As we finally near the end of the FAI's search for the next Ireland manager, it is still unclear as to who will be coaching the team moving forward.
The process that led to this point has been a protracted one, one that has featured a number of false dawns. The likes of Lee Carsley, Chris Coleman, and even Slaven Bilic were all said to be close to being appointed at various points, only for those rumours to be quickly dispelled.
FAI Director of Football Marc Canham said earlier this week that an appointment was close, although an announcement would be delayed until early April due to 'contractual obligations'.
This would suggest that the preferred candidate is currently involved with an international team and will be unavailable until after the March window. Carsley was the obvious candidate that fitted that criteria, although that suggestion was shot down by Brian Kerr.
Greece manager Gus Poyet and Portugal coach Anthony Barry are other possibilities, while Georgia manager and former France international Willy Sagnol has also entered the fray.
As for one of the few candidate who we know was genuinely interested in the role, they have now opened up on the reason why they were not appointed as Ireland manager.
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Neil Lennon opens up on Ireland manager snub
Neil Lennon spoke publicly on a number of occasions about his desire to become the next Ireland manager, with it being reported that he was among the final contenders for the role.
However, the FAI ultimately opted to go in another direction.
Speaking to the Scottish Sun, Lennon has revealed the reason he was overlooked for the position. He also admitted his interest in becoming the next Aberdeen boss and discussed his reputation as a coach.
Timing’s important and the Aberdeen job is something that I’d very much be interested in, no question. There’s great potential there.
I was linked with it last month but, at the time, I was still involved with the process of the Ireland position, so I couldn’t really take it on...
At 52, my best years are in front of me in terms of experience, my achievements in the game and what I’ve done and learned as a manager.
I think there’s a perception of me that’s wrong. I’ve achieved a lot — titles, trebles, the Champions League. I went abroad, won a trophy and got that team into the Europa League...
I was close to the Ireland job and I was disappointed to miss out on it.
The feedback was positive but they said they wanted to go with someone who had international experience.
Neil Lennon did not seem to be a popular choice among supporters to be the next Ireland manager, although that can also be said of the majority of names linked with the position.
With an appointment a matter of weeks away, we are still none the wiser as to who will be leading the team in the UEFA Nations League campaign later this year.
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