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Stan is not the man

International Republic of Ireland
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Steve Staunton was a wonderfully committed player for the Republic of Ireland but his 21-month reign as manager of his country must now come to an end.


Angry Republic of Ireland supporters delivered that message loud-and-clear to Staunton's hapless Football Association of Ireland paymasters after Wednesday's dismal 1-1 draw against Cyprus at Croke Park.


Steve Finnan's injury-time equaliser may have rescued a point for the Republic but it did not save Staunton, and more particularly the FAI from yet another night of embarrassment.


Over 16,000 ticket-holders had shown their displeasure with the current Republic regime by not turning up for Wednesday's game.


And thousands of Republic fans in the 54,000 attendance were streaming out of the exit gates after Stelios Okkarides' had headed the Cypriots ahead with 10 minutes remaining.


The Republic team was a shambles at Croke Park.


Staunton's baffling decision to move Joey O'Brien from defence to midfield backfired while Stephen Kelly was dropped from left-back despite having produced a solid outing against Germany on Saturday.


Andy Keogh, who had made little impression against the Germans, failed to impose himself on the action again while Stephen Hunt struggled despite his impressive cameo in the Czech Republic last month.


Once again, Staunton's side was unbalanced and shapeless while Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle failed to gel in attack.


Staunton cannot be blamed for Keane's dreadful finishing in the past five days but the captain's poor understanding with Doyle betrayed a lack of work on the training ground over the past 10 days.


After Brian Kerr's exit, FAI chief executive John Delaney promised Irish fans a "world-class management team" but that boast rings hollow two years on.

When an Irish tabloid first suggested that Staunton was in the frame for the job, this reporter dismissed the story as being inconceivable.

Sometimes, you feel as though you should be in a different profession.


The dogs in the street knew the reality that Staunton, previously reserve team coach at Walsall, was going to have to learn on the job.


It hasn't happened and all evidence suggests that matters are unlikely to change during the World Cup qualifying campaign which will start in less than a year's time.


Of course, Staunton insists that he will "see the job through" but it's difficult to believe that the Dundalk man will see be in charge by Christmas.


Staunton has the press on his back while more importantly, Wednesday showed that the Republic's loyal fans have lost the little faith that they had in the manager.


It's all rather sad because Steve Staunton is a decent guy who never should have found himself under this spotlight.


However, it's now time for the FAI blazers to act in Irish football's interest rather than being concerned with the embarrassment factor of having to admit that they erred spectacularly in appointing Staunton.


The Republic conclude their campaign in Wales on 17 November and don't be surprised if under-21 boss Don Givens is in charge in a caretaker capacity in Cardiff.

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comment by Irishhornet (U9959155)

posted Oct 23, 2007

Stan has to go today but John Delaney has to accept his portion of the blame for what has happened to the national side. He is a loathsome individual (a bit strong perhaps) but the way he has distanced himself from Stan has been nothing short of disgusting.

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comment by bryboru (U5536552)

posted Oct 23, 2007

Whether O'Leary was at fault for Leeds or not is besides the point. He's never won anything and employs an awful style of football. I would HATE to see him as Irish manager. He was rubbish at Villa too.

Martin Jol will be out of job soon. How about him?

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comment by aubergine_rob (U8742015)

posted Oct 23, 2007

He is a loathsome individual (a bit strong perhaps)

Not strong enough! his reaction last Thursday to the current crisis was appalling and speaks volumes about how spineless he is. The book ultimately has to stop with Delaney and the board of the FAI and I hope Staunton and Kennedy stick it to them later today. I know that Staunton was out of is depth and shouldn't have taken the job but being honest it shouldn't have been offered to him in the first place. The big question is who next? I wouldn't want O'Leary, Aldridge, Souness or George Graham as it would be just more of the same.

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comment by Mabbsy_on_TV3 (U9894570)

posted Oct 23, 2007

The Genesis report turned out to be a waste of money. The FAI are a disgraceful bunch.Yes, Stauton should be sacked.Had no experience and certainly not a world class manager.But he shouldn't be the only one to lose his job.

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comment by curro1 (U9667065)

posted Oct 23, 2007

Why not Martin Jol ??
another few years with Robbie Keane as captain is enough to frighten me.
Anyway, why rush things?.. we can wait a while before appointing a new manager... how long will it be before Delaney goes? Once he goes, maybe we can expect a proper appointment process.
I worry about rash (and rushed) decisions, especially when the FAI are involved. Should we not be more focussed on who the "interview committee" will be? Remember the last time....

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comment by Garrincha-legend (U8200311)

posted Oct 23, 2007

i dont think o`leary is the man for the job, Martin Jol wouldnt be a bad choice and i think he`d take the job if offered also he could bring back Chris Houghton who is a top class coach and knows the job & the players, the only thing that would concern me is looking at spurs Defending. Also what about Franz Beckenbaur i think he mite have a job in FIFA but if he doesnt it would be well worth putting in every effort to get him or someone of his stature.
Has anyone any1 any other suggestions apart from the usual suspects?????????????????????????????
Also i mentioned leo Bernhacker but he is with Poland at the moment and looks like hes going to the European Championships with them.
Interested to here of anyone that hasnt been mentioned yet

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comment by davros64 (U3876647)

posted Oct 23, 2007

To be honest, a short-term caretaker would be more sensible, given it's going to be 10 months before we play another important competitive game?
Maybe they could prove themselves on this basis? Would DO'L or Jol be prepared to accept this criteria?
The advantage is we could wait to see if any better coaches become available(with the exception of the two eejits involved with Chel-ski/Sunderland) at the start of the season

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comment by FNLROCK (U10022559)

posted Oct 23, 2007

Mogga For The Job, After his amazing time at Hibs and now WBA he must be in contention. A Celtic hero who started the Huddle, Am sure all Irish fans would welcome him with open arms!

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comment by bryboru (U5536552)

posted Oct 23, 2007

Good thinking outside the box Garrincha, but can't see the likes of Beckenbaur taking it. we do need someone of vast experience though

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comment by donpeacock (U6302893)

posted Oct 23, 2007

David O Leary had a good rapport with the fans at Leeds, not so with Villa, but what does Staunton do? He shows less than Sven!?! O'Leary would do a better job on the basis that he can't BUY any misfits lol
I can't believe why ROI went for such a novice in the first place? It's like saying that the Euro 2008 Finals weren't an important enough goal? I don't understand it, when u see the squad, they should have qualified.
But then, of all the Home nations(inc Ireland), the only decent manager is Alex MacLeish! The rest are nowhere near good enough, or won enough.
Northern Ireland had qualification within their grasp with Sanchez...well it makes my blood boil to think that we should have had 4 teams(sorry Wales, but the attitude's all wrong!)qualify, & now we'll do well to get ONE!
The respective FA Chiefs should take a good look at themselves, get reduced pay for non-qualification/under performance(as an incentive) & get the passion back & the BELIEF, dare i say it lead by the Jocks' example? erm

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