Republic of Ireland manager odds: Who could take charge of next international break?

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 last Sunday 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.

Rumours and reports continue to unfold in this saga but the scene should become clearer in the coming days and weeks 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 (BoyleSports odds – 22/02/24):

Lee Carsley 11/4

Anthony Barry 7/2

John O’Shea 6/1

Neil Lennon 8/1

Chris Coleman 12/1