As the search for the next Ireland manager intensifies, the FAI gave an update on the process over the weekend.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill expects to have someone appointed some time in February, which would allow them to become familiar with the squad during the four friendlies that are due to take part in March and June. It would also allow them to prepare for the side's UEFA Nations League opponents, with that draw being made early in February.
As to who that appointment will be, that is still very much up in the air.
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Stephen Kelly feels coach would be perfect fit as Ireland manager
Lee Carsley has long been mooted as the FAI's preferred candidate to be the next Ireland manager, although it still remains uncertain as to whether he is interested in the position. The likes of Neil Lennon, Steve Bruce, and Roy Keane had previously been mentioned as alternative options.
In saying that, another candidate has gained some momentum in recent days.
Chris Hughton may currently be the Ghana manager, but there is a sense that he would be interested in the Ireland job. With the African Cup of Nations set to take place next month, he could well move on after that tournament. That makes the FAI's February appointment window a rather convenient one.
The 65-year old has an excellent managerial CV, experiencing varying degrees of success at the likes of Newcastle, Birmingham City, Norwich City, and Brighton. In saying that, some feel his tactical approach is not an ideal fit in the current era.
However, some feel that is not the case.
Speaking on RTÉ 2fm’s Game On, former Ireland defender Stephen Kelly said that the reputation Hughton has been given is unfair and he feels that he would be a brilliant fit as the next manager.
People will think Chris is a throwback, but he’s not an old-school manager. Chris is a scholar of the game, constantly learning, constantly improving.
He has a wealth of experience. You just have to look at what he has done with teams in and around the Championship, and that’s where I’d put our team (Ireland), a top-end Championship side, who he could get the best out of.
Hughton has done that with Newcastle, done amazing things with Birmingham City (got the club to the play-offs in his only season in charge), put Brighton into the position they are in now.
I think he’s someone that could really work and with his wealth of experience, it might be the way to go.
Stephen Kelly would have worked with Chris Hughton at Spurs, where he was part of the first team coaching staff when the defender was breaking through at the club in the early 00s.
He would no doubt be a safe pair of hands for the Ireland manager job, with the Irish Independent suggesting in recent days that he has backers within the FAI at board level.
It will be interesting to see how this process plays out in the weeks ahead.
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