Okay, let be honest for a minute. Last night was painful if you love the Irish national team as much as we do here in Power Tower.
It’s not like the country isn’t used to being raided by Vikings. However, last night Denmark absolutely ransacked Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, netting a 5-1 away victory and a World Cup place at the home side expense in the process.
With the country reeling from last night’s result, questions have been swirling about the position of manager Martin O’Neill – particularly after his half-time substitutions spectacularly backfired with Ireland losing the second period 3-0 to the rampant Danes.
Even with a new two-year contract offer agreed and on the table, Martin O’Neill is yet to sign it and promised last night to have “a real think” about his future last night given the nature of the defeat.
If O’Neill or the FAI were to decide it was the end of the line, the question is who would replace the Derry man as boss of the national team?
Former England manager Sam Allardyce is right up there as the 4/1 second favourite for the post, just behind a certain assistant manager – who is the 7/4 front runner.
Allardyce, who boasts a 100% winning record on the international scene, is available and just this morning ruled himself out of the running for the Everton job. He even has experience of managing in the country after taking his first post in management at Limerick in the early 90’s.
Other contenders for the role sees a return for former Irish manager Mick McCarthy at 10/1, while Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny joins one-cap wonder Owen Coyle at 12/1 in the running.
Brighton’s Chris Hughton is available at 14/1 to take over the country he represented 53 times as a player and Northern Ireland gaffer Michael O’Neill is a 25/1 shot to come south to replace his namesake.
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