Mon to manage Republic of Ireland?

[ozzjim]

And it should be in "other football".

Where it would arguably have about 15 posts instead and people would be talking the same old thing in here like swimming round a goldfish bowl.

Anyhow. MON will see this as his last chance saloon at making an impact and salvaging his reputation. I hope he takes it, and I hope he does well. With the little Irish blood left in me, I always like them to do well.

[eastie]

Ssn understands martin O Neill is the man the Irish FA want and that O Neill is very interested in the job - they say he could be unveiled next week .

Martin O'Neill could be handed the opportunity to become the new Republic of Ireland manager within days.

It is understood the 61-year-old has been earmarked as the Football Association of Ireland's number one target and that a formal approach is imminent.

The news is hardly unexpected with sources close to the former Sunderland boss having indicated his willingness to talk to the FAI.

Indeed, bookmakers had installed O'Neill as an overwhelming favourite for the post even before Giovanni Trapattoni's exit on Wednesday.

FAI chief executive John Delaney warned the following day that favouritism would not necessarily represent a pointer to his board's decision.

However, O'Neill's name featured prominently in a list of potential candidates acknowledged by Delaney the previous day, and it appears that he could be ready to make his move in the hope of securing a deal as early as next week.

Whether or not the new man, whoever it may be, will take up his post in time for next month's penultimate World Cup qualifier in Germany remains to be seen.

Ireland travel to Cologne on October 11, a day short of a year since they were trounced 6-1 by the same opposition at the Aviva Stadium, a result - or more accurately, a performance - which proved to be the beginning of the end for Trapattoni.

They will bring down the curtain on a disappointing campaign at home to Kazakhstan four days later, and do not have another scheduled fixture until Serbia head for Dublin for a friendly in March next year.

Should O'Neill be offered and accept the job, the trip to Germany could prove a daunting baptism.

He has been out of football since losing his job at the Stadium of Light at the end of March with the club fighting for Barclays Premier League survival.

He had been drafted in by the Black Cats in December 2011 in a move craved for so long by many supporters, and his initial impact was little short of spectacular.

However, having dragged Sunderland clear of the basement battle in which they were engaged on his arrival, he struggled to take them to the next level despite being allowed to invest around £22million in Scotland striker Steven Fletcher and England winger Adam Johnson during his only summer transfer window.

By the time he was shown the door after a dour 1-1 home draw with 10-man Norwich, O'Neill's legendary enthusiasm appeared to have deserted him.

However, the Ulsterman is understood to be keen to return to the game, and the challenge of international football is one which appeals.

It was perhaps significant that he was unable, despite several attempts, to persuade long-time ally John Robertson to join him on Wearside, and it would be no surprise if he wanted to Scot to do just that in Ireland.

However, Robertson is currently recovering after suffering a suspected heat attack last month and that could preclude his involvement.

[mr underhill]

MON couldn't manage a hard on in Sheik Yerbouti's harem tent

[mr underhill]

apologies long week. I obviously was struggling with hareen tent. anyway the chap's moment has gone imo

[Damo70]

I have a lot more good things to say about MON than bad but he did seem to be past his best at Sunderland. If he is going to have one more shot at management then International football might be his best bet.

[Big Dick Edwards]

I have a lot more good things to say about MON than bad but he did seem to be past his best at Sunderland. If he is going to have one more shot at management then International football might be his best bet.

I think the words you were straining for were 'busted' and 'flush'..

[Salsa Party Animal]

With international duty I think John Robertson will likely to accept this rather than club football. As long he recover from his heart attack.

[ChicagoLion]

His last Hurrah, I think his motivation and ability to drill teams to defend for long periods of time will suit him and a talentless Ireland team well.

He will be able to extend his policy of always fielding mainly British Players. I hope he fails again.

[dekko]

He will be able to extend his policy of always fielding mainly British Players. I hope he fails again.

I would've thought the fact that he'll be managing the Irish national team would prohibit him using British players?

[German James]

Over 80 posts, and not even in "Other Football". The continuing obsession with O'Neill is embarrassing!

[Dave Cooper please]

Over 80 posts, and not even in "Other Football". The continuing obsession with O'Neill is embarrassing!

.

How so?
He is a major figure in our recent history and the division in opinion about him provokes some excellent arguments.
You could always avoid being annoyed by our obsession with him by avoiding any thread with his name in the title of course.

[German James]

Over 80 posts, and not even in "Other Football". The continuing obsession with O'Neill is embarrassing!

.

How so?
He is a major figure in our recent history and the division in opinion about him provokes some excellent arguments.
You could always avoid being annoyed by our obsession with him by avoiding any thread with his name in the title of course.

I know and I'm sorry for being all sour and grumpy. It's just that it's been a while now and his players and his way of doing things have all gone. I guess I just hoped that all the excellent arguments would have been settled by now or at least relegated from HD... Big Ron's Big Brother stint isn't even on topic!

[eastie]

Over 80 posts, and not even in "Other Football". The continuing obsession with O'Neill is embarrassing!

.

How so?
He is a major figure in our recent history and the division in opinion about him provokes some excellent arguments.
You could always avoid being annoyed by our obsession with him by avoiding any thread with his name in the title of course.

Totally agree, there have been some excellent threads about him and other football doesn't get anywhere near as many posters as heroes discussion .

[PaulTheVillan]

Couldn't give a shit about MON or Ireland.

[eastie]

Couldn't give a shit about MON or Ireland.

If i find a thread i have no interest in i tend just to avoid reading it .