As we head into the November international window, it seems all but certain that Stephen Kenny is set to manage his last couple of fixtures as Ireland boss.
The Euro 2024 qualifying campaign has been a disaster, with the team's only points coming in the fixtures against Gibraltar. While few would have expected Ireland to get anything out of games against France or the Netherlands, the two defeats against Greece were a damning indictment of the lack of progress made by the side over the last couple of years.
As a result, it seems unlikely that that current manager will remain in the role beyond the end of the year.
READ HERE: 15 Big Name Players That Were Eligible To Play For Ireland
Mick McCarthy compares Stephen Kenny tenure to his time in charge
Stephen Kenny did plenty of good work after first stepping into the job, especially when it came to blooding young players in the squad. However, it has become apparent that he has not been able to capitalise on that foundation by improving results on the pitch.
In many ways, the situation he inherited was similar to the one given to Mick McCarthy when he first took the Ireland job in 1996. On that occasion, it was clear the team was coming towards the end of a cycle and needed to be refreshed.
McCarthy managed to do so, and while it took him a couple of attempts, he would eventually lead Ireland to a World Cup in 2002.
Unlike Kenny, he also came close to qualification during his first two campaigns, losing in play-offs for both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Speaking on Virgin Media, he compared the time he was given to what Stephen Kenny has received, going on to say that it is difficult for any manager to survive if results have not been good enough.
"You've got to win games, simple as that. No matter what football you play, you have to win games. I've never been sacked yet for winning football matches."
Mick McCarthy on Stephen Kenny's Ireland tenure. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/iHCVUNltgs— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 8, 2023
It's a tough old gig, (even) if you get the time and you get the players. I did as well, I got the time and I ended up with Richard (Dunne), Robbie (Keane), Damien (Duff), Roy (Keane), Matty Holland. We had a good side and went on to the World Cup.
But you've got to win games, it's as simple as that. No matter what you do or what football you play, you have to win games. I've never been sacked yet for winning football matches.
If you don't qualify for tournaments, you will get yourself under pressure.
Of course, some would point out that the rebuilding job that Stephen Kenny was handed was largely down to the failure of his predecessors - Martin O'Neill and McCarthy himself - to blood new players during their own tenures.
In any case, it seems that the lack of results has finally caught up with the former Dundalk manager.
SEE ALSO: Joe Hart Produced A Baffling Piece Of Goalkeeping In Celtic Loss To Atletico Madrid
