The buck stops with Staunton

AS Irish football continues to come to terms with the imminent unveiling of Steve Staunton, another piece of the jigsaw has fallen into place with the appointment of Kevin MacDonald as the new Irish coach.

Staunton has chosen the former Liverpool midfielder and current Aston Villa reserve coach, who is well known to the new Irish manager from his time at both clubs.

The news of MacDonald’s appointment contradicted earlier reports circulating yesterday that Bobby Robson planned to invite his former right-hand man John Carver to join him in the new Irish set-up.

Sources close to Robson and in Merrion Square dismissed the reports, as the FAI reacted to initial criticism of the Staunton/Robson appointment by stressing there will be only one man in charge.

“Let there be no mistake about this - the buck will stop with Steve Staunton,” said a source at the association.

“Steve Staunton is the manager and he will be responsible for all team affairs. Bobby Robson has made it quite clear that he is there to help and that he is quite happy to do whatever Steve asks of him, whether that’s scouting, advice or whatever.”

The FAI have emphasised the former England boss was Staunton’s choice as advisor, an acknowledgment by the rookie that he could only benefit from someone of Robson’s rich managerial experience.

With Alan Kelly already confirmed as Ireland’s new goalkeeping coach in place of Packie Bonner, Kevin MacDonald now comes in as a replacement for Chris Hughton.

Inverness-born MacDonald was a member of the Liverpool side which won the double in 1985/86 but the following year broke his leg in a game against Southampton at the Dell, an injury which required two operations and effectively ended his Anfield career.

Meanwhile, Steve Staunton’s father Tom said yesterday that he had spoken to his son on Monday night and the latter was “delighted” with his appointment.

“He has a real spring in his step,” Tom Staunton told RTÉ.

“From when he was a nipper he wanted to play for his country and captain his country and now he is going to be the manager of his country. He is delighted.”

However, former club and international colleagues of the player expressed mixed feelings about the FAI’s decision.

Said Ronnie Whelan: “If I’m honest, I have to admit I am a little bit surprised Steve Staunton is likely to be given the Republic of Ireland manager’s job.

“I’m not saying Stan can’t do the job, but I have to have slight reservations because he’s never been a manager before. To be given an international manager’s job early in your career as a coach is one hell of a big step. I really hope it goes well for him, if he gets the job, because he’s a great lad, but you have to say that the FAI would be taking a slight chance.”

He added: “Personally I can’t help but think that it might be better for Sir Bobby to take charge at first and for Stan to work as his assistant.

“That way Stan could observe how an experienced manager handles players, situations, and the media. Rather than being dropped in it at the deep end it may be a better learning curve for Stan. It is a lot to ask of Stan to get everything right straight away, especially when there are European Championship qualifying games around the corner.”

It’s understood Staunton will get a four-year contract while Robson’s will cover two years - with options to renew. It is hoped both men will sign by the end of this week before they are officially unveiled at a press conference in Dublin next Monday.