Former Birmingham City and Coventry City midfielder Lee Carsley is set to be named as head coach for Ireland, as reported by The Irish Sun.
The shortlist for the head coach vacancy for the Republic of Ireland has been kept quiet. Carsley’s name was included on that list, as well as Chris Hughton, who was recently sacked by Ghana following their AFCON exit this month. Adding more interest to the race for the vacancy, Roy Keane linked himself with an interest in the international job. The former Sunderland manager was Martin O’Neill’s assistant when the side qualified for the 2016 European Championships. Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon was also in the running for the job.
However, it appears that Carsley is set to beat those names out for the managerial position. The 49-year-old is reportedly preferred after he met with high-ranking officials in London this week. A recommendation is believed to be made by those officials shortly. The England under-21 coach is most likely to be named the new head coach. The Irish Association have been searching for a new manager since November after they opted not to renew the contract of Stephen Kenny.
Carsley made just under 500 career appearances as a player, scoring 35 goals. His playing career consisted of featuring for teams such as Derby County, Birmingham City and Everton. He spent most of his days at Goodison Park, joining in 2002 and leaving in 2008. He had two stints with the Sky Blues, his final one ending in 2011, where he retired shortly after. He also has 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland, retiring in 2008.
Since his retirement, Carsley has been coaching with youth teams but had two interim stints in charge of Coventry City’s first team in 2012 and 2013. After working with Brentford’s development team and Manchester City’s youth teams, he went on to work with the England youth setup, where he is currently manager of the England under-21 side.
Writer’s View
Carsley has been doing some excellent work with the England under-21 youth team, leading them to victory in the European Championships last summer. With his reputation working with youth teams, it could also be promising for up-and-comers from the Republic of Ireland, who could see chances handed to them with the appointment of a coach who has primarily worked with youth up to this point in his managerial career.