Charting the 150-day search for the next Ireland manager that could now stretch to 284 days … at least

Day 0 – Stephen Kenny’s reign ends

November 22, 2023

Ireland’s 1-1 draw against New Zealand marks the end of Stephen Kenny’s three-and-a-half-year reign, although many feel the defeat to Greece in Athens last June marked the beginning of the end for the 52-year-old.

The day after the draw, the FAI announced Kenny’s contract would not be renewed after six defeats in eight Euro 2024 qualifiers, adding that “the recruitment process for a new head coach is now underway”.

Day 19 – Jonathan Hill indicates February aim

December 11, 2023

FAI CEO Jonathan Hill gives the impression the association are hoping to have Kenny’s successor in place by the Nations League draw on February 8.

“The matches in March are really important preparatory games,” said Hill. “The sooner we can get an appointment made the better, but we won’t rush the process. The Nations League is very important in relation to qualification for future tournaments. From February, you definitely want someone working full-time in relation to those opponents.”

Day 63 – Roy Keane reveals Ireland job does “appeal” to him

January 24, 2024

Legendary Ireland midfielder Keane admits the job interests him amid reports he was linked to taking the position.

“That does appeal to me. I did enjoy the dynamics when I was coaching with Martin [O’Neill] and the Irish team. We had a little bit of success. That could be an option,” said Keane when asked about the Irish job.

Day 69 – FAI say appointment is drawing closer

January 30, 2024

Following an FAI board meeting at Abbotstown, chairman Tony Keohane claims the new manager would be announced sooner rather than later.

“I’d expect it in the next short while," said Keohane. "I don’t want to give an absolute time because these things are a work-in-progress, but in the not-too-distant future.”

FAI president Paul Cooke is also tight-lipped, adding: “We only got an update. It went well. Numerous people have been identified.”

Day 78 – Hill insists “nobody has turned us down for Ireland job”

February 8, 2024

After Ireland are drawn to face England, Finland and Greece in the Nations League later this year, Hill gives an update on their search and says they have yet to offer the job formally to anyone. England U-21 boss and former Ireland midfielder Lee Carsley is believed to be their top target.

“Nobody has been offered and nobody has turned the job down. We’re getting to the back end of our process,” said Hill, as Canham added: “We think we’re getting close to the end and hope to do that as soon as possible.”

Day 98 – FAI say appointment will be made in early April as O’Shea takes interim charge

February 28, 2024

With the initial Nations League draw target missed, ex-Ireland defender John O’Shea is installed as interim boss for the March double-header against Belgium and Switzerland.

"We are also pleased to confirm that the process for the appointment of a new men’s head coach is near completion and we are looking forward to announcing that appointment in April,” said Canham.

Day 103 – Delay due to “existing contractual arrangements”

March 4, 2024

Facing the media at Lansdowne Road, Canham reveals that “existing contractual arrangements” are delaying the FAI from announcing Kenny’s successor.

“Existing contractual arrangements mean we are not in a position to announce any further details at this point, but as we have committed to, we will announce that in early April. There is a confidentiality issue there, but we are near the end of the process," said Canham.

Day 119 – Carsley rules himself out of Ireland job

March 20 2024

Long-tipped to take the hot seat, Carsley sets the record straight and reveals that after an initial chat with the FAI in November, the discussions went no further and he will remain the England U-21 manager.

"It was good to see what their thoughts were and to explore whether I was ready to take that next step. It just went no further. I didn’t push it,” said Carsley.

Day 140 – FAI indicate announcement ‘next week’

April 10, 2024

With their own April deadline looming, Abbotstown officials say they plan to reveal the identity of their chosen one "next week". It then emerges that Chris Hughton and Anthony Barry had been sounded out about the job in recent weeks, indicating the search is still ongoing.

Day 145 – Hill to step down as CEO

April 15 2024

Following February’s calamitous appearance at the Dáil, the FAI confirms that Hill will be stepping down as CEO on April 30, after three-and-a-half years in the role, with David Courell standing in as interim. As reported by the Irish Independent last month, Hill’s position had been under threat since his appearance in front of the Public Accounts Committee.

Day 147 – O’Shea admits he’s in the dark about the process

April 17, 2024

O’Shea, who has made it clear he wants the job, says he has not been interviewed to date and doesn’t rule out taking interim charge for June. “I can’t tell you what has changed (with the delay). They would have liked to announce the manager but haven’t done that,” he said.

Day 149 – FAI set another new deadline of next September to find their man

April 19, 2024

In an in-house interview, Canham apologises for the "expectation" and "confusion" created by previous statements and deadlines. The director of football also admits the association should have gone about the search differently in hindsight and that they hope to have O’Shea in as interim boss again for the June friendlies against Hungary and Portugal.

“In hindsight, we would maybe not set those [previous] deadlines if we were to do this again. We recognise and apologise for that, but we are also confident that, ultimately, this process will result in us finding the best person for the job.”

No press conference for the media was held to go along with Friday’s announcement, while there was no mention of Hill's impending departure or reference to the “existing contractual obligations” that delayed this month's initial announcement.