Jonathan Hill coy on reports linking Anthony Barry with vacant Ireland job

Barry worked on the Ireland backroom team, alongside Stephen Kenny, throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign of 2021.

BARRY'S TEA-M: Anthony Barry could be set to make a sensational return to the Republic of Ireland men's senior set-up but this time as head coach. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

FAI CEO Jonathan Hill refused to be drawn on speculation linking Anthony Barry with the vacant Republic of Ireland senior men’s head coach role.

The Telegraph reported on Tuesday that the current Bayern Munich assistant coach is a “leading candidate” for the top job in Irish football, although it would require a compensation package to secure his service from the Bundesliga giants.

The 37-year-old joined Bayern back in April and was reunited with his former boss, Thomas Tuchel, after helping him win the Champions League during his time at Chelsea.

He is also currently the assistant coach to Roberto Martinez with a Portugal squad that will be competing at the Euros, in Germany, next summer.

Barry worked on the Ireland backroom team — alongside Stephen Kenny and Keith Andrews — throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign of 2021, after replacing Damien Duff.

The Ireland manager’s job has remained vacant since the end of November.

But speaking to reporters following his hearing at Leinster House, Hill failed to deny the links and admitted talks with interested parties are “moving forward well”.

“We are still talking to a number of candidates in relation to it,” Hill said.

“I am not going to say who any of those candidates are, but the process is moving forward well. I don’t think it is appropriate what the process will be. It is robust and hopefully we will get to the right person in due course.”

As reported by the Irish Examiner recently, Ireland’s new men’s team manager is likely to be recruited on a four-year contract until Euro 2028.

Hill’s position as chief executive remains in jeopardy due to his involvement in receiving payments against company policy, and which breached state conditions, but he’s been immersed in talks with prospective new clients.

Director of football Marc Canham is the prime headhunter.

He’s been scouring the market to source a successor to women’s team boss Vera Pauw, due to be unveiled next week, but the most attention is on who gets the nod to salvage the remnants of Kenny’s reign.

Hill confirmed at Saturday’s AGM that they held conversations with “everyone we want to speak to”, but later wouldn’t confirm if they’d sought permission from clubs or associations to interview personnel already in jobs.

Lee Carsley and Chris Hughton are the other favourites to land the vacancy.