Trapattoni in frame, but FAI must move fast

FORMER Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni has been catapulted into the frame for the Republic of Ireland manager’s job after an extraordinary day of behind-the-scenes activity.

The veteran 68-year-old coach has had “positive initial contact” with the FAI, according to well-placed sources in Italy, and is amenable to further talks.

Trapattoni is currently coaching Austrian League outfit, Salzburg but has had his head turned by the prospect of reviving the Republic’s football fortunes.

It is understood he was last night mulling over, with his agent, a possible two-year contract before making contact with Don Givens, one of the FAI’s managerial head-hunters.

‘Trap’ was the subject of a betting splurge yesterday which saw his odds tumble from 150/1 to 13/8 favourite with Paddy Power.

Betting on the next Ireland manager has been one of the most volatile markets in years, with at least half a dozen other managers names tipped to take the post at one stage or other.

However the intensity of the market suggested that the FAI’s best-kept secret was out. Over 500 bets were placed on Trapattoni in the last two days, with one customer sitting pretty with €150 at 150/1. If Trapattoni is named as the new Ireland manager, that one customer will net over €22,000.

Betfair have matched over €2.4 million on the Irish manager, including a large punt yesterday which shortened odds from 7/1 to 15/8. Trapattoni’s odds eased from 15/8 back out to just over 3/1 with Betfair late last night, with Venables once again favourite at 2.3/1.

One FAI source dismissed the link last night as “another day, another name”, but I understand that both parties are deadly serious about the prospect of an Italian in charge of Ireland’s World Cup 2010 qualifying group which includes, ironically, world champions Italy.

The leaking of the link with Trapattoni has infuriated the FAI headhunters who believe their job has been greatly frustrated by the media circus surrounding the successor to Steve Staunton. Some believe that both Steve Coppell and Gerard Houllier have been frightened off the Republic job when news of their talks leaked.

If Trapattoni — who was linked with West Ham’s director of football post las week — is being courted, the FAI will now have to move fast.

That could mean contract talks may kick off before the weekend, with a possible announcement in time for Ireland’s prestige friendly against Brazil at Croke Park next Wednesday.

Trapattoni only returned to Austria on Tuesday from a Red Bull Salzburg training camp in Dubai. The reigning Austrian champions are involved in a three-way title battle with Sturm Gratz and Austria Magna.

The Italian’s Irish link is another blow to Terry Venables, who must now be getting the impression that the FAI are not convinced he is the man for the job.