Staunton fits the bill - Delaney

Steve Staunton is the man to put pride and passion back into Irish football.

That was the defiant message from Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney today after appointing Staunton as the new Republic of Ireland manager.

Inexperienced in managerial terms, Staunton has been handed a four-year contract by the FAI, with his brief to bring the good times back to Ireland.

Staunton will be assisted by former England manager Sir Bobby Robson who has signed a two-year deal as International Football Consultant, with the position to be reviewed at the end of the term.

Staunton’s backroom team includes Kevin MacDonald as coach, with the 45-year-old retaining his role as Aston Villa reserve-team manager, and former Republic number one Alan Kelly as goalkeeping coach.

The quartet are now faced with the task of arresting Ireland’s slump that transpired last year, resulting in failure to qualify for this summer’s World Cup, and which brought to an end the reign of former manager Brian Kerr three months ago.

They are currently a lowly 24th in FIFA’s rankings, and ahead of the qualifying draw for the 2008 European Championships later this month at Montreux, Switzerland, they are dismally among the fourth seeds.

It is clear Delaney feels Staunton is the man to give the players the kick up the backside they need given his motivational skills, and as he displayed in winning a record 102 caps for his country.

Delaney said: “We picked Steve because he has a passion, a drive, he is a strong character and a motivator and I know he has a huge, unrivalled knowledge of the dressing room.

“He has over 100 caps, has captained his country and is the only Irish player to have played in three World Cups. Who else is going to be better at motivating this team?

“This is not the Premiership where you have to buy and sell, and all the rest of it that goes with day-to-day management.

“This is about getting the best out of the players you have. That is what we have had in the past, that edge of playing above ourselves.

“Ultimately it’s about results and performances, but we also wanted a man to get passion back into the side, to get the best out of the players and get them playing with pride for their country.

“I’m certain Steven Staunton is the ideal character to get the players doing that again.

“What I want now is for the whole Irish public to get behind him and support him, and bring back the good days to Irish football.”

Delaney insists it was Staunton’s decision to bring in Robson, who turns 73 next month, but who has a wealth of management experience.

Robson, who has been in charge of Ipswich, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona, Newcastle, and England during his time, may have an unusual job title.

But Delaney maintains his brief is simple and transparent, adding: “I’ve had the benefit of sitting down with these guys over the last few days, and they are both delighted with their roles.

“They are crystal clear – Bobby will do whatever Steven asks him to do in terms of getting the best out of this Irish side.

“Quite simply, Bobby’s brief is to assist and support the manager in whatever way the manager wants.”

Although not the big-name appointment many Ireland supporters were hoping for, with Martin O’Neill, Alex Ferguson and Terry Venables all previously linked, Staunton insists he has what it takes as a leader.

“I’m delighted and proud to be appointed Irish international team manager,” said Staunton, who celebrates his 37th birthday in six days’ time.

“I know that the calibre of the team I have will bring a huge range of experience and talent to the challenges that lie ahead. I can’t wait to get started.

“I hope the drive, passion and commitment we have can reflect the Irish fans’ real love for the game and have an impact, not just on the squad, but on the nation.”

Robson, who returns to football following a near 17-month absence in the wake of his sacking as Newcastle boss, feels his unlikely double act with Staunton will work.

“I am really looking forward to working with the new manager and his team,” said Robson.

“Stephen’s record and reputation speak for themselves and I am delighted to help and advise Stephen in any way he sees fit.

“I am totally confident the Irish international team has a really bright future.”

For now, Staunton and Robson have just 46 days to prepare for their first match, with Sweden due at Lansdowne Road for a friendly on March 1.