Domenech: I was nearly Ireland boss

FORMER French manager Raymond Domenech has claimed he was almost became Republic of Ireland manager in 2003.

Domenech had a controversial six-year spell in charge of the France national team between 2004 and 2010 but has told a French magazine that a year earlier he was a candidate to become Mick McCarthy’s successor.

“Before being appointed French boss, I was on the shortlist for the Irish job. I would have loved it if it had happened. In the end, they appointed an Irishman (Brian Kerr),” Domenech said.