While they were forced to appoint an interim manager for the friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland later this month, the FAI insist that the process to appoint the next Republic of Ireland head coach is nearing its end.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Marc Canham insisted that an announcement on the appointment would come in early April. As well as that, he confirmed the appointment could not be made before then due to 'contractual obligations'.
That would suggest that the next Ireland boss is currently in employment elsewhere, most likely with a side that is involved during the March international window. That could mean that Lee Carsley remains in the running, while Gus Poyet and Anthony Barry (who is an assistant coach with Belgium) could also fit the bill.
READ HERE: John O'Shea Has Been Preparing For Fleeting Ireland Opportunity For A Long Time
Ray Houghton still holds Ireland concerns ahead of manager arrival
Whoever does come in as the next Ireland manager, they will be tasked with quickly improving results in comparison to the Stephen Kenny era. The previous Irish boss did a lot of good when it came to things such as blooding young players, but struggled to find any sort of consistency in their play.
That may not be an easy task, with Ireland largely dependant on players who are very inexperienced at international level.
Speaking to the Sunday World, former Ireland star Ray Houghton said that a quick improvement in results was no guarantee regardless of who the new manager is.
Whoever takes over, there will be question marks against them and whatever way you look at it, this is going to be a tough job.
We have not qualified for a tournament since 2016 and we have not come close to doing so either.
The next manager will inherit a squad of players who are decent and there are a lot of young players there who have been given a chance at international level by Stephen Kenny.
Some of them might flourish and they may be good enough to give Ireland some success in the future, but it’s far from certain at this moment in time...
However we do it, we need to get Ireland back to having a winning mentality and that was the first objective when I brought in Trapattoni.
I knew the style of play he might introduce would be a bit negative, but he understood how to win football matches at the highest level and whoever Ireland get next, they need to find a way to win first and foremost.
It will be hoped that John O'Shea can rejuvenate this group of players ahead of the friendlies later this month, although their next real test will not come until autumn when they embark on a Nations League campaign that features games against England, Finland, and Greece.
It remains to be seen who will be in charge for those games, although that question is set to be answered early next month.
SEE ALSO: Marc Canham Seems To Drop Huge Hint On Identity Of New Ireland Manager
