Next Republic of Ireland manager: Replacing Martin O’Neill the first in a long list of problems for FAI

In a small gathering behind the main press conference room at Lansdowne Road last Thursday night, Martin O’Neill was asked about characteristics his Republic of Ireland team no longer possessed: goals, momentum, personality. Those were just three of them.

Given his downbeat demeanour, O’Neill’s own resolve was even queried. “No, no, absolutely not, quite the opposite,” he replied. “I’m speaking quietly to you, but it’s not to do with not coming out fighting. I haven’t got a problem with that.”

Four days later the issue of O’Neill’s determination was no longer significant. He and assistant Roy Keane were removed from their posts.

Having no manager became another thing to add to the Football Association of Ireland’s growing list of missing attributes.

Waning interest

Supporters, and their number, had also been added last Thursday. Less than 30,000 home fans paid to watch the Republic face their neighbours, Northern Ireland. It was a painful illustration of waning interest in the football and results O’Neill’s team was delivering, especially when 48 hours later, the same stadium was packed to its 51,700 capacity for the Ireland rugby team against the All Blacks.

In rugby there is success, joy and ringing tills, another three things the Republic’s football team are lacking.

At that stage, however, the FAI were thought to be still behind O’Neill and Keane as they travelled to their final Nations League game in Denmark on Monday. Chief executive John Delaney was not expected to move against O’Neill.

But the FAI no longer have their benefactor, Denis O’Brien, funding them and at the end of last year the association’s debt stood at €47m (£42m).

Money counts – not only do the FAI host the draw for the Euro 2020 qualifiers on Sunday week in Dublin, it is imperative for the finances that they make those finals. Moreover, it would not look good for Delaney as he climbs Uefa’s administration ladder if his country is not present.

Defeats and no goals

Already bottom of their Nations League group, a goalless draw in Denmark meant that the Republic had not scored for 6½ hours across their past five matches. It left a record of one win in eleven games in the past year under O’Neill-Keane, and the Association’s confidence had clearly reached a decisive moment.

There were also anti-Delaney protests in Denmark, which should not be overlooked, and the combination of self-preservation, economics, results and dreariness did for the management.

“There have been many highlights during Martin’s reign,” Delaney said, “none more so than Euro 2016 in France, which will live long in the memory of all Irish supporters.”

Defeating Italy in Lille at Euro 2016 was the high point of the O’Neill-Keane era, a victory which made even their critics marvel at O’Neill’s ability to conjure results from sometimes the most raw of materials. It was the same when Ireland beat Germany at Lansdowne Road or won in Cardiff last October in a crucial World Cup qualifier.

‘Caveman tactics’

Within the criticism, mainly of style of play, there was an understanding of declining Irish resources. But once victory in Cardiff helped set-up a play-off with Denmark – the second leg of which was lost 5-1 at home – the good times felt over.

The past twelve months has been marked by poor performances as much as results. There have been Keane-centric spats, such as with Harry Arter. The focus returned continually to the estimated €2.7m joint salary O’Neill and Keane commanded and its value.

As the volume of criticism rose, with “caveman tactics” featuring in one headline after the Republic had been outpassed by Northern Ireland, the enthusiasm which had greeted the O’Neill-Keane appointments five years ago dwindled. There was an end-game feeling about the 4-1 hammering in Wales in September.

If there was a surprise, it was that the FAI reached the same conclusion.

Where next?

For O’Neill, 66, it brings to an end an Irish international career which began in 1972 when he was capped by Northern Ireland against the USSR. For Keane, 47, there may be an Irish return some day.

Both men will wish to go back into club management, perhaps together.

Their replacement – with Mick McCarthy, Neil Lennon and Stephen Kenny mentioned – will have no easing into the job. The first matches will be a Euro 2020 double-header in March. There is no room in the schedule for a friendly before then.