Happed today at six, this could affect us as O'Leary could get the job, or, if the Swiss result is bad and they've nobody by then, McCarthy could decide to take up the post, maybe with O'Leary coming this way, all idel speculation, but this sacking could have an impact on Irish football in one way or another.
I can't see them bothering with McCarthy when both Graham and O'Leary have said they're interested. If they went for McCarthy they'd have to pay the FAI compensation whereas the other two come with no such strings attached.
It'll also be interesting to see what this means for the Irish contingent at Sunderland. If Graham gets the job, and if his past record is anything to go by, he'll look to staff the team with grinders who don't go missing when the pressure is on. Doesn't sound like Kilbane or Babb to me. Trigger might fare better, he usually gives his all. although I s'pose he can tend to go missing at times too. As for O'Leary...hard to know really what he'd do as he won't have a big budget to blow on players. At their peak Leeds were fast, exciting and energetic......not at all what I saw from any Sunderland players on Sunday. And if Mick gets it........well, then Kilbane can relax as his pension will be guaranteed!
i'm not too worried about the irish contingent regardless of who gets the job. macca and babbs seems to be doing okay so too is butler - the only 1 who should be worried is kilbane. reddy and thornton are still promising youngsters with time on their side. quinn is the one member of the backroom staff not to get the sack. i can see him being appointed as assistant to either o'dreary or graham. personally i think o'dreary is slight favourite because he has a higher profile but will demand a large war-chest to buy new players which could be a problem for skint sunderland. he could be the biggest threat to the irish lads as we've seens at leeds - we've seen the way he treated mcphail. on the other hand graham will grind out results and could serve them better in the short term. the current squad lacks fight and he is the one person to instill that belief (or kick them out!). He would also be a good mentor for quinn - as he was for o'dreary at leeds. so i would put my money on him 'cause the sunderland faithful would love nothing more than for quinn to take over at some stage.
It says in the Daily Mail this morning that sources close to Mick say that he is keen on the Sunderland job and would appoint Quinn as his right hand man. Granted the Mail has about as positive a view of all things Irish as Ian Paisley, but the rumour mill looks like it'll be in full swing over the next few days.
More generous odds on offer at William Hill O'Leary is down at evens with McCarthy at 13/2. Graham at 6/1, Gregory 8/1, Bryan Robson 9/1 and Quinner 14/1.
MCCARTHY SAYS NO THANKS TO SUNDERLAND Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy is ``flattered'' to have been linked with the vacant managerial post at Sunderland following the sacking of Peter Reid last night - but has made it clear he is keen to stay in his current job. McCarthy, who has worked with a number of the club's players at international level including Jason McAteer, Kevin Kilbane, Phil Babb and Thomas Butler, has been quick to stress his desire to help the Republic qualify for Euro 2004. Former Arsenal, Leeds and Tottenham boss George Graham and Graham's successor at Elland Road - David O'Leary - have emerged as favourites for the job. Reid was dismissed yesterday evening after a dismal start to the season in which the Black Cats won just two of their first nine games and occupied 17th position, the same position they finished in last season. McCarthy said: ``I'm very sad for Peter. I was speaking to him just two weeks ago and he has always been very good on the release of Irish players. That's football and I am really sorry for him. ``I'm flattered that my name has been mentioned as one of those who might take over at the Stadium of Light. Maybe that's the price of success, being linked with a country that has moved from 54th to 13th in the FIFA world rankings and then a good World Cup last summer.'' McCarthy and his team overcame great adversity to reach the last 16 of the World Cup, where they were ultimately beaten on penalties by Spain. He lost his captain and star player Roy Keane before the tournament began after a blazing row between the pair led to Keane being sent home from a training camp on the Pacific island of Saipan. Keane has since stated he will not play for his country again while McCarthy remains as manager, but McCarthy's success in Japan and South Korea means the Football Association of Ireland are unlikely to let him go without a fight. Indeed, McCarthy has indicated he wants to stay and help Ireland qualify for the next European Championships in Portugal. He added: ``We have had just two competitive defeats in three years, my immediate objective is to get a victory over Switzerland in our next Group 10 European Championship qualifier in Dublin. I want to lead Ireland to the Euro 2004 finals.''
Doesn't look like this one is going away. In the press this morning its claimed that despite what he said yesterday, Mick would leave the Irish job if Bob Murray (Sunderland chairman) made a direct approach to him. Mick's also been bid down to 3/1 favourite by some bookmakers. That said, I reckon its looking like Dave "I'm only a young man making my way" O'Leary will get it.
As Mick said, two competitve defeats in three years, and you are ready to run him out of the country should the club lose to the Swiss!? Jeez... Honestly, I think McCarthy must stay only because, IMO, it looks as if any move at this time signals that Roy Keane wins the war. One other thing: When was the last time the bookies were even close to being right?
Frankly, I think this talk about a 'war' between Keane and McCarthy and who 'won' it is counter-productive. I couldn't care less about the personalities, I care about our national team. I don't particularly care who manages us / who plays as long as we're successful. In my opinion human soap operas should never take prededence over the fate of Ireland.