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You'll all be aware of the situation by now; Mick McCarthy has handed-in his resignation as manager of the Republic of Ireland's national team after a summer of football in-which he proved all-critics wrong and took the Irish on further than anyone could've expected. McCarthy has said that the main reason behind his descision is all down-to parts of the media pressure wanting him out, and that there are still some 'ghosts' that live-on from that memorable Roy Keane incident before the very-start of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
He may have his reasons, but Irish fans cannot be happy now that such a 'legend' to them has called-it-a-day on his time in-charge.
The FAI are now left with the task of finding and bringning-in a suitable replacement who can lead this young Irish side on in the same way that McCarthy did - if not greater. If it is to be another Irishman then there are a few names I can instantly think of...
And David O'Learly is the first. The one-time Leeds saviour saw his time at Elland Road cut-short earlier than expected at the very start of the season right before the club lost Rio Ferdinand to rivals Manchester United, and ever-since-then the former Ireland international himself has been looking for new-work. After he passed at the chance to take-over as Sunderland boss are we to believe he has no intentions of stepping-back into club management again, so-soon after Elland Road? It's doubtfull. The Irish FA haven't even had the time to even consider him as McCarthy's replacement yet and already he's told the media the answer is "No."
So I think we can expect to see him back-soon in the hot-seat of one of England's 'bigger clubs'. Maybe he's holding-out for the Old Trafford job?? He's got a very-long wait if he is! Surely he'll need "something" to pass the time?
He'd be ideal, to me. Not only has he worked with talented youngsters like Harry Kewell and Lee Bowyer in the past at Leeds, but just look at the current Ireand squad and you'll see names like Gary Kelly, Ian Harte and Robbie Keane - big-names he's also worked with at Elland Road to great-effects.
Why did he say no??
Then there's Martin O'Neill. Since his League Cup triumphs with Leicester City with the likes of Emile Heskey and Muzzy Izzet under-his-control we've known this guy was something special when it comes to football management.
He may not have coached or even spoken to any of the full-internationals of Irelan's set-up as it is today, but he did work-wonders at Filbert Street; taking a team of no-hopers with nothing all-the-way to Wembley to gain some success.
Only problem with him is that he seems more-than-happy in-control of Celtic team north-of-the-border, especially after the triumphs over Glasgow-rivals Rangers the club have seen already during his short-period at Celtic Park (Parkhead). Surely 2 demanding jobs in one-go would be too-much even for Mr.O'Neill? Especially if he has to focus on getting one team in-and-amongst the biggest names in international football, while the other has their eyes set on the Champions' League with the world-class goal-scoring talents of Henrik Larsson alone. But it's still possible...
When I first heard that John Aldridge said he would be interested it felt like this guy had just dissapeared off the face of the Earth or something as I can't remember hearing ANYTHING about the former Tranmere gaffer since his time at Prenton Park came-to-an-end. I certainly didn't realise he was Irish with that accent! But when I think about what he did with Tranmere Rovers (not the greatest team from that area) year-after-year in the FA Cup, it still amazes me. Tranmere were always a club with nothing. Except a few young-starlets like Alan Mahon and Jason Koumas, and of course, Dave Challinor and his incredible throw-ins that were just like corner-kicks. But "Aldo" turned-things-around and took this club much-further than anyone else, despite their lack of real finances or modern-day big-name internationals from around Europe. He was one-of-a-kind, and Tranmere have never been the same since.
Why do I think he'd be good with Ireland? Well, we saw what he can do with a bunch of nobodies with the Tranmere side in the FA Cup, just think of what he could do with a squad of mixed potential with an overall "greater" side squad in-terms-of quality, abillity and experiences. They're not all that young, there's Steve Staunton too! He's currently looking for somewhere to work, and I think that if-taken, this could be his big-break to get his name back up-there where it was just 2 years ago with Tranmere when it came to FA Cup 3rd Round Draw time.
A few other names have been thrown-into contention also, including Nial Quinn, all worthy of being given serious consideration and thought over. Well, except for Roy Keane, of course! Although he has always said he'd like to try management at some stage... However, I very-much-doubt the Irish players would be willing to work for him after his pre-World Cup bust-up with Mick McCarthy.
