The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes as Ireland continue their search for a national manager.
Football: Ireland - Job Vacancy
It's two days before the Republic Of Ireland face Brazil in a friendly at Croke Park. And caretaker manager Don Givens will be leading the team. That's because Ireland have yet to appoint a new manager. A job which has been vacant since the sacking of Steve Staunton in October 2007.
It is understandable that the FAI are careful about who they appoint as national manager. Staunton's tenure ended in tears. Now, they want to get it right. Feel they must get it right. But the length of time the process is taking, is beginning to cast a shadow over the role. It makes it look as if no one really wants the job. That it is a job not worth taking.
When Steve McClaren was sacked as England manager, Brian Barwick wasted no time in pursuing Fabio Capello. He backed himself to get the right man. Despite his failure with Steve McClaren. Barwick's strength was that he used the McClaren failure to fortify his resolve.
Time will tell whether it was a correct decision. But, by acting decisively, Barwick has absolved himself of any blame if Capello should fail.
Perhaps the problem for the FAI is that after the failure of Steve Staunton, they don't back themselves to make the right executive decision. They have lost some confidence in themselves. That is why they have handed over the process to Don Givens, Don Howe and Ray Houghton.
This next appointment is critical for the FAI. That is why they cannot allow their own self-doubts to inveigle the job search. Let us hope that Irish football gets the manager it deserves.
