Next Ireland manager betting odds: Mick McCarthy favourite to replace Martin O’Neill

Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy left Ipswich Town in April

(Image credit: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

published 21 November 2018

The Republic of Ireland are searching for a new manager after bidding farewell to Martin O’Neill today.

Video: Harry Wilson’s free-kick fires Wales to win against Ireland

Former Celtic manager O’Neill, who was appointed Ireland boss in November 2013, steps down after a disappointing year in which his side failed to win a competitive game and were relegated from Uefa Nations League group B4, the BBC reports.

Assistant manager Roy Keane, goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh and assistant coach Steve Guppy have also left their roles, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

FAI president Donal Conway and chief executive John Delaney praised O’Neill for his five-year spell, which included reaching the last-16 of the 2016 European Championships in France.

In a statement Delaney said: “I would like to thank Martin, Roy, and the management team for the impact that they had with the Ireland team. There have been many highlights during Martin’s reign – none more so than Euro 2016 in France, which will live long in the memory of all Irish supporters.

“Martin did a great job guiding the team out of a difficult qualifying group – where we beat world champions Germany along the way – to reach Euro 2016 and advance to the last-16 following a historic victory over Italy in Lille.

“I wish Martin, and the management team, the very best for the future.”

Who next for Ireland?

The FAI board has said it will “meet promptly to discuss the process of recruiting a new manager”. According to media reports. there are already a number of names being linked with the vacant position.

According to The Sun, ex-Ireland manager Mick McCarthy is the early favourite to take over from O’Neill. Former Ipswich boss McCarthy, who is 59, would be “a popular choice”, says the Sun, after he guided the “Boys in Green” to the 2002 World Cup finals.

As well as McCarthy, SportsJoe.ie says Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny, former Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce and Brighton manager Chris Hughton are among the bookies’ favourites.

Irish broadcaster RTE mentions Sam Allardyce and Harry Redknapp as possible contenders.

Next Republic of Ireland manager betting odds

Latest prices according to Oddschecker (as of 21 November).