FAI set to update fans on the latest delay to the appointment of a new Republic of Ireland manager

THE FAI will update fans today or tomorrow on the latest delay to the appointment of a new manager.

Former Manchester United player Steve Bruce is now the bookies favourite, but is understood to be wide of the mark with no appointment expected soon.

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But the FAI are planning to comment publicly on the issue having said as recently as three weeks ago that a new gaffer would be in place this month.

Media have not got notice of any event, and it is expected to be a carefully managed missive by the Association at the end of another turbulent week.

As well as the managerial delay, it was announced that CEO Jonathan Hill is leaving at the end of the month though COO David Courell has already taken the role on an interim basis with the outgoing executive currently on annual leave. 

A FAI ‘townhall’ yesterday led by indepdent chair Tony Keohane told staff a new CEO recruitment will likely take six months.

That has left Director of Football Marc Canham to head up the recruitment of a gaffer to replace Stephen Kenny.

But having been confident that the appointment would be made by now, that has hit delays with Georgia boss Willy Sagnol believed to be the leading contender.

Chris Hughton and Anthony Barry were approached again recently, and it is hoped an appointment could still happen in May.

Ireland face Hungary in Dublin on June 4 and Portugal a week a later in Aveiro with the extended time together viewed as ideal for a new boss, who Canham is keen is a coach rather than manager, to begin work. 

But waiting until the summer for the right candidate has not been ruled out which would mean an interim head coach – likely to be John O’Shea again, though he remains keen on landing the role full-timem

Should that happen, a new gaffer’s first game will be against England on September 7.