| The future face of Irish soccer
BY LARRY COONEY Steve Staunton is to be offered the
opportunity to prove his ability as an international soccer manager at
the age of 36.
Capped 102 times, the Republic’s least experienced manager — who will be
assisted by former England manager Sir Bobby Robson — faces a tougher
assignment than any of his recent predecessors.
Three months after the Republic’s elimination for the 2006 World Cup
qualification and after much speculation about who Brian Kerr’s
successor might be the FAI declined to appoint a high-profile manager in
favour of the country’s most capped player.
While the appointment will not have widespread approval among Ireland
supporters it should not be completely dismissed as being the only
affordable option for the FAI’s Board of Management.
While 73-year-old Robson’s management experience should compensate in
some way for Staunton’s own shortcomings it is fair to say that the FAI
were looking to the former Liverpool and Aston Villa player’s potential
as a leader that was decisive in making the appointment.
Currently the assistant manager at Walsall Staunton was also being
spoken of as a possible successor to Paul Merson. The Walsall manager
also stated before Christmas that he would not attempt to prevent him
leaving the Bescot Stadium if an opportunity to manage his country came
along.
Staunton’s sudden international opportunity is expected to cover the
Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup campaigns and FAI Chief Executive John
Delaney and the FAI will be hoping that he can generate the same kind of
passion among the players that was so evident during the Mick McCarthy
and Jack Charton reigns.
The Republic’s performances in the qualifying games for Euro 2008 will
be a serious assessment of Staunton’s management ability alongside
mentor Sir Bobby Robson who is regarded as one of the finest managers of
the past 30 years.
The general reaction from players to the appointment has been positive
and one of relief that the FAI have finally made a decision. Staunton
will certainly command their respect from his playing days. However, he
now has to earn their respect as a manager beginning on March 1 against
Sweden.
Staunton has the task of naming his first squad which is likely to
include a number of possible debutants such as Kevin Doyle, Joey O’Brien
and Stephen Ireland. Staunton is also expected to travel to Montreux for
the Euro 2008 draw on January 27.
Qualification for the 2010 World Cup must be Staunton’s ultimate
objective. An improved seeding after participation in Euro 2008 will
also be essential ahead of that World Cup draw.
Although many may question Staunton’s ability few will have doubts about
his commitment and efforts to get the best out of the Boys in Green.
Hopefully luck is also on Staunton’s side in what promises to be one the
most important periods in Irish football history.
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