FAI 'very close' to appointing new manager says Director of Football Marc Canham
The FAI’s ambition is to have a permanent manager installed by next month as Marc Canham insists they are “very close” to filling the vacancy.
It’s understood despite repeated efforts to tempt the ex-Ireland midfielder Lee Carlsey from his position in charge of Euro U21 champions England, he’s decided to stay put and they are seeking an alternative.
Chris Coleman and Neil Lennon were overlooked by the FAI and the protracted hunt is now in its 90th day with a squad due to be announced in a fortnight for two friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland on March 23 and 26 in Dublin.
Jonathan Hill’s desirable date to have the new boss in-situ by the Nations League draw on February 8 didn’t come to fruition.
Denying budgetary restrictions – a salary in and around the same €560,000 basic as predecessor Stephen Kenny – are proving a deterrent, the Director of Football wants the appointee to act as an ambassador for the FAI.
“We’re very close,” Director of Football Canham said yesterday.
“I know fans are interested and we hope to announce it soon. The budget is not a problem. We talked openly with all the candidates about that.”
Asked if a permanent boss, rather than a caretaker, next month, he said: “That’s our ambition and we hope that’s the case and we wrap it up as soon as possible.
“We’re not a club that has a game every week; we’re an international team. We’ve had the fortunate opportunity to take our time with it.
“We spoke to lots of candidates in Ireland, the UK and across far and wide. We’ve taken our time to get the best person for the job because we know how important it is for Irish football.
“We are doing things in a very thorough and robust way, ensuring we were very due diligent in everything we do, going
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