And that's another thing... This new gaffer's gunna have to come-in and decide:
'Roy Keane, or No Roy Keane??' A bad descision early-on could effect so-many things to come in the future of his time in-charge.
But who says the new manager has to be Irish?
The Irish FA have already said that they WILL consider bringing in a foreign manager from around Europe, just like England have done with Sven-Goran Eriksson, and Scotland with Germany's Euro '96 boss Berti Vogts.
Eriksson's arrival has taken England further than anyone could've expected, and maybe also a lot further than another Keegan or Hoddle could've taken-us. However, it hasn't worked-out all that well with Scotland under Vogts. Perhaps expectations have been too-high after Eriksson's arrival? Either way, I think that many Scots still believe that Craig Brown was and always-will-be the right man, even if Scotland did miss-out on the last World Cup. He had a great understanding with the players, each-and-every-one-of-them, just like Mick McCarthy.
But look at Wales and just how-much they've improved under fomer-United Legend Mark Hughes during the last year...! And he's Welsh too - and not one of these foreigners the FA's seem to be so interested in now. Not only are they winning big-games against big-teams like Italy but Ryan Giggs is no-longer their one real player who does it all. Simon Davies has come a long way, as has Craig Bellamy, and even the likes of Jason Koumas and co. too.
Who is the right man to replace Mick McCarthy? I honestly do not know, and I don't many other people think differently - including God himself. The truth is that the Republic of Ireland have lost a great leader, and need to find a new one very-soon if they wish to contain a stable, steady run into the European Championships of the year 2004, via Qualification. What they really need is one of the afore mentioned managers I spoke about towards the start, a man who can come-in and really listen to and understand the players in-order-to work with them and really get the best out of all of them individually to create a strong and effective team - like McCarthy did.
Let's hope they pick the right man, who could well be Irish.
An international tournament without a team like Ireland just isn't as entertaining.
He may have his reasons, but Irish fans cannot be happy now that such a 'legend' to them has called-it-a-day on his time in-charge.
The FAI are now left with the task of finding and bringning-in a suitable replacement who can lead this young Irish side on in the same way that McCarthy did - if not greater. If it is to be another Irishman then there are a few names I can instantly think of...
And David O'Learly is the first. The one-time Leeds saviour saw his time at Elland Road cut-short earlier than expected at the very start of the season right before the club lost Rio Ferdinand to rivals Manchester United, and ever-since-then the former Ireland international himself has been looking for new-work. After he passed at the chance to take-over as Sunderland boss are we to believe he has no intentions of stepping-back into club management again, so-soon after Elland Road? It's doubtfull. The Irish FA haven't even had the time to even consider him as McCarthy's replacement yet and already he's told the media the answer is "No."
So I think we can expect to see him back-soon in the hot-seat of one of England's 'bigger clubs'. Maybe he's holding-out for the Old Trafford job?? He's got a very-long wait if he is! Surely he'll need "something" to pass the time?
He'd be ideal, to me. Not only has he worked with talented youngsters like Harry Kewell and Lee Bowyer in the past at Leeds, but just look at the current Ireand squad and you'll see names like Gary Kelly, Ian Harte and Robbie Keane - big-names he's also worked with at Elland Road to great-effects.
Why did he say no??
Then there's Martin O'Neill. Since his League Cup triumphs with Leicester City with the likes of Emile Heskey and Muzzy Izzet under-his-control we've known this guy was something special when it comes to football management.
He may not have coached or even spoken to any of the full-internationals of Irelan's set-up as it is today, but he did work-wonders at Filbert Street; taking a team of no-hopers with nothing all-the-way to Wembley to gain some success.
Only problem with him is that he seems more-than-happy in-control of Celtic team north-of-the-border, especially after the triumphs over Glasgow-rivals Rangers the club have seen already during his short-period at Celtic Park (Parkhead). Surely 2 demanding jobs in one-go would be too-much even for Mr.O'Neill? Especially if he has to focus on getting one team in-and-amongst the biggest names in international football, while the other has their eyes set on the Champions' League with the world-class goal-scoring talents of Henrik Larsson alone. But it's still possible...
