The42.ie 
17-04-2024 17:56
17-04-2024 17:56
FAI managerial search 'a bit of a shambles' - James McClean
JAMES MCCLEAN HAS labelled the FAI’s protracted managerial search as “a bit of a shambles”.
The Derryman retired from international football last November, winning his 103rd cap in Stephen Kenny’s final game in charge.
Kenny’s departure was announced the day after that 1-1 draw with New Zealand, and the hunt for his successor is still underway.
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John O’Shea was in interim charge for a double-header of friendlies in March, and McClean has backed his former team-mate to continue in the role on a permanent basis.
“The way the FAI has gone about it has been a bit of a shambles, really,” the Wrexham wide player told Dublin Live at an autism awareness event on behalf of the charity AsIAm.
“It seems that they’re just trying whoever’s available.
“But John’s a great football man, a lot of knowledge in the game — I don’t see what they’d be losing giving it to John if I’m honest. He’s quite a likeable man, he’s good with the lads, he knows the game inside out, been there and done it at the highest level.
“I think they could a lot worse than give it to John.”
McClean joked about the prospect of a U-turn on his international retirement should that materialise.
“If John gets it… John, if you’re listening, maybe I’m not retired just yet!”
The Derryman retired from international football last November, winning his 103rd cap in Stephen Kenny’s final game in charge.
Kenny’s departure was announced the day after that 1-1 draw with New Zealand, and the hunt for his successor is still underway.
Advertisement
John O’Shea was in interim charge for a double-header of friendlies in March, and McClean has backed his former team-mate to continue in the role on a permanent basis.
“The way the FAI has gone about it has been a bit of a shambles, really,” the Wrexham wide player told Dublin Live at an autism awareness event on behalf of the charity AsIAm.
“It seems that they’re just trying whoever’s available.
“But John’s a great football man, a lot of knowledge in the game — I don’t see what they’d be losing giving it to John if I’m honest. He’s quite a likeable man, he’s good with the lads, he knows the game inside out, been there and done it at the highest level.
“I think they could a lot worse than give it to John.”
McClean joked about the prospect of a U-turn on his international retirement should that materialise.
“If John gets it… John, if you’re listening, maybe I’m not retired just yet!”