Merson clears way for Stan to take Irish hot-seat

THE new era for Irish football moved a step closer last night with confirmation of Steve Staunton’s departure as player-coach from Walsall, with the best wishes of manager Paul Merson ringing in his ears.

And, although a spokesperson for Aston Villa said yesterday that there had been no official approach yet for Kevin MacDonald, the expectation is that the next 24 hours will see the Football Association of Ireland secure the services of the club’s reserve team boss as Staunton’s coach in the new Irish management set-up.

Sources indicated last night that there were now only “loose ends” to be tied up before final contracts are signed and Staunton’s job as the new Irish manager is officially confirmed. The three-man sub-committee charged with finding a new boss are understood to have kept the FAI board fully updated on their progress, meaning the appointments of Staunton and his advisor Bobby Robson will effectively be ratified by consensus rather than a vote.