Former Ireland defender Stephen Kelly believes that Ireland should consider hiring former Ireland player Chris Hughton due to the current state of the Ireland squad and Hughton's managerial experience.
The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) has been searching for a replacement for former boss Stephen Kenny since opting not to renew his contract in November. Various names, including Roy Keane, Lee Carsley, Steve Bruce, and others, have been linked to the role, with the FAI aiming to have a new manager in place before the March and June 2024 games, according to a recent AGM.
Hughton, born to a Ghanaian father and Irish mother, enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a full-back, earning 53 caps for the Republic of Ireland national team between 1979 and 1991.
Transitioning to management, he took charge of clubs such as Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Norwich City, and Nottingham Forest. As a manager, he achieved notable success, leading Newcastle United to the Premier League and guiding Birmingham City to the playoffs, along with a similar feat at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Hoiughton, who is currently managing the Ghana football team since 2023, has been endorsed by Kelly as a strong contender for the Ireland managerial position, citing his managerial achievements and ability to adapt to the dynamics of the Ireland squad.
Republic Of Ireland
Chris Houghton pic.twitter.com/ykFItO2MLm— Superb Footy Pics (@SuperbFootyPics) September 20, 2017
Kelly emphasises Hughton's continuous learning and improvement, describing him as a scholar of the game with a wealth of experience.
"People will think Chris is a throwback, but he’s not an old-school manager," he said. "Chris is a scholar of the game, constantly learning and improving.
"He has a wealth of experience. You just have to look at what he has done with teams in and around the Championship, and that’s where I’d put our team (Ireland), a top-end Championship side, who he could get the best out of.
"Hughton has done that with Newcastle, done amazing things with Birmingham City (got the club to the play-offs in his only season in charge), and put Brighton into the position they are in now.
"I think he’s someone that could really work, and with his wealth of experience, it might be the way to go."
Candidate odds at the time of writing.
Lee Carsley 2/1 BetMGM
Steve Bruce 10/3 Boylesports
Roy Keane: 6/1 bet365
Neil Lennon 8/1 BetUK
Chris Hughton 14/1 bet365
Sam Allardyce 20/1, 2/1
Gus Poyet 33/1 BetVictor
Rafael Benitez 33/1 Boylesports
*Odds are subject to change in 2023.
