SOCCER: Almost a week after news of his impending appointment was leaked to a slightly startled outside world, Steve Staunton was officially installed as the Republic of Ireland's latest football manager yesterday.
The 36-year-old will be officially presented to the media in the Mansion House on Monday morning. He starts in the job immediately and is likely at the weekend to be watching some of the players he will be working with during the next four years.
"I'm delighted and proud to be appointed Irish international team manager," Staunton was quoted in an FAI statement yesterday. "I know that the calibre of the team I have will bring a huge range of experience and talent to the challenges that lie ahead. I can't wait to get started. I hope the drive, passion and commitment we have can reflect the Irish fans' real love for the game and have an impact not just on the squad but on the nation."
Former Barcelona, Newcastle and England manager Bobby Robson assumes the post of "international consultant", while Aston Villa reserve-team manager Kevin MacDonald has been appointed part-time coach, and former international Alan Kelly will be goalkeeping coach.
Robson said he would be available to "help and advise Stephen in any way he sees fit".
The association's chief executive, John Delaney, expressed confidence the pair would prove to be the "perfect partnership". Rejecting suggestions Staunton is too inexperienced for the job and Robson was foisted on him, Delaney insisted the Louthman's experience as a player and strength of character marked him out for the post. He reiterated the former Liverpool and Aston Villa star himself had prompted the hiring of the 72-year-old.
As for the argument Robson would be a better appointment with Staunton as his assistant, Delaney said, "We decided we wanted to appoint an Irishman to manage the team . . . and Stephen was the man we wanted. When we asked him who would be on his management team he mentioned the name of Bobby Robson and we were entirely happy with that."
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