Former Manchester United star John O'Shea will return to the Ireland senior men's coaching set-up led by Heimir Hallgrímsson having stepped in as Interim Head Coach for the Belgium and Switzerland matches in March, and the Hungary and Portugal matches in June, the FAI said in a statement.
Meantime, it’s been revealed that when the Republic of Ireland play England in a Nations League game at the Aviva stadium in Dublin, the former Icelandic manager Hallgrimsson will be in the Irish dug-out while Lee Carsley will be England’s caretaker manager.
A few months back Carsley was tipped to replace Stephen Kenny as Republic manager. Well, how the situation has now changed. A statement from the English FA last week confirmed that the former Irish international would lead England in the September games against the Republic and Finland, but also suggested the 50-year-old could stay in charge throughout the autumn, while they search for a permanent replacement for Gareth Southgate.
In a statement the English FA said: ‘‘Carsley will step up from his role in charge of the under manager 21s, initially for September’s fixtures, but with a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn while the FA’s recruitment process for a new permanent head coach continues.’’ Reacting to the confirmation Carsley, said: ‘‘It’s an honor to step up and lead this England squad on an interim basis. As I am very familiar with the players and the cycle of international football, it makes sense for me to guide the team while the FA continues the process to recruit a new manager. My main priority is to ensure continuity and our goal is to secure promotion in the UEFA Nations League.’’ New Irish manager Hallgrimsson has history with England, having overseen their shock exit from Euro 2016 when he was joint head coach of Iceland.
CITY TAKE SHIELD
Manchester United’s Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans gifted the Community Shield to Manchester City after a penalty shoot-out at Wembley on Saturday. Evans lifted his spot-kick over the crossbar before Manuel Akanji scored the winning penalty as City secured the first silverware of the season. Garnacho thought he had inflicted more Wembley misery on City when he repeated his FA Cup final goalscoring heroics from just 77 days earlier with nine minutes remaining. But another sub Bernardo Silva, headed a last-minute equaliser for City to make it 1-1 and take the match straight to penalties. Onana saved from Silva early in the shoot-out but Jadon Sancho, back for United following his bust-up with Erik Ten Hag, saw his kept out by Ederson. Evan then blazed United’s eight penalty high over