They could do worse I suppose, but if I was a Mackem I'd prefer George Burley. I think they'll definitely get relegated this year so it'd be a real test of his managerial mettle trying to revive a big club paying Premiership wages in the Nationwide. At the very least, Kevin Kilbane would be guaranteed first team football for a few years yet!
Sounds like he is going there: http://msn.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,1-1083266,00.html I'd like to see how he does there. I don't think anyone expects Sunderland to stay up at this stage, although if he does, there will be a few black cat fans who will be happy.
2005 - Mick McCarthy brings his newly promoted Sunderland squad to Old Trafford against United's new manager Royston Keane. Fireworks anyone?
I hope he does well, I wanted him sacked and don't rate him as a manager but I always liked him as a player and he seems like a pretty sound person aswell so I'd wish him luck anyway.
Even I was a little surprised when I read (in The Guardian) his managerial record. Not too shabby at all. 1990: Makes Millwall debut at Luton. Played in all Ireland's matches in final stages of World Cup as the Republic reach the quarter-finals before bowing out to hosts Italy. 1991: Succeeded Bruce Rioch as Millwall player-manager in March and made last appearance for the club against Southend in final match of season. Played in 35 league games, scoring two goals. 1992: In June, won last of 57 Republic caps in 2-0 victory over Portugal in Boston. 1994: Steered Millwall to third place in First Division but missed out on promotion to the Premiership when beaten 2-0 on aggregate by Derby in play-off semi-final. 1995: Engineered FA Cup victories over Premiership sides Arsenal and Chelsea before bowing out to QPR. Also beat Nottingham Forest to reach fifth round of Coca-Cola Cup before losing to Swindon. Revival in league form during second half of season boosted Millwall's First Division finishing position to 12th. 1996: Took Millwall to top of Division One before slump in form saw them drop into mid-table. Appointed as Republic of Ireland manager in February. 1997: Guides Ireland to brink of qualifying for World Cup finals in France 98, but Republic are beaten 3-2 by Belgium on aggregate in play-off. Handed new contract to manage Republic until 2000. 2000: Missed out on Euro 2000 on away goals to Turkey in the playoffs. Successive away draws to Holland (where they should have won) and Portugal set Ireland well on the way to qualification for the World Cup. 2001: Ireland qualify for World Cup at the expense of Holland with a well earned 1-0 victory at home. 2002: Ireland skipper Roy Keane sent home from Far East before World Cup starts, following blazing row with McCarthy. June 16 - After qualifying from Group E with Germany, Ireland's hopes of reaching the quarter-finals end in a penalty shoot-out with Spain. June 17 - Agrees to stay on as manager of the Republic for a further two years, meaning he will remain in charge for the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign. October - Linked with the manager's job at Sunderland but Howard Wilkinson ultimately fills the vacancy. November 5 - Leaves his post as Republic of Ireland manager.
I have to say I hope he does well too. I thought at the time that he'd run his course with Ireland, but whatever else you say about him you can't fault his passion and commitment. I've read elsewhere, with some amusement, ardent "King Roy" disciples hoping that McCarthy crashes and burns horribly at Sunderland. You'd really have to wonder what eats these people. Surely we can all be big enough and admit its nice to see an Irishman doing well in club management regardless of perceived past indiscretions....................unless the Irishman in question is Dave O'Leary
Nigel...have to agree with you. I always liked McCarthy but had a few friends who despised him. They got their wish when mcCarthy left and I thought they would leave it at that. But, no, the minute he is named Sunderland manager I get messages from them saying Sunderland are doomed now and they are definititely going down and will all be his fault......sick people!!! Have to say aswell, they are all Man U fans!! Surprise that.
It's ironic how you note that some people hope that McCarthy fails and wonder what eats these people. Then you hope O'Leary also fails. So my question is, what is eating you? In any case, I hope McCarthy does well and maybe he will get Sunderland to stay up. Their run-in is not terrible and I think they have a fighting chance. Although they still have to play Newcastle, Chelsea and Arsenal, they play them at home: Home V Bolton Away V West Ham Home V Chelsea Away V Birmingham Home V West Brom Away V Man City Home V Newcastle Away V Villa Home V Arsenal
Ah dear.. Did the little yellow faced lad after the words "Dave" and "O'Leary" not give you an inkling that there may have been a smidge of irony involved?!
No irony here... I think O'Leary is a gobshite. Tony Cascarino's view on him is well worth reading. His public humiliation of Brian Kidd whilst the latter was Leeds first team coach was astounding. And all this 'neath such a charming public persona. (My mother adores him, for example ). Mick McCarthy, on the other hand? The best of luck, Mick. I might not always have agreed with your decisions, but I happily defended your right to make them in the first place... PP - There's only one Brian Kerr...