FAI to start search for replacement next week

FAI CHIEFS will begin the process next week of finding a replacement for ex-Republic of Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy.

McCarthy handed in his resignation yesterday after a turbulent five months dominated by his acrimonious falling-out with captain Roy Keane.

Association treasurer John Delaney said last night the FAI had not approached anyone, and had no particular candidate in mind to replace McCarthy. FAI president Milo Corcoran also paid tribute to McCarthy and said his tenure as manager should be judged on the excellent results achieved.

“He has taken the Irish team to fourteenth in the world and his results over a period of almost seven years speak volumes for his abilities as a manager. He deserves enormous credit for the success he achieved with the team since 1996, culminating in our success in reaching the last 16 of the World Cup finals.”

McCarthy walked away from the Burlington Hotel last night, as he always said he would, with his head high and chest out, believing it was the right time.

After weeks of frenzied speculation, the Barnsley man exited in the dignified manner he approached the job, saying it was for the good of the team. His only regret was he was leaving no European Championship points for his successor to build on.

“It was a tough decision, but it was the right decision, completely and accurately. And it was my decision, I was not pushed.”

He realised his managerial reign had come to an end in the despondent Lansdowne Road dressing-room, following the Swiss game. That defeat brought jeers and catcalls from the stands, but that wasn't what made up McCarthy's mind.

“I could see the players didn't enjoy that game, they didn't enjoy the atmosphere before that game. This decision was made for the good of the team. My presence was affecting their performance, maybe not my presence but certain things surrounding my presence.

“I didn't resign after the game because that would have been a knee-jerk reaction. I went away and thought about it, and nothing has changed. This is the best decision for all concerned.”

McCarthy talked about the privilege of being Irish manager for so long, and wouldn't dwell on his fractious relationship with many within the Irish media.

“I feel immense pride in being given the opportunity to do this job and must thank the FAI. They backed me at times when people wanted me out of the job, and I have always been proud to do that job.”

Even at last night’s press conference, there was a whiff of sulphur. The ghost of Roy Keane's international career has followed McCarthy from Saipan, and probably contributed more than anything to his departure.

“I made a decision in the summer and I have no regrets over anything I did in the summer. We had a brilliant competition. But, that is something that has carried on from the World Cup and there is nothing I can do about it.”

So, there are no regrets? “I have enjoyed every single moment of this job. If I do have one regret, it is that there no points on the table for whomever is coming next in the qualification for Euro 2004.”

With the benefit of hindsight, does he feel maybe he should have left with the cheers of 100,000 people in Phoenix Park ringing in his ears?

“Perhaps. But, that's hindsight. I stayed because I believed we could make it to Euro 2004, thought we had the players to qualify. Usually, people leave these jobs because they are on the wane. Even after two bad results, I don't believe that's the case. They are a wonderful bunch of lads and I wish whoever takes over every success.”

McCarthy, manager since February 1996 and in charge for 68 games, 29 of which he won, said he felt no anger or bitterness over how a small section of Lansdowne Road treated him last month. “There is no point in feeling angry. It's not going to help. The only thing that I feel hurt or angry about is that we got no points from the first two games.”

McCarthy said he was now open to offers from English clubs. As the conference drew to an end last night, there was another Roy Keane question. “It is no longer my problem,” McCarthy swiftly answered, and for a moment, a smile flickered into his eyes.

Current U21 manager Don Givens will take charge of the senior panel for the friendly against Greece in Athens November 20. He will take charge on an interim basis while the FAI find a permanent replacement for McCarthy.