Canham: 'We believe we’re doing the right thing and hope fans trust the process'

The FAI have issued a revised target date of the Uefa Nations League kick-off in September to deliver their new boss, with John O’Shea to continue interim duties for the June friendlies.

Speaking yesterday in an FAI video – avoiding any external media scrutiny - director of football Marc Canham recognised the frustration and confusion caused by the deadlines of February and April that both perished.

At no point in the four-and-a-half-minute segment did Canham directly explain why his own timeline of April crumbled.

It’s known that negotiations with Gus Poyet took place in final days of his Greece contract last month but failed to culminate in the four-year contract the FAI highlighted as the terms for Stephen Kenny’s successor up to their co-hosting of Euro 2028.

“The process has not concluded,” confirmed Canham. “We recognise that this is not the news that people wanted to hear and may be disappointed to hear.

“We’re absolutely committed and determined to find the best person for the FAI and Irish football.” 

Canham, who was tasked along with now departed CEO Jonathan Hill and board member Packie Bonner with leading the headhunting team once Kenny was released 150 days ago on November 22, provided three reasons for another delay.

“There are a number,” he said. “One is around the criteria, the type of head coach, someone who comes in to improve the team and make us competitive, someone with a good mixture of club and international experience.

“The second point is around the conditions. We’ve spoken to a number of candidates who are available and also others who have existing contractual arrangements.

“The third is the competitiveness of the market. So we’re looking for the right coach with the right fit and timing, for