Delaney in England to clear path for Staunton

Steve Staunton’s ties with Walsall, the club at which he has been a player-coach since August, were finally severed today when FAI chief executive John Delaney agreed a compensation package with his Walsall counterpart Roy Whalley.

The two met at the club’s Bescot Stadium and finalised a deal worth some €50,000 that frees the Republic of Ireland’s most capped international to succeed Brian Kerr as national team boss.

"We have reached an agreement with the FAI, a settlement that was satisfactory to both sides, that will enable them to pursue their interest in Steve," Whalley said.

"As far as we are concerned we have now cleared the way for them to appoint Steve."

FAI officials also met Staunton in Birmingham and were urged by his Walsall mentor, Paul Merson, to give him a six-year deal to rouse the national team from its current slump.

Leading officials from the association were meeting Staunton for "a series of meetings" to rubber stamp the finer points of his contract ahead of an official unveiling in Dublin, most likely on Monday.

The former Liverpool and Aston Villa defender has no managerial experience but will be offered a four-year deal with the association nonetheless.

But Walsall manager Merson believes Staunton should be given a lengthier contract.

"I spoke to Steve on Wednesday night and he said he would ring me back - he never did but I'll be very surprised if he's not the next Republic of Ireland manager," the Walsall boss said today.

"The Republic have lost a lot of their more experienced players to retirement but they have got some good, fresh ones coming through, so Steve needs people to be patient. He needs six years really."

Delaney initially refused to confirm it was indeed Staunton he was meeting but his cover was blown when the 36-year-old Louthman personally collected him from the airport.

It is unclear whether the former England and Newcastle manager Bobby Robson, tipped to become Staunton's advisor, attended the meetings.

The 72-year-old has remained tight-lipped on the recent speculation, instead referring all inquires to the FAI, but he could break that silence this weekend when he appears as a guest on the Sky Sports programme Goals on Sunday.

However, Aston Villa operations director Steve Stride tonight confirmed that Staunton’s former Liverpool teammate Kevin MacDonald will join the Ireland set-up as a coach in a part-time capacity, in order to retain his position as reserve-team manager with the Birmingham club.

"Kevin will continue as reserve team coach. The two roles can be combined," Stride said.

Speaking on RTE Radio, Delaney would not comment on the nature of today's meeting but said he expected an announcement "very shortly".

Responding to a question suggesting a perceived lack of public support for Staunton, Delaney said: "Hopefully when we make our announcement everyone gets behind whoever we appoint."

Finally, Irish international Colin Healy (25) is to quit Sunderland next week. The Corkman has not played in two years after twice breaking his leg and suffering a knee injury.

He will return to Ireland and consider his options although Sunderland will allow him to continue his rehabilitation at the club should he wish to.