Will Trap Go? Who Should Replace Him?

Under pressure; Giovanni Trapattoni

"It's out of my hands, but I am sure every player would probably say the same, we want him to stay and continue this campaign."

 Captain Robbie Keane

Those were the words of Irish captain Robbie Keane when asked if manager Giovanni Trapatonni should continue in his reign as boss.

The fires surrounding the current state of Irish football, in particular that of  Trap's ability to do the job received a small amount of extinguising last night when his team beat the Faroe Islands 4-1 in Torshavn.

Though he may have bought himself some time its still tough to imagine a future under this man. Though Liam Brady would disagree. "Can't he be given time with these players now" he said in quite argumentative tone to his colleagues on the RTE panel after the game.

James McCarthy

He was referring to the fact that Marc Wilson, James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman along with others were given the opportunity to play for their country in the last week, after been overlooked  for far too long.

In my own opinion, and opinion is exactly what this debate boils down to, no Liam he should not be given time with them. Its too little, too late. These players have been playing regular first team football for their clubs for the last season or two now and not alot has changed in their game. So why are now suddenly deemed worthy.

Damien Duff and Shay Given have retired. Richard Dunne has become a fitness worry and has yet to confirm if he will return to the international setup. Glenn Whelan and Sean St. Ledger were missing through injury. What happens when the latter two return to fitness, and if Dunne opts to remain in the international setup. What will no doubt happen much like what happened with Robbie Keaane last night is Trap will drop those who played last night. Dunne and St Ledger will return to the heart of defence pushing O'Shea out to right back meaning that Coleman would be out of the side again. Wilson would then have a fight on his hands and Ciaran Clark who mysteriously sat on the bench whilst Darren O'Dea started both this weeks games would lose his staus as third choice centre back and would become 5th choice again.

The same with Whelan. He has been a favourite of Trap's throughout his tenure and will no doubt walk back into the side. So who do you take out. Andrews, probably not. He too is one of Giovanni's men. McCarthy therefore (last nights man of the match) is unfortunately the logical choice to depart.

The fact is that last night's victory has changed nothing. Brady's argument is predicated on the belief that Trap will keep this new talent in place of the more experienced men that he has blindly kept faith in for so long. As much I would like to see this happen, everything that the man has done since he took charge in 2008 suggests otherwise.

Former Manager; Jack Charlton

All this means that, despite the financial constraints, the FAI have a decsion to make and must make it soon. Though the public support shown by another former Irish manager, who like Trapattoni was a lover of the long ball is sure to give him something to cling to. Big Jack Charlton (77) yesterday blasted those calling for the Italian’s head, saying: “I know Giovanni and he knows football." “You have to give him a chance. He’s a good man.”
Will this be enough or will the ever growing list of those looking for somebody new, finally get their wish.

FAI board members have scheduled an extraordinary general meeting for the end of this week, and it is believed that Trap's job is top of the agenda. There have been many reports over the last week stating that unnamed sources from within the FAI are looking for a fresh beginning with Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane thought to be top of the wishlist. 

Roy Keane

Though its more likely that Mick would turn down any offer to return wth his eyes firmly fixed on a return to club management. Most likely in the north west of England. So that makes Keane the forerunner for any possible job, though like McCarthy, Keane too would be unlikely to be tempted by the FAI due to the ill-feeling that remains from Saipan. Even if they could tempt the Man Utd legend however, his record is sketchy at best with his tenure at Ipswich having hurt any credibility he built up with Sunderland. 

So with the obvious two now seemingly out of the picture, who else could the FAI bring in to replace the Italian. Owen Colye would likely be a name touted, having been dismissed by Bolton recently. Though with his small experience its likely that his appointment could cause a backlash from fans. Who remembers Stan?


What of Chris Hughton. He is one of the more liked men in football management and would most certainly bring players like Pilkington and Hoolahan into the fold as he knows what their about thanks to his current run with Norwich City. He also has experience with the national setup from his time as Brian Kerr's assistant. Though with Norwich having headhunted him in the summer its unlikely that he would abandon ship. 

 David O'Leary is a name being mentioned in many circles of Irish football. The former Leeds manager has been out of work for a while now and would no doubt welcome the oppurtunity to return to the game. Though his pride could get in the way of any appointment having been overlooked by the FAI in the past. 

Harry Redknapp

So who then to take over as Irish boss. Harry Redknapp's name has been thrown into the hat. The West Ham legend is out of work and would likely have a point to prove after the English FA overlooked him in favour of Roy Hodgson. Though the FAI would probably need Denis O'Brien to flash the cash again. 

Alan Curbishley

Alan Curbishley is another name being suggested in many corners of the country but having been out of work for a little over 4 years its probable that he wouldn't be in the running at all. Its also likely that the FAI and more so the fans would have a preference for an Irishman this time around in order to bring back the pride that has been lost in recent games. A fact that only a manager of Redknapp's quality could overcome.

Some have questioned what the problem is due to the fact that the team's losses in recent months have been to some of the best teams in the world and Trap has succeded against the others but the simple fact is that his job is to be competitive. Lets not forget that, despite his boring tactics and slow play, Brian Kerr helped us produce results against some top teams. As did McCarthy in his time (Germany in the 2002 world cup). Even the whipping boys of Northern Ireland came to within 10 minutes of defeating the highly superior Portugal last night. 

The evidence is compelling. As Eamon Dunphy stated after the game last night "he (Trapattoni) ticks some boxes" but he does not tick enough and it most definetly is time for a change.