Hunt for next Republic of Ireland boss: Latest odds as Gus Poyet gives update on Irish interest

The hunt for the next Republic of Ireland manager continues as rumours and reports fly around daily on who will be the next name at the helm.

Only last week it looked likely that the FAI had landed their number one target in Lee Carsley, but reports since then have suggested that the England under-21 head coach had cooled his interest in taking the Irish job.

At the moment, it seems to be up in the air on who could take charge and who the FAI are keen on. Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon is the current bookmaker’s favourite for the position after he reportedly met with an FAI delegation last week.

On Monday, Greece manager Gus Poyet came to the attention of the Irish media when he was in Dublin for a Carlsberg 0.0 promotional event.

The ex-Chelsea player, who declared he had an interest in the Irish job last October, was asked if the role still intrigued him. 

Answering the question, Poyet said: “To be able to manage a national team like Ireland would be a privilege. But right now the timing is not right, I’m focused on the play-off [with Greece], and nothing changes. Nobody [from the FAI] has contacted me.”

The Boys in Green host Belgium and Switzerland in March before they will have two more friendlies in June. One of which looks set to be against Hungary after the Hungarian Football Federation President, Sándor Csányi, revealed they are scheduled to play Ireland this summer in preparation for UEFA Euro 2024.

The UEFA Nations League draw takes place in Paris on February 8 so it will be interesting to see if a manager is in place by then. The FAI are due to hold a board meeting today where an expected update will be given to directors on the progression of the men’s managerial process.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND MANAGER ODDS

Neil Lennon 4/6

Lee Carsley 3/1

Gus Poyet 15/2

Chris Hughton 25/1

Roy Keane 25/1

Chris Coleman 25/1

Anthony Barry 25/1

Robbie Keane 25/1

*Odds from Paddy Power (30/01/24 – 4PM)