When I first heard that John Aldridge said he would be interested it felt like this guy had just dissapeared off the face of the Earth or something as I can't remember hearing ANYTHING about the former Tranmere gaffer since his time at Prenton Park came-to-an-end. I certainly didn't realise he was Irish with that accent! But when I think about what he did with Tranmere Rovers (not the greatest team from that area) year-after-year in the FA Cup, it still amazes me. Tranmere were always a club with nothing. Except a few young-starlets like Alan Mahon and Jason Koumas, and of course, Dave Challinor and his incredible throw-ins that were just like corner-kicks. But "Aldo" turned-things-around and took this club much-further than anyone else, despite their lack of real finances or modern-day big-name internationals from around Europe. He was one-of-a-kind, and Tranmere have never been the same since.
Why do I think he'd be good with Ireland? Well, we saw what he can do with a bunch of nobodies with the Tranmere side in the FA Cup, just think of what he could do with a squad of mixed potential with an overall "greater" side squad in-terms-of quality, abillity and experiences. They're not all that young, there's Steve Staunton too! He's currently looking for somewhere to work, and I think that if-taken, this could be his big-break to get his name back up-there where it was just 2 years ago with Tranmere when it came to FA Cup 3rd Round Draw time.
A few other names have been thrown-into contention also, including Nial Quinn, all worthy of being given serious consideration and thought over. Well, except for Roy Keane, of course! Although he has always said he'd like to try management at some stage... However, I very-much-doubt the Irish players would be willing to work for him after his pre-World Cup bust-up with Mick McCarthy.
And that's another thing... This new gaffer's gunna have to come-in and decide:
'Roy Keane, or No Roy Keane??' A bad descision early-on could effect so-many things to come in the future of his time in-charge.
But who says the new manager has to be Irish?
The Irish FA have already said that they WILL consider bringing in a foreign manager from around Europe, just like England have done with Sven-Goran Eriksson, and Scotland with Germany's Euro '96 boss Berti Vogts.
Eriksson's arrival has taken England further than anyone could've expected, and maybe also a lot further than another Keegan or Hoddle could've taken-us. However, it hasn't worked-out all that well with Scotland under Vogts. Perhaps expectations have been too-high after Eriksson's arrival? Either way, I think that many Scots still believe that Craig Brown was and always-will-be the right man, even if Scotland did miss-out on the last World Cup. He had a great understanding with the players, each-and-every-one-of-them, just like Mick McCarthy.
But look at Wales and just how-much they've improved under fomer-United Legend Mark Hughes during the last year...! And he's Welsh too - and not one of these foreigners the FA's seem to be so interested in now. Not only are they winning big-games against big-teams like Italy but Ryan Giggs is no-longer their one real player who does it all. Simon Davies has come a long way, as has Craig Bellamy, and even the likes of Jason Koumas and co. too.
Who is the right man to replace Mick McCarthy? I honestly do not know, and I don't many other people think differently - including God himself. The truth is that the Republic of Ireland have lost a great leader, and need to find a new one very-soon if they wish to contain a stable, steady run into the European Championships of the year 2004, via Qualification. What they really need is one of the afore mentioned managers I spoke about towards the start, a man who can come-in and really listen to and understand the players in-order-to work with them and really get the best out of all of them individually to create a strong and effective team - like McCarthy did.
Let's hope they pick the right man, who could well be Irish.
An international tournament without a team like Ireland just isn't as entertaining.
But nothing's been confirmed though.
They still have a few months untill Ireland's next game to appoint someone, but I think they'll need to get someone in soon so he can begin to get used to it all and plan-ahead.
I don't know about dual-management partnerships...
After Houllier and Evans I'm not so sure they are all that good a thing.
But if the 2 can always agree on everything, then by all means it could work. Houllier just tried to take-over - and did.
I still don't understand where John Toshack has come from though?
I know who he is, and I know he's regarded quite highly, but who threw his name into the hat?? He's not Irish, is he?
