Watch: Marc Canham apologises as Ireland manager search to go on to September

The director of football said he’s awaiting a response from John O’Shea on an offer to take the friendlies against Hungary and Portugal.

WAKE ME UP, WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS: FAI director of football Marc Canham and interim head coach John O'Shea. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The FAI have set a revised target date of the Uefa Nations League kick-off in September to install their new boss, with John O’Shea set to continue interim duties for the June friendlies.

Speaking today in an FAI video, director of football Marc Canham recognised the frustration and confusion caused by the deadlines of February and April.

“The process has not concluded,” he confirmed. “We recognise that this is not the news that people wanted to hear and may be disappointed to hear.

“We’re absolutely committed and determined to find the best person for the FAI and Irish football.” 

Canham, who was tasked along with now departed CEO Jonathan Hill and board member Packie Bonner with leading the headhunting team once Stephen Kenny was released in November, provided three reasons for another delay.

“There are a number,” he said. “One is around the criteria, the type of head coach, someone who comes in to improve the team and make us competitive, someone with a good mixture of club and international experience.

“The second point is around the conditions. We’ve spoken to a number of candidates who are available and also others who have existing contractual arrangements.

FAI Director of Football Marc Canham issues an update on the MNT Head Coach position ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/F4hFnbH3dz

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) April 19, 2024

“The third is the competitiveness of the market. So we’re looking for the right coach with the right fit and timing, for that person and us. We’ll continue the search.” 

The revised timeline is the commencement of the Nations League, kicking off against England on September 7 at Lansdowne Road. Finland and Greece complete the League B pool.

“Realistically, we’re looking towards the first game of the Nations League. We recognise that the timelines and deadlines we previously set created a sense of expectation and potentially confusion for everyone.

“In hindsight, if we were to do this again, we wouldn’t set those and just absolutely commit to find the best person, taking as long as it should take.

“We recognise, apologise for the missed timelines and deadlines but are also confident that ultimately we’ll find the best person for the job.”

Canham added that he’s awaiting a response from O’Shea on an offer to take the friendlies against Hungary and Portugal on June 4 and 11, having done so for the double-header against Belgium and Switzerland.

“We were pleased with what John did in the March friendlies, we’re talking to him and hope to confirm that as soon as possible.

“The speculation shows how much fans care. We’ve kept the process confidential and understand that it creates a vacuum.

“We believe we’re doing the right things and hope fans trust the process.” 

Canham confirmed he is working with FAI President Paul Cooke and David Courell, Hill’s caretaker successor, with a view to completing this protracted saga.