Lee Carsley has given an interview which brings a definitive end to one of the longest Irish managerial sagas in history.
The former Ireland midfielder has long been seen as the frontrunner in the search for Stephen Kenny's successor but recent reports have suggested that the FAI have run out of patience and are now looking elsewhere.
Carsley already has a decent gig with the England under-21s and he has now confirmed that that's where he wants to stay. He also revealed that talks with the FAI went no further than an hour-long meeting back in November.
"We had an initial conversation in November,’ Carsley told the Daily Mail. "I went to speak to them. Really informal, enjoyable, for around an hour. It went no further.
"It was good to see what their thoughts were and to explore whether I was ready to take that next step. It just went no further. I didn’t push it.
"I’ve always said that I’m really privileged to do this job I’m in. I appreciate that I’m in a really good position with a lot of responsibility."
18 June 2020; England assistant coach Lee Carsley prior to the 2019 UEFA U21 Championships group C match between England and France at Dino Manuzzi in Cesena, Italy. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/UEFA via Sportsfile
Lee Carsley shuts door on Ireland gig
Carsley has been thought to hold aspirations of replacing Gareth Southgate as senior England manager at some point, and his success with the England under-21s has led to some clubs enquiring after his services.
However, he reiterated to the Daily Mail that having spoken with FA technical director John McDermott, he is satisfied to remain in situ with the England under-21s, who he led to European Championship success last summer.
"There was a feeling that I would go and do a senior job after the summer but speaking to John McDermott and other people, I’m committed to this campaign,’ Carsley added.
"At some point, maybe it’s something I’ll do. I didn’t need convincing. I see myself as a development coach. I’ve not put myself out there, applying for jobs or anything. I definitely wouldn’t go down that route with the position I’m in and how lucky I am."
FAI search goes on
Since speculation around Carsley trailed off, Ireland have been linked with a host of left-field names including Slaven Bilic and current Georgia boss Willy Sagnol.
FAI Director of Football Marc Canham recently confirmed that a new manager would be confirmed in early-April, with contractual obligations stopping them making an announcement before that.
This led to some people believing once again that Carsley could be the man, and if not him then Gus Poyet, whose Greece side take part in the Euro 2024 play-offs over the coming days.
We now know for sure that the new man won't be Carsley and hopefully all of our questions will be answered in the coming weeks.
See Also: The Exciting Ireland Team John O'Shea Should Select Against Belgium
