Robson was Staunton’s idea, says Delaney

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney says the inclusion of Bobby Robson on the Irish management ticket was entirely at the behest of Steve Staunton.

Following confirmation of the new manager yesterday, Delaney explained that - contrary to speculation which suggested Robson might have been imposed by the FAI - the appointment of the former England boss in his role of international football consultant was an idea which originated with Staunton.

“Steven came to me with his idea of his management team - his first team coach, his goalkeeping coach and his advisor. That was his idea,” said Delaney.

According to Delaney, the FAI sub-committee charged with finding a new manager had no contact with Robson up to that point.

Said the chief executive: “Steve came to me and said: ‘If I asked Bobby Robson to assist me would you have a problem with that?’ We said go and talk to him. He used an intermediary for that and he came back to us and said: ‘We’re on.’ He brought this to the table and we assessed it and saw it clearly as the right appointment. We spoke to the board and they were delighted.”

To those questioning the wisdom of the double-appointment, fearing it will lead to a confusion of roles, Delaney had this to say:

“I’ve had the benefit of sitting down with these guys, both separately and together. They are very clear in their roles. Steve Staunton is the manager. Bobby is delighted with his role - and his role is to assist, support and advise Steve Staunton in whatever way Steve Staunton wants him to do.”

In addressing concern about Staunton’s lack of managerial experience, Delaney rejected criticism he had performed a U-turn after promising a top class manager to replace Brian Kerr. “I don’t see it as a U-turn,” he said.

“I see it as a guy who has 102 caps for his country, the only Irish player to play in three World Cups and a former captain. This is not a Premiership job where it’s week-to-week management and you’re buying and selling players. You only get a set number of players to work with an international level.

“So what were we looking for? If you read my quotes very carefully, I said we want a manager who will get the best out of this Irish team - the best. And also who can make tactical adjustments throughout. We’re certain the best person to get the best out of this Irish team is Steven Staunton.”

Had the FAI consulted members of the current squad during recruitment?

“Well you don’t consult players as such, but we do our research. I’m certainly aware that the players are very pleased with this appointment. The research that we did before and throughout this week has been very positive from the players towards Steve Staunton. And that’s hugely important. At the end of the day it’s going to be the players who are out playing for their country and playing for the manager.

“And I’m certain this guy is the guy to get the best out of these players.”