Next Republic of Ireland manager: New frontrunner emerges amid Carsley reports

Earlier this week, reports emerged that it looked set in stone that England under-21 head coach Lee Carsley was set to become the new Republic of Ireland boss.

But over the last day, reports have suggested that Carsley’s interest in the role had cooled, leaving the FAI to look elsewhere.

Ireland have been without a manager since November following Stephen Kenny’s departure after a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

Several candidates have been mentioned for the job over the last few months, with Carsley reportedly being the FAI’s frontrunner from early on in the process.

Names like Roy Keane and Neil Lennon have revealed that they’d be interested in the Irish position with the latter currently leading the race – according to an article published on the Irish Mirror website today.

The bookmakers, who suspended the market for the next Ireland manager on Thursday, have since reopened it with Lennon leading the way to take over the Boys in Green.

The former Celtic manager has been out of a job since 2022 after spells at Hibernian, Bolton and most recently Cypriot outfit Omonia Nikosia.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND MANAGER ODDS

Neil Lennon 2/1

Chris Hughton 6/1

Lee Carsley 6/1

Roy Keane 9/1

Chris Coleman 10/1

Anthony Barry 12/1

*Odds from Paddy Power (27/01/2024)