The appointment of Mick McCarthy as manager of the Republic of Ireland senior international team was confirmed this afternoon at the Aviva Stadium. McCarthy joins on a two year contract, at the end of which he is set to be replaced by departing Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny who will take up the reins at U21 level together with overall responsibility for all underage teams from U15 to U19 with immediate effect. McCarthy was presented to the media this afternoon and confirmed that Terry Connor and Robbie Keane will join his management team.
While one fervently hopes that Stephen Kenny proves an absolute success in his U21 role, it does seem to be an enormous gamble to make such public announcement at this time. The logic of succession planning is very valid but offering what seems to be a guarantee does, at this juncture, seem incredibly risky. Stephen Kenny will hold his press conference at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow, when the situation may receive further clarity.