Sam Allardyce has reportedly offered to succeed Stephen Kenny

Rory Fleming

This would certainly be a controversial appointment.

Stephen Kenny’s future as the Republic of Ireland manager has come under intense scrutiny following their 2-1 defeat to Greece in Athens on Friday night.

It has since emerged that the FAI met over the weekend to discuss Kenny’s position after the defeat which leaves the Boys in Green with no points from the Euro 2024 qualification campaign.

Ireland face a massive task to qualify for the Championships next summer in Germany.

Allardyce oversaw Leeds’ relegation back to the Championship in his most recent managerial job. (Credit: Getty Images)

Sam Allardyce has reportedly offered to succeed Stephen Kenny as Ireland manager.

Moreover, the FAI’s preferred candidate was also revealed, with former Ireland player and current England U21 boss Lee Carsley the organisation’s number-one choice to succeed Kenny.

However, according to Extra.ie, the FAI have now also been approached by Sam Allardyce, with the managerial veteran now looking for his next challenge after an unsuccessful short-term spell at Leeds United.

Allardyce is one of the English games’ most recognised figures, having had successful spells in charge of the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle and West Ham.

He has also once before taken the reins at the international level with England, although that sojourn went southwards in record time.

‘Big Sam’ took charge for just one game before stepping down 67 days into the role due to allegations of malpractice.

Keane worked under Allardyce during his stint at Leeds United. (Credit: Getty Images)

Allardyce also has the unique distinction of having previously managed in the League of Ireland, with his first job as a manager coming at Limerick in the early 90s.

It is understood that Allardyce has been offered to the FAI in a caretaker capacity, to steer the young squad through to the end of the Euro 2024 qualification campaign should Monday night’s fixture versus Gibraltar prove to be Stephen Kenny’s swansong.

Another aspect of any potential Big Sam appointment is the likely return of Ireland’s record goal scorer Robbie Keane to the Irish backroom staff.

Keane was part of Allardyce’s team at Leeds and previously was involved in the Irish set-up under Mick McCarthy before Kenny took over in 2020.