Former Ireland manager Brian Kerr does not buy into the notion that it will be hard to find someone to replace Stephen Kenny in the Ireland hot seat.
Ireland drew 1-1 with New Zealand during the week, and with that result, Kenny's last game as the Irish boss.
The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) announced the news on Wednesday evening, saying they wanted to start the search for a new Ireland boss while at the same time thanking Kenny for his efforts in the role.
A host of names have been linked to the role already. Some obvious names like Roy Keane have been mentioned, while left-field picks like former Chelsea player and current Greece boss Gus Poyet have also been touted as Kenny's successor.
Ireland's national team, its domestic league, and its governing body all have their own problems, and for some, it is seen as a "poisoned chalice."
Following a board meeting this evening, the FAI can confirm that Stephen Kenny will not continue in his role as manager of the senior men’s national team
“The Board and all at the FAI would like to sincerely thank Stephen and his staff for their hard work, professionalism and… pic.twitter.com/RX20yRDYWe— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 22, 2023
However, Kerr, who oversaw the national team from 2003 to 2005, does not believe the role will be a hard one to fill when the FAI does eventually start to look for Kenny's replacement in 2024.
"People say, "Who'd want the job, and it doesn't pay a huge amount of money." But I think there would be plenty of people interested," Kerr said before Ireland's game at the Aviva Stadium this week.
"I'm sure Marc Canham (FAI director of football) is in the background, working on if they're going to allow Stephen to finish up tonight. I'm sure he's got a list, and he's already making contacts with potential managers."
Despite this, Kerr also believes that anyone who comes in must be allowed to imprint their style and mark on the Ireland team heading into the March friendlies next year. This is important if Ireland wants to become competitive, confirmed Kerr.
"The team needs to get going. We've got two friendlies in March, probably two friendlies in June. We don't know who we're going to be playing yet.
"But the new manager will need time to put his stamp on the team so when we start competitive games in the next Nations League in September and when the World Cup qualification fixtures for 2026 come about, the team is in good shape and capable of winning games and capable of staying in the group until the last game or two."
The hunt for Ireland's new manager is underway.
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