The Football Association of Ireland has responded to the lengthy delay in the sport by bringing forward Stephen Kenny’s appointment as manager of the Republic of Ireland’s senior side.
With Mick McCarthy’s second reign now over, the PA news agency considers what Kenny’s first steps should be.
Find a way to get some goals
Evolve the team’s playing style
?️ The last time Stephen Kenny managed in @AVIVAStadium, he saw his @DundalkFC side win the FAI Cup
Later this year, he returns to the stadium as Ireland manager…. pic.twitter.com/GsoE1icH9P
— FAIreland ⚽️?? (@FAIreland) April 5, 2020
Kenny has won admirers for the expansive brand of football he has encouraged, predominantly at Dundalk but also since beginning work with the under-21s. It is no secret that the task ahead represents a considerable step change, with quality of opponents, levels of scrutiny and external pressures all raised to a level he has not experienced before. Now is not the time to dial back his natural instincts, though, and he must live up to expectations that he will encourage more progressive tactics.
Blend the backroom team
Focus on the next generation
One word. Wow pic.twitter.com/SPfQdFDo7a
— Troy Parrott (@troyparrott9) November 14, 2019
Like any international side at a time of renewal, much emphasis is placed on the rising stars of the future. As such, one of Kenny’s key tasks will be identifying and integrating those inexperienced prospects who might carry the green shirt forward in the years to come. His work with the under-21s means he already has a head start, but the hard part may be accelerating the development process. Troy Parrott probably carries the highest hopes but has minimal first-team opportunities at Tottenham, while Aaron Connolly (Brighton) and Michael Obafemi (Southampton) are also fighting for scraps. Caoimhin Kelleher, Luca Connell and Nathan Collins are others who may also find themselves involved.
Get the fans on side
