LAST UPDATE | 23 Nov 2018
STEPHEN KENNY “HAS the experience, knowledge, commitment and intellect” to overhaul the Irish national football team as manager, according to one of Dundalk’s Airtricity League rivals.
St Patrick’s Athletic issued a statement on Friday morning endorsing Kenny as the ideal successor to Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane.
The Lilywhites boss is set to meet with FAI officials over the weekend although Mick McCarthy is still seen as the front-runner to return for a second term in charge.
“The board of St Patrick’s Athletic FC, as stakeholders in Irish domestic football, have convened and endorse and recommend Stephen Kenny for the vacant position as manager of the national team,” the Inchicore club said.
“We believe Stephen Kenny is the best candidate and that he has proven he has the experience, knowledge, commitment and intellect to change the current direction of the Irish senior team.
Stephen’s appointment would undeniably be a boost for both the grassroots and domestic leagues.
“All involved would know that the country’s game would be in the hands of a man who knows and believes that the future of the game is in the nurturing and proper and professional development of the game in schools, communities, academies and clubs countrywide.
“We hope that all stakeholders of the domestic game that agree, express their view in the public forum.”
Kenny spent two spells as manager of Derry City and they have also backed him for the international job.
“Derry City Football Club are aware that the FAI are considering a number of candidates for the vacant role of manager of the Republic of Ireland football team including Stephen Kenny,” the Candystripes statement reads.
“We would like to wish Stephen every success in the process and if selected we believe he would be an excellent choice.
Currently Stephen is the most successful manager in the League of Ireland and his appointment would be just reward for his commitment to the local league and the success he has achieved in raising the profile of the league in European competition.
“With a number of former Derry City players and other League of Ireland players representing the national team we would be delighted to see a former manager of our club having the ultimate honour of managing the Irish national team.
“We wish him every success.”
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