Republic of Ireland manager odds: Ex-Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG assistant expresses interest in job

Since Stephen Kenny’s departure last November, the bookmakers’ market for the ‘Next Republic of Ireland Manager‘ has been suspended twice.

The market closed last month after reports emerged that Lee Carsley was going to get the Irish job before the market slammed shut nine days ago when Chris Coleman’s odds dropped from 25/1 to 10/11 – according to a BoyleSports spokesperson. 

On both occasions, the market has re-opened following reports that the FAI’s search is still ongoing. During the process, which has now lasted three months, former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been linked to the position while uncertainty has surrounded favoured candidate Carsley’s interest in the role.

Anthony Barry’s name has recently been brought to light after Bayern Munich announced that head coach Thomas Tuchel will be leaving the club at the end of the season. Barry, who is part of Tuchel’s backroom team, was an assistant under Kenny in 2021 before departing for a coaching role with Belgium in 2022.

The former Chelsea coach is also involved with Roberto Martínez’s Portugal backroom team and has the European Championships to look forward to this summer.

An interim appointment has also been mentioned which would likely see someone like ex-Ireland international John O’Shea, who was part of Kenny’s last backroom team, take over the reins in a caretaker role. This would be a similar situation to the women’s managerial process when Eileen Gleeson was appointed on an interim basis before she was offered the position permanently after an impressive Nations League campaign.

Earlier this week, Paul Clement expressed his interest in the role, according to The42.ie. The former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG and Everton assistant previously coached Ireland under-21s alongside Don Givens. The pair also took charge of a senior international fixture against Brazil in 2008 before Giovanni Trapattoni took over.

Clement’s club management experience comes in the form of English sides Derby County, Swansea City and Reading, while he also had a stint as boss of Belgium outfit Cercle Brugge.

Rumours and reports continue to unfold in this saga but the scene should become clearer in the coming days with the March window fast approaching when the Boys in Green host Belgium (March 23) and Switzerland (March 26).

The latest bookies’ favourites have been revealed. See below (PaddyPower odds – 27/02/24):

Lee Carsley 11/4

Anthony Barry 7/2

Steve Bruce 5/1

Paul Clement 10/1

John O’Shea 12/1

Chris Coleman 12/1

Neil Lennon 14/1