Top five contenders for the vacant Republic of Ireland managerial job

The Irish are virtually out of the reckoning for a play-off spot for next year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil. And after two devastating losses against Sweden and Austria in September brought the curtains down on Giovanni Trapattoni’s five-year reign as the Ireland manager, the rumour mill is working overtime to predict who will be the FAI’s choice for the big job going into the Euro 2016 qualifiers and beyond.

Here are the likely contenders for the vacant Irish managerial job that we at Sportskeeda feel would be the most sought after by the Ireland Football Association(FAI):

1. Martin O’Neill

Perfect man for the Ireland job

The former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Sunderland boss has been the bookmakers’ and of course the FAI’s first choice candidate for the post, but if British newspapers are to be believed the 61-year-old ex-Celtic man could be in line for a Premier League return with Fulham if Martin Jol is indeed sacked. O’Neill has been out of a job for the past six months since being shown the door at Sunderland, yet his legendary enthusiasm on the touchline and his reputation for bringing the best out of players with limited abilities are exactly what this Ireland side need.

Captain Robbie Keane spoke of Ireland’s lack of ‘Plan B’ immediately after Trapattoni’s removal but with Martin O’Neill at the helm, the country’s bid for qualification for the 24-team Euro 2016 would be right on track as the Northern Irishman is a master tactician when it comes to making sluggish teams successful, armed as he is with plenty of contingency plans in his repertoire to unsettle bigger sides.

Given Ireland’s small pool of talent compared to that of England or any other high-profile European side, Martin O’Neill is the perfect man to bring the best out of that limited pool. Yet, the day-to-day activities of club management compared to the relative inactivity of international football might prove to be a factor that could keep him out of contention. Many in the FAI have already hinted that the job is O’Neill’s to take if he wants it, but the lure of a Premier League return could pour water into the Irish Football Association’s Plan A.

2. Mick McCarthy

A fine figure to lead Ireland for a second time

With over ten years of experience in football management, including a very successful six-year stint with the Irish national team, the current Ipswich boss is many fans’ and pundits’ favourite to succeed Giovanni Trapattoni if Martin O’Neill pulls out of the reckoning.

Mick McCarthy’s astute managerial skills in guiding Championship sides Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Premier League have led him to be regarded as one of Ireland’s finest managers in the modern era who can make lower league and academy players shine at the big stage. Though the 54-year-old former Ireland international has publicly admitted his desire to stay at Ipswich and guide them to at least a Championship play-off place for the current season, many believe McCarthy’s second homecoming would be a matter of time if Martin O’Neill declines the challenge to manage an international team for the very first time.

One thing that might hinder Mick McCarthy’s candidature is the fact that many Irish fans and football experts unfairly blame him for his very public spat with star player Roy Keane during Ireland’s successful 2002 FIFA World Cup that saw the former Manchester United legend fly home from training at Saipan even before the team had kicked a ball. With sentiments back home utterly divided, McCarthy managed to galvanize the side that narrowly lost to Spain in a penalty shoot-out in the pre-quarterfinal, having missed a penalty in normal time.

His public snub of the then star player Roy Keane proved that at international level team work trumps individual player power. And McCarthy, even though he unfortunately lost his job soon after under sheer pressure, has made a name for himself of being tough, plain speaking and full of international reputation to be back as the new Ireland manager for a second time. Ireland need someone like Mick McCarthy who understands the country, its football and youth set up and who already knows what it takes to bring the best out of a small yet proud football nation at the international level.

3. Noel King

An unusual yet conservative choice

The Irish U-21 boss has been appointed as the interim senior team manager for Ireland’s final two qualifying games against Germany and Kazakhstan, giving the FAI enough time to find Giovanni Trapattoni’s replacement, maybe even before Christmas. With FAI Chief Executive John Delaney virtually ruling the 57-year-old King out of the final reckoning, experts believe that a good showing, particularly against Germany away from home, should be enough for the Irish football association to have a look at the man when it comes to short-listing the final candidates.

Noel King may not be a household name, but his immense experience at youth levels makes him wonderfully aware of what Ireland as an international team need from the players on hand. Sometimes lesser and unfamiliar names do wonderfully well compared to bigger fishes and King, with his ability to connect with younger next generation Irish players, could be a gamble worth taking as far as the FAI is concerned.

He has a fine record with the FAI, having worked with the women and men youth set-ups and is well respected throughout the Irish game. He has worked first hand with many current senior players during their time at the U21 level including the likes of Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy and Robbie Brady and his experience should come in handy in the future. He has already recalled Nottingham Forest’s 31-year old influential midfielder Andy Reid and Celtic’s Anthony Stokes to the Ireland fold in his first team selection to give an experienced look to the team that would play a very tough away game against Germany in Cologne next week.

4. Roy Keane

A famous name with little managerial success

Everyone’s household name with a Maradona like popularity in the small island and beyond, Roy Keane is the ultimate dream selection but Irish fans would be utterly false to believe that the Manchester United legend could bring immediate success to a side that need an experienced figure for the overall development of Irish football.

Diego Maradona had high hopes when he led Argentina at the 2010 FIFA World Cup but as often big names do not bring assured success Lionel Messi and company disintegrated in the quarter finals against a wonderful Germany side.

Roy Keane has the charisma, mental toughness and a no-nonsense attitude to guide young Irishmen to international recognition but the Corkman’s lack of experience in management is not too much to write home about and his young age could be a telling factor in not landing the job despite his presence in the Irish dugout could inspire a lot.

5. Others

Current Leeds boss Brian McDermott

Norwich boss Chris Hughton is an extremely popular figure in Ireland from his playing days. Capped 53 times by Ireland, the 54-year old would be a shrewd selection by the FAI although the man himself has ruled him out of the reckoning claiming he is very happy at Carrow Road. Having served as the national team’s assistant manager under Brian Kerr from February 2003 to October 2005, Hughton is qualified enough to replace Trapattoni.

Leeds boss Brian McDermott is another person being talked about for the vacant post and the former Reading manager could be a surprise yet experienced selection.

Celtic’s Neil Lennon will be an unusual selection given his success at Celtic makes him inseparable from the Scottish Champions’ long term plans, yet he will be an enthusiastic figure to lead Ireland to the next level.

Then there is the unknown factor that always seems to be the case for the FAI. When Giovanni Trapattoni was appointed as the manager there were six to seven names on the table for the media to debate yet the legendary Italian was not one of them and the Irish Football Association came up with a high-profile selection. Let’s wait until Christmas to get a clearer picture of who will step into the big shoes.