John Fallon: New Ireland manager shouldn't have to be Irish
Batumi in western Georgia by the coast of the Black Sea didn't have much relevance for Irish fans this year except for the persuasion of their potential new football manager.
All eyes were on Lee Carsley in July before God Save the King belted out prior to the Euro U21 final he oversaw England to victory against Spain.
That the Birmingham-born, former Ireland midfielder remained mute and motionless during the anthem was a source of encouragement to those concerned the lure of internal promotion to the top job in succession to Gareth Southgate may dissuade him from rejoining the cause of his ancestors.
It's all a tad academic in the grand scheme of things. Nobody questioned the allegiance of England's World Cup winner Jack Charlton as he presided over a successful era Ireland is unlikely to ever see again.
Three major tournaments, the scalps of England and Italy, as well as reaching the World Cup quarter-final smothered any chatter of divided loyalties.
But the age-old debate surrounding affinity does arise as the FAI face into a winter seeking managers for both their men's and women's Teams.
Stephen Kenny's exit will be a mere formality once life-support is switched off following the anticlimactic November double-header.
It is particularly pertinent given the supremo of the organisation – and hence central figurehead in the recruitment – is on the record as having preference for a native.
"I do firmly believe that it's really important that we continue to have an Irishman at the top of our Irish coaching system," said Jonathan Hill, the FAI chief executive, when confirming Kenny's contract extension in March 2022.
"It's something I believe is really important for the Irish football community and the
Read on irishexaminer.com
