Just as well Big Mick always relished a tough challenge

That great sporting institution of the turf, the Irish Managerial Succession Stakes, invariably throws up a few dark horses, and with a couple of exotic tips to match.

Exhibit A: A text message yesterday from someone with a lot of experience in the game here, the gist of which was that Jurgen Klinsmann had been spotted in a Dublin hotel and that — bear with me here — my source’s son’s mate’s brother, who works in a bookies across the road, was behind the counter when the hotel manager came in and stuck €50 on the German to be the next Ireland manager.