They still have a few months untill Ireland's next game to appoint someone, but I think they'll need to get someone in soon so he can begin to get used to it all and plan-ahead.
I don't know about dual-management partnerships...
After Houllier and Evans I'm not so sure they are all that good a thing.
But if the 2 can always agree on everything, then by all means it could work. Houllier just tried to take-over - and did.
I still don't understand where John Toshack has come from though?
I know who he is, and I know he's regarded quite highly, but who threw his name into the hat?? He's not Irish, is he?
Ireland's successor is going to be the coaching duo of Houghton and Aldridge. with the outsider being john tosack.
You'll all be aware of the situation by now; Mick McCarthy has handed-in his resignation as manager of the Republic of Ireland's national team after a summer of football in-which he proved all-critics wrong and took the Irish on further than anyone could've expected. McCarthy has said that the main reason behind his descision is all down-to parts of the media pressure wanting him out, and that there are still some 'ghosts' that live-on from that memorable Roy Keane incident before the very-start of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
He may have his reasons, but Irish fans cannot be happy now that such a 'legend' to them has called-it-a-day on his time in-charge.
The FAI are now left with the task of finding and bringning-in a suitable replacement who can lead this young Irish side on in the same way that McCarthy did - if not greater. If it is to be another Irishman then there are a few names I can instantly think of...
And David O'Learly is the first. The one-time Leeds saviour saw his time at Elland Road cut-short earlier than expected at the very start of the season right before the club lost Rio Ferdinand to rivals Manchester United, and ever-since-then the former Ireland international himself has been looking for new-work. After he passed at the chance to take-over as Sunderland boss are we to believe he has no intentions of stepping-back into club management again, so-soon after Elland Road? It's doubtfull. The Irish FA haven't even had the time to even consider him as McCarthy's replacement yet and already he's told the media the answer is "No."
So I think we can expect to see him back-soon in the hot-seat of one of England's 'bigger clubs'. Maybe he's holding-out for the Old Trafford job?? He's got a very-long wait if he is! Surely he'll need "something" to pass the time?
He'd be ideal, to me. Not only has he worked with talented youngsters like Harry Kewell and Lee Bowyer in the past at Leeds, but just look at the current Ireand squad and you'll see names like Gary Kelly, Ian Harte and Robbie Keane - big-names he's also worked with at Elland Road to great-effects.
Why did he say no??
Then there's Martin O'Neill. Since his League Cup triumphs with Leicester City with the likes of Emile Heskey and Muzzy Izzet under-his-control we've known this guy was something special when it comes to football management.
He may not have coached or even spoken to any of the full-internationals of Irelan's set-up as it is today, but he did work-wonders at Filbert Street; taking a team of no-hopers with nothing all-the-way to Wembley to gain some success.
Only problem with him is that he seems more-than-happy in-control of Celtic team north-of-the-border, especially after the triumphs over Glasgow-rivals Rangers the club have seen already during his short-period at Celtic Park (Parkhead). Surely 2 demanding jobs in one-go would be too-much even for Mr.O'Neill? Especially if he has to focus on getting one team in-and-amongst the biggest names in international football, while the other has their eyes set on the Champions' League with the world-class goal-scoring talents of Henrik Larsson alone. But it's still possible...
When I first heard that John Aldridge said he would be interested it felt like this guy had just dissapeared off the face of the Earth or something as I can't remember hearing ANYTHING about the former Tranmere gaffer since his time at Prenton Park came-to-an-end. I certainly didn't realise he was Irish with that accent! But when I think about what he did with Tranmere Rovers (not the greatest team from that area) year-after-year in the FA Cup, it still amazes me. Tranmere were always a club with nothing. Except a few young-starlets like Alan Mahon and Jason Koumas, and of course, Dave Challinor and his incredible throw-ins that were just like corner-kicks. But "Aldo" turned-things-around and took this club much-further than anyone else, despite their lack of real finances or modern-day big-name internationals from around Europe. He was one-of-a-kind, and Tranmere have never been the same since.
