn’t all that black and white. If both paths are fraught with uncertainty, why not entrust responsibility to the bloke for whom the role would be of paramount importance?