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.
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!”
No pity for Ward,was completely unprofessional of him.For a man lucky to get so many caps because of a lack of options in his position the last decade it was a very silly move.
@Nic Antonio: ah now, ward has been one of our only consistent starters in the prem in the last few years
@Jack: Fair enough Jack.
@Nic Antonio: unprofessional ??? He was sharing info with friends of his. It’s a good thing in the long run that it came out.