Why do I think he'd be good with Ireland? Well, we saw what he can do with a bunch of nobodies with the Tranmere side in the FA Cup, just think of what he could do with a squad of mixed potential with an overall "greater" side squad in-terms-of quality, abillity and experiences. They're not all that young, there's Steve Staunton too! He's currently looking for somewhere to work, and I think that if-taken, this could be his big-break to get his name back up-there where it was just 2 years ago with Tranmere when it came to FA Cup 3rd Round Draw time.
A few other names have been thrown-into contention also, including Nial Quinn, all worthy of being given serious consideration and thought over. Well, except for Roy Keane, of course! Although he has always said he'd like to try management at some stage... However, I very-much-doubt the Irish players would be willing to work for him after his pre-World Cup bust-up with Mick McCarthy.
And that's another thing... This new gaffer's gunna have to come-in and decide:
'Roy Keane, or No Roy Keane??' A bad descision early-on could effect so-many things to come in the future of his time in-charge.
But who says the new manager has to be Irish?
The Irish FA have already said that they WILL consider bringing in a foreign manager from around Europe, just like England have done with Sven-Goran Eriksson, and Scotland with Germany's Euro '96 boss Berti Vogts.
Eriksson's arrival has taken England further than anyone could've expected, and maybe also a lot further than another Keegan or Hoddle could've taken-us. However, it hasn't worked-out all that well with Scotland under Vogts. Perhaps expectations have been too-high after Eriksson's arrival? Either way, I think that many Scots still believe that Craig Brown was and always-will-be the right man, even if Scotland did miss-out on the last World Cup. He had a great understanding with the players, each-and-every-one-of-them, just like Mick McCarthy.
But look at Wales and just how-much they've improved under fomer-United Legend Mark Hughes during the last year...! And he's Welsh too - and not one of these foreigners the FA's seem to be so interested in now. Not only are they winning big-games against big-teams like Italy but Ryan Giggs is no-longer their one real player who does it all. Simon Davies has come a long way, as has Craig Bellamy, and even the likes of Jason Koumas and co. too.
Who is the right man to replace Mick McCarthy? I honestly do not know, and I don't many other people think differently - including God himself. The truth is that the Republic of Ireland have lost a great leader, and need to find a new one very-soon if they wish to contain a stable, steady run into the European Championships of the year 2004, via Qualification. What they really need is one of the afore mentioned managers I spoke about towards the start, a man who can come-in and really listen to and understand the players in-order-to work with them and really get the best out of all of them individually to create a strong and effective team - like McCarthy did.
Let's hope they pick the right man, who could well be Irish.
An international tournament without a team like Ireland just isn't as entertaining.
He may have his reasons, but Irish fans cannot be happy now that such a 'legend' to them has called-it-a-day on his time in-charge.
The FAI are now left with the task of finding and bringning-in a suitable replacement who can lead this young Irish side on in the same way that McCarthy did - if not greater. If it is to be another Irishman then there are a few names I can instantly think of...
And David O'Learly is the first. The one-time Leeds saviour saw his time at Elland Road cut-short earlier than expected at the very start of the season right before the club lost Rio Ferdinand to rivals Manchester United, and ever-since-then the former Ireland international himself has been looking for new-work. After he passed at the chance to take-over as Sunderland boss are we to believe he has no intentions of stepping-back into club management again, so-soon after Elland Road? It's doubtfull. The Irish FA haven't even had the time to even consider him as McCarthy's replacement yet and already he's told the media the answer is "No."
So I think we can expect to see him back-soon in the hot-seat of one of England's 'bigger clubs'. Maybe he's holding-out for the Old Trafford job?? He's got a very-long wait if he is! Surely he'll need "something" to pass the time?
He'd be ideal, to me. Not only has he worked with talented youngsters like Harry Kewell and Lee Bowyer in the past at Leeds, but just look at the current Ireand squad and you'll see names like Gary Kelly, Ian Harte and Robbie Keane - big-names he's also worked with at Elland Road to great-effects.
Why did he say no??
Then there's Martin O'Neill. Since his League Cup triumphs with Leicester City with the likes of Emile Heskey and Muzzy Izzet under-his-control we've known this guy was something special when it comes to football management.
