Lincoln City manager Mark Kennedy is one of the candidates reportedly being considered for the Republic of Ireland job, according to the Irish Examiner.
The job is expected to become available at the end of November when Stephen Kenny departs following a disappointing qualifying campaign for Euro 2024. Kennedy is one of several early names to have been tipped for the job, with Kenny expected to take charge of his final game against New Zealand next month.
The former Irish international has overseen a difficult few weeks with the Imps, with injuries in forward positions currently holding the side back from making a push on the play-offs. In his first campaign in charge last term, he guided the club to a top-half finish, in what was also his first full season in senior management.
Lincoln have won only one of their last six in the league, with that coming against winless Cheltenham Town. The goals have dried up too, with only five scored in their last seven matches across all competitions, as they remain without a recognised senior striker.
Nevertheless, the former Liverpool man has attracted admirers back home for the Ireland job, with the focus swiftly turning to World Cup qualification. With a home Euros on the horizon in 2028, it is pivotal that the FAI get this managerial appointment spot on.
Current England under-21 manager Lee Carsley is believed to be the favourite for the position, fresh from winning the U21’s Euros in the summer. Shelbourne gaffer Damien Duff is another name to have been linked, according to John Fallon.
Cardiff City’s Callum Robinson backed Kenny following Monday night’s victory over Gibraltar, in which the attacker netted. The 28-year-old said in an interview with RTE that Ireland are “playing good football and it’s about bringing that balance, being good in both boxes.”
The FAI though appear to have a different view, with a board meeting on November 28th expected to decide against renewing Kenny’s contract. For the meantime at least though, the 51-year-old remains with Ireland and Mark Kennedy is still Lincoln’s manager. The focus for the Imps is firmly on this weekend’s game against Fleetwood Town, as they aim to return to winning ways.
Writer’s View
It’s hard to see Kennedy taking the Ireland job, with it being so early on in his managerial career. The pressure and responsibilities that come with international management are so different from club management, particularly with an Irish side desperate for another major tournament. Time and time before managers have taken ‘big’ jobs too early and it has backfired on them, and it’s hard to see Kennedy making the same decision.
This is the last thing that Lincoln need at the moment too, with results worsening in recent weeks. Stability is needed right now to get them through to the end of the year where they hope that players will return from injury, and they can kick on in January.
