Kenny won't be making plea for contract extension as Ireland boss
Stephen Kenny insists he’s not making a plea to remain Ireland manager as decision-time looms on his tenure.
For the second qualifying campaign in a row, Ireland are out of contention to reach a major tournament heading into the final window when they meet Netherlands in Saturday week’s concluding Euro 2024 qualifier.
The three-and-a-half-year tenure of Kenny era will stumble into a final friendly on November 21 against New Zealand – more of a swansong for James McClean on his 104th and final cap – but the FAI board are set to decide to appoint a new boss for the 2024 series and the difficult path to the 2026 World Cup.
His squad reveal at Abbotstown on Thursday was suitably underwhelming due to the absence of Sammie Szmodics and Andrew Moran, both of whom are blazing a trail in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers.
The personal reasons that led to his withdrawal from last month’s window was attributed to the omission of Szmodics while Kenny opted to allow Under-21 boss Jim Crawford keep hold of 20-year-old Moran for their Euro qualifier in Norway.
The prospect of Séamus Coleman returning to the squad after his six-month layoff was deemed a “bridge too far” in the context of him playing just two short Under-21 run-outs for Everton.
“It may well be the case,” Kenny said when asked if these matches represent his final fling in his dream job.
“I can’t be certain on any of these things, but regardless we will be professional in our approach. We’ll have to see; those decisions are out of my control.
“I am not making a plea - certainly not doing that. My contract is up after the New Zealand game.
“I am very privileged to manage Ireland, it’s a transitional phase but you can see the squad now.
“A record number of players
Read on irishexaminer.com