He may not have coached or even spoken to any of the full-internationals of Irelan's set-up as it is today, but he did work-wonders at Filbert Street; taking a team of no-hopers with nothing all-the-way to Wembley to gain some success.
Only problem with him is that he seems more-than-happy in-control of Celtic team north-of-the-border, especially after the triumphs over Glasgow-rivals Rangers the club have seen already during his short-period at Celtic Park (Parkhead). Surely 2 demanding jobs in one-go would be too-much even for Mr.O'Neill? Especially if he has to focus on getting one team in-and-amongst the biggest names in international football, while the other has their eyes set on the Champions' League with the world-class goal-scoring talents of Henrik Larsson alone. But it's still possible...
When I first heard that John Aldridge said he would be interested it felt like this guy had just dissapeared off the face of the Earth or something as I can't remember hearing ANYTHING about the former Tranmere gaffer since his time at Prenton Park came-to-an-end. I certainly didn't realise he was Irish with that accent! But when I think about what he did with Tranmere Rovers (not the greatest team from that area) year-after-year in the FA Cup, it still amazes me. Tranmere were always a club with nothing. Except a few young-starlets like Alan Mahon and Jason Koumas, and of course, Dave Challinor and his incredible throw-ins that were just like corner-kicks. But "Aldo" turned-things-around and took this club much-further than anyone else, despite their lack of real finances or modern-day big-name internationals from around Europe. He was one-of-a-kind, and Tranmere have never been the same since.
Why do I think he'd be good with Ireland? Well, we saw what he can do with a bunch of nobodies with the Tranmere side in the FA Cup, just think of what he could do with a squad of mixed potential with an overall "greater" side squad in-terms-of quality, abillity and experiences. They're not all that young, there's Steve Staunton too! He's currently looking for somewhere to work, and I think that if-taken, this could be his big-break to get his name back up-there where it was just 2 years ago with Tranmere when it came to FA Cup 3rd Round Draw time.
A few other names have been thrown-into contention also, including Nial Quinn, all worthy of being given serious consideration and thought over. Well, except for Roy Keane, of course! Although he has always said he'd like to try management at some stage... However, I very-much-doubt the Irish players would be willing to work for him after his pre-World Cup bust-up with Mick McCarthy.
And that's another thing... This new gaffer's gunna have to come-in and decide:
'Roy Keane, or No Roy Keane??' A bad descision early-on could effect so-many things to come in the future of his time in-charge.
But who says the new manager has to be Irish?
The Irish FA have already said that they WILL consider bringing in a foreign manager from around Europe, just like England have done with Sven-Goran Eriksson, and Scotland with Germany's Euro '96 boss Berti Vogts.
Eriksson's arrival has taken England further than anyone could've expected, and maybe also a lot further than another Keegan or Hoddle could've taken-us. However, it hasn't worked-out all that well with Scotland under Vogts. Perhaps expectations have been too-high after Eriksson's arrival? Either way, I think that many Scots still believe that Craig Brown was and always-will-be the right man, even if Scotland did miss-out on the last World Cup. He had a great understanding with the players, each-and-every-one-of-them, just like Mick McCarthy.
But look at Wales and just how-much they've improved under fomer-United Legend Mark Hughes during the last year...! And he's Welsh too - and not one of these foreigners the FA's seem to be so interested in now. Not only are they winning big-games against big-teams like Italy but Ryan Giggs is no-longer their one real player who does it all. Simon Davies has come a long way, as has Craig Bellamy, and even the likes of Jason Koumas and co. too.
Who is the right man to replace Mick McCarthy? I honestly do not know, and I don't many other people think differently - including God himself. The truth is that the Republic of Ireland have lost a great leader, and need to find a new one very-soon if they wish to contain a stable, steady run into the European Championships of the year 2004, via Qualification. What they really need is one of the afore mentioned managers I spoke about towards the start, a man who can come-in and really listen to and understand the players in-order-to work with them and really get the best out of all of them individually to create a strong and effective team - like McCarthy did.
Let's hope they pick the right man, who could well be Irish.
An international tournament without a team like Ireland just isn't as entertaining.