Ireland’s hopes of landing preferred Kenny successor take major blow

Rory Fleming

Stephen Kenny’s future hangs in the balance ahead of September’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Last week news emerged that Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny is facing the sack should he fail to pick up a minimum of two points in September’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.

With a trip to World Cup runners-up France then followed by the visit of the Netherlands to Dublin, Kenny’s future certainly appears to be teetering on the brink.

This ‘break-clause’ which is reportedly included in the 51-year-old’s contract means that should Ireland be out of the running for qualification come the visit of Greece to Dublin in October, that the FAI can remove Kenny from his position.

Also detailed in the reporting around the Ireland’s manager’s potential dismissal was who the FAI’s preferred candidate to succeed Kenny was.

That man is former Republic of Ireland international Lee Carsley, who is currently in situ as the head coach of England’s Under 21’s.

Carsley has guided England U21’s to their first major final appearance in 14 years. (Credit: Getty Images)

FAI’s Kenny succession plan hits major snag:

The former Birmingham City man has managed to steer his exuberant English side to the European Championship Final versus Spain this weekend, as rumours intensify that he could be the man to ultimately succeed Kenny.

With a track record of developing young talent and helping them transition into becoming fully fledged senior internationals, Carsley is viewed as the ideal candidate to oversee this young Irish side’s next stage of development.

However, the FAI’s masterplan has been dealt a major blow, with the Daily Mail reporting that Carsley is set to be offered a fresh contract by the English FA given his Under 21’s rampaging form.

The former defensive midfielder has been on the FA’s coaching pathway for some time, having previously worked as their Under 20 head coach too.

It is the same pathway that saw Gareth Southgate secure the role as England manager, and with Southgate’s contract expiring in 18 months, there is speculation that FA could again look inwards for his successor.

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