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.

Meanwhile, Wigan and Ireland midfielder Graham Kavanagh has reacted strongly to criticism of the Staunton appointment, urging that the new man should be given every opportunity to prove himself.

Said Kavanagh: “It’s a brave appointment by the FAI. Any new job always brings with it difficulties, which is why any new manager should be given the benefit of the doubt until he settles into the role. You only have to look at what happened with Brian (Kerr) to see how quickly it all turned, and on the back of a few results, the knives were out.”

Kavanagh argues Staunton’s lack of management experience is more than offset by his long playing career - and the back-up of Bobby Robson.

He said: “From his time as a player he will command huge respect, and hopefully get us where we want to be, which is competing in the major championships. He is Irish, he will know what the Irish fans want, and he is passionate about his football. He will have somebody alongside him in Bobby Robson who has a wealth of experience. I believe it will be a very good partnership.”

International rookie Kevin Doyle has also welcomed Staunton’s appointment. The former Cork City player, currently enjoying fine form with Championship leaders Reading said: “He is the most-capped Irish player so in that sense he’s not going to be lacking experience. Holland did it with van Basten and Germany with Klinsmann, the trend seems to be for ex-players with a lot of caps to become managers. And the fact he has Bobby Robson with him means he’ll get guidance in that respect.”

Meanwhile Walsall boss Paul Merson gave his departing player-coach a resounding vote of approval on the eve of his appointment as the new Irish boss.

“I think it’s a good choice. There has been talk of getting someone with experience in to help him, and it’s perfect, and I hope he succeeds. He deserves it.”