John O’Shea met with members of the media for the first time today under his new guise as interim Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland men’s senior team.
There were few clues as to whether there would be many changes from the last squad for the games at the end of the month against belgium and Switzerland.
Few as well about the full time appointment though the indications are that a deal has been agreed and that an announcement will be made next month, adhering to contractual obligations.
There is no obvious break in the U21 International season with Lee Carsley’s England lieing second in their group, having their next match at the end of this month but then with games still to come, including against Northern ireland, in September and October.
The Saudi Arabian Pro League ends in April which could tie in, and may be behind the rumours of Slaven Bilic over the weekend. Nuno Espirito Santo is another familiar name in the Saudi management ranks, as is Steven Gerrard though FAI Director of Football was not being drawn on any speculation out of respect for the confidentiality of the process.
O’Shea himself did not rule out having a coaching involvement and may be teeing up a shot at the main job again in four years time. Succession planning is an important element often thrown out completely in football management but there has been a warm reception to his appointment and unless it proves a disaster in these games, which is highly unlikely then that could be an option.
He said today that he had always been planning to eventually move into management and he is relaxed and easy in front of the media which is a help.
Brian Kerr’s presence as part of the backroom team is also finding general favour among fans and while the waiting game continues for who will be in the dugout come England’s visit in September, at least there is a sense of calm around the debate for the moment.
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