Nick has a look at 10 outside bets that could end up being dark horses for the Ireland job, with 5 realistic and 5 more out there candidates!
The realistic candidates!
1.Chris Coleman
Former Wales boss Chris Coleman’s Dublin father gives him an authentic link to Ireland but has not really come into the conversation about the vacant role. Having managed in England, China, Spain and Greece, his guidance of the Welsh to the Euro 2016 semi-finals gives him an impressive international CV. May not prove a popular pick among Irish fans although he is available and may mot command a huge fee for his services.
2.Dean Smith
Having cut his teeth with Walsall and Brentford, Dean Smith’s spells with Aston Villa, Norwich City and Leicester City have made him a respected name on the management circuit in recent years. The 52 year old will be well used to working with Irish players but doesn’t seem to be on the radar of the FAI. Smith may fancy a crack at international football but may be anticipating calls from Championship clubs as the managerial conveyor belt kicks in as the season progresses.
3.Rene Muelensteen
Perhaps familiar with Manchester Unted fans after his spell in the development and coaching structures under Sir Alex Ferguson, Rene Muelensteen has been a coach with Australia since 2018 and has helped maximised the limited resources of a team that upset the odds in last years World Cup. May fancy his chances as an international manager and could be an attractive option for Ireland given how many players came through the Dutch inspired youth system of Ruud Dokter.
4.Bert Van Marwijk
Still on the Dutch theme, Meulensteen’s former boss with Australia Bert Van Marwijk led his native Netherland to the World Cup final in 2010. He also had spells with Saudi Arabia and the UAE which has given him quite a bit of international experience. Available after leaving his UAE post last year and could welcome a return to European international management.
5.Paul Clement
Having earned his coaching badges with the FAI, Paul Clement worked under Don Givens with the Irish under-21’s for a period of time. He made his name as a highy rated coach, working most notable with Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid as Carlo Anchelotti’s trusted right hand man. His success as a manager though has not been as fruitful with struggles at the likes of Derby County, Swansea City, Reading and a disastrous spell at Cercle Brugge. The Englishman could however, be an outside bet given his past links to the FAI.
The out there options!
6.Scott Parker
Still something of a managerial novice, Scott Parker has the distinction of winning Premier league promotion with both Fulham and Bournemouth. He also managed in the Champions League during his last role with Club Brugge but had an overall disastrous time with the Belgian side and was sacked in March of this year. Despite his potential as a manager, he is perhaps a bit too raw for an international gig just now.
7.Vladamir Petkovic
The former long-term manager of Switzerland led his country to three consecutive tournaments with a 100% qualification record. The 60 year old could represent a manager with serious international calibre and was complimentory of the Irish when he went head to head with Mick McCarthy during the Euro 202 qualification campaign. Available after departing Bordeaux and may crave a return to the international game.
8.Nigel Pearson
Having recently departed Bristol City after nearly three years at the helm, ex-Leicester Boss Nigel Pearson is another name on the list that may want to test himself at international level. An experienced manager but sometimes divisive character, Pearson is credited by many for laying the foundations for Leicester’s shock Premier league triumph in 2016 under Claudio Ranieri. The 60 year old would prove a controversial appointment and a stark contrast to the gentle approach of Stephen Kenny.
9.Joachim Low
A world Cup winner with Germany having spent 15 years in charge of his country but Jorgi Low has been out of work since Euro 2020 (plus 1). The experienced manager was a harsh critic of Ireland with his famous ‘DNA’ comment and would not have the same riches at his disposal as he did in charge of the Germans. There were whispers he could take over the Turkey international side but nothing materialised and despite not exactly being in high demand, it is unlikely the FAI could finance such an appointment.
10.Fernando Santos
Another veteran coach with vast international experience, 69 year old Fernando Santos has managed Poland, Greece and his native Portugal, winning Euro 206 with the latter. Having managed at 7 international tournaments, he was entrusted to comfortably guide Poland to Euro 2024. However, shock losses to Moldova and Albania saw him relived of his duties. Santos’s football isn’t easy on the eye and may not be worth the presumably high wage given the direction of a more contemporary style that has been deployed in recent years.
Who would YOUR outside bet be for the Ireland job? Let us know in the comments below!
Nick, The Green Machíne Podcast