Stan stalls on Bobby’s job

BY ALL accounts, Steve Staunton had a sleepless night on Sunday as he prepared for the first big day of his reign as Republic of Ireland manager.

But the hours of worry and preparation paid off yesterday when, after a hesitant start with a prepared script, the new man found his stride and came confidently through his live television press conference in Dublin's Mansion House.

Staunton made it abundantly clear that he is the top man, and that Bobby Robson was his choice as a special advisor.