THE FAI’s interim chief executive David Courell says the association has been “rightly criticised” over its handling of the senior international managerial appointment process – but remains confident of landing the right candidate before the start of the Uefa Nations League campaign in September.
The Mayo native, who took the reins on a temporary basis last month following the resignation of Jonathan Hill, didn’t shut the door on interim manager John O’Shea sealing the job on a permanent basis.
FAI’s Director of Football Marc Canham was entrusted with leading the search for Stephen Kenny’s successor once the Dubliner’s contract wasn’t renewed last November.
Canham was an impressive presence in various media briefings but with a couple of deadlines slipping under his watch, faith in the 41-year-old former professional footballer has ebbed.
Speaking on RTE radio’s Morning Ireland programme, Courell said: “We’ve been rightly criticised for setting out timelines in recent months, we are committed to ensuring we have someone in the post when we commence our UEFA Nations League competition.”
Ireland open their Nations League account against England in Dublin on September 7 with Finland and Greece also in their group.
Lee Carsley, Neil Lennon, Slaven Bilic and Gus Poyet were among those linked to the job that has been vacant for six months.
“First and foremost,” said Courell, “up until a matter of weeks ago I, myself, was air-gapped from the process which I think is testament to how professionally it has been run.
“It has been a confidential process both internally and externally. But now, that I’m in the camp, I’m fully read in and I’m comfortable with the steps and stages which has taken place and confident we will get the best candidate for moving the Irish national team forward and ensure we deliver success.”
John O’Shea was in charge for the two home friendly games against Belgium (0-0) and Switzerland (0-1) in March and has been retained in the interim role for the June friendlies with Hungary (h) and Portugal (a).
On O’Shea’s candidacy for the permanent post, Courell said: “It is an open process. Every candidate is being considered.
“John has done a fantastic job and we’re looking forward to what he can do in the upcoming fixtures. He is an unbelievable ambassador for the game, a fantastic servant for Irish football, so we wish him the best of luck for June and see what transpires in the rest of the recruitment process.”
Courell was previously Chief Operating Officer of the FAI since February 2022 and assumed the chief executive reins after Hill came under scrutiny for being paid for holidays not taken - in the region of €12,000 - while in the top job.