Is McCarthy the right man for Ireland?

Mick McCarthy is set to be named as the new Republic of Ireland manager this weekend after his representatives held talks with the Football Association of Ireland on Friday afternoon. Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane parted company with Ireland following a dismal Nations League campaign which saw Ireland relegated to league C.

McCarthy would return to manage the country for a second time having been in charge of Ireland for a six year period from 1996-2002. During that time, the former Millwall boss led the nation to the 2002 World Cup following a play off win over Iran. Although, McCarthy was a popular manager then, is he the right man to take over now?

Since managing Ireland, McCarthy has managed Sunderland, Wolves and Ipswich. All three can be judged as successful stints for different reasons. At Sunderland, the club were effectively relegated from the premier league in 2003 when the Irishman took over. He ensured an immediate return with promotion from he championship. Although it may have been expected on Wearside, it was perhaps his achievement with Wolves from 2007 to 2012 that was more substantial. 

McCarthy took over from the reputable Glenn Hoddle who had struggled to motivate the team in the Midlands. During his first year, the club reached the playoffs and although promotion wasn’t achieved, Wanderers reached the promised land in 2009 and remained for three seasons before being relegated. Unlike his Sunderland tenure, Wolves rise was unexpected and McCarthy managed to build a strong side on limited funds.

However, those who are in favour of McCarthy’s return will pinpoint his most recent managerial spell at Ipswich as a strong positive. When the former Irish centre-back took over at Portman Road in 2012, the club were rock bottom of the championship and avoided relegation that season, managing to finish just outside the top half of the table. The upward trajectory continued for the club which culminated in the Tractor Boys gaining a playoff place in McCarthy’s second full season in charge. 

Despite losing to bitter rivals Norwich in the playoff semi-final, it was a superb achievement for McCarthy and his assistant Terry Connor to have guided the club to such heights with a fairly average championship squad. Irish duo Daryl Murphy and David McGoldrick led the line while well travelled football league players like Freddie Sears and Dean Gerken were integral parts of the team. It was an unexpected achievement. 

Much like Ipswich, the current Irish squad are hard working with a lack of quality. In his spells at Wolves and Ipswich, McCarthy has shown an ability to get results with limited resources as shown. One scathing criticism from Irish players in relation to the O’Neill era was the lack of planning and clarity provided by the coaching team. In comparison, McCarthy has trained well organised teams in the past and has ensured his teams were hard to beat, even if he did receive criticism for his playing style from Ipswich supporters. However, both Wolves and currently Ipswich have endured extremely tough spells following the Irishman’s departure, which is testament to his managerial ability. 

The country is very divided on the imminent re-appointment of McCarthy. There is no doubt that during his first term in charge, Ireland had strength in depth. The likes of Roy and Robbie Keane along with Damian Duff and Shay Given were close to the peak of their powers. Therefore, people will wonder what can possibly be achieved with the current squad, many of which would not have made the matchday squad during McCarthy’s first spell.

However, the Irish public are not expecting miracles. A competitive team with a distinct style of play  , “negative” or not will satisfy the Irish supporters. The problem during O’Neill’s final months was that Ireland players looked frightened on the pitch and were neither “hoofing” or passing; they simply didn’t have the ball and were terrified to press. During McCarthy’s first managerial reign and his club career, his teams were always courageous and hopefully he can instil that into the current crop of Irish players. 

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny can possibly feel hard done by. Despite media reports, Kenny does not appear to have been considered when you take into account how quickly the McCarthy story broke. Obviously, the apparent re-appointment of McCarthy seems to portray a lack of imagination from the FAI. There are big calls for a change from top to bottom in Irish football and many feel that the appointment of Kenny would have been a step in the right direction as he is a man with fresh impetus and ideas who hasn’t been given the opportunity before. Whether it is right or wrong, Kenny’ lack of experience outside of the Airtricity League may have counted against him as he is not the fashionable choice. 

No matter what the outcome is, there will be some very happy and very aggrieved Irish soccer fans this weekend as it is expected that a statement will be released by the FAI on Sunday in relation to the managerial position. One thing is for sure, a change was badly needed and pride in the national jersey must be restored, and McCarthy has proven that he can achieve that in the past.