Howe says it’s still FAI’s call

AS WAS widely expected, the FAI have confirmed that Don Givens and Don Howe have been appointed to recruit the next Ireland manager.

However, it was reported last night that ex-England coach Howe felt that the decision was still one ultimately for the FAI to make, despite chief executive John Delaney’s assertion, on the night Steve Staunton was dismissed, that the Association would effectively ratify the sole name put forward by the head-hunters.

Members of FAI yesterday met with the two Dons in England to outline the conditions and requirements for the job. Afterwards, Delaney said: “Over the past month we laid the groundwork for the next stage in the process. We have finalised the terms of reference, the criteria and the financial package. The process has now been handed over to the panel.”

According to an FAI statement, the panel’s first task will be to draw up a list of candidates they wish to interview.

“When they have completed their work,” it added, “they will return to the Board with a recommendation.”

The FAI Board say that they have also given the panel the option of adding to their number, should they deem it necessary.