Coppell back in frame for Irish job

Former Everton manager Howard Kendall is interested in the Republic of Ireland job and if appointed would bring Peter Beardsley in as his assistant.  However, he is not viewed as a serious contender, unlike Reading boss Steve Coppell who is now back in the frame.

Kendall (61) has made discreet enquiries about succeeding Steve Staunton and could be among a dozen candidates interviewed by 'headhunters' Don Givens and Don Howe.

Terry Venables remains the strong favourite for the role although Gerard Houllier, Liam Brady, David O'Leary, Arie Haan, Graeme Souness and Roy Hodgson - among others - are also in contention.

But Givens and Howe are also expected to talk with Coppell - the former Crystal Palace, Brentford and Brighton boss -  who hinted he could soon leave Reading after growing tired of day-to-day management.

The Reading boss was linked to the Ireland job last month and said he would relish international management. However, he quickly distanced himself from comments he made in relation to the Irish post.

But quoted today he suggests a break from the game could soon be on the cards.  Should he leave the Premier League club, a stint in international management may suit.

The 52-year-old has been in charge of Reading for four years and orchestrated their promotion to the top-flight for the first time in their history in 2006.

"I can't enjoy management," he told The Sun.  "I work all week to win a game. If we win I have an unbeatable high for 20 minutes, but then it's thinking about the next game.

"If we are beaten, it's a bottomless pit. It goes through my mind when I get beat, do I need this?"

Kendall said he put his name forward on the back of Venable's interest as he is adamant he holds a better CV than the former England boss.

"I do think I have a better CV than Terry," said Kendall. "That's what influenced me to go back into it.  I thought, 'hang on, I have a better CV than him'."

Kendall made his mark at Everton but has also managed Blackburn, Manchester City and Sheffield United, not to mention Spanish side Athletic Bilbao during the 1980s.

He had three spells at the Goodison Park club before leaving in 1998 for an unsuccessful jaunt with Greek side Ethnikos Piraeus.  He lasted just four months before getting the sack.

But that was eight years ago and Kendall has not managed since.  He denies he has lost touch with the game and has urged the FAI to scrutinise his CV.

"I've had long enough out of it now and I feel it would be perfect for me and hopefully for them. I've made some enquiries," he said.

"I am in touch with the modern game, I write a column in the local newspaper and I go and watch Premier League football every week.

"I know who I would put in place. If he was interested, the likes of Peter Beardsley, I think he would be superb. I have spoken to Peter and he said he would love to work with me again."

Kendall said he "loved" Irish people and he is looking for a challenge with an "enthusiastic" assistant working alongside him.  He is not interested in day-to-day club management.

Bookmakers make Kendall an outside 33 to 1 chance for the job.  Coppell, though, represents better value at present odds of 40 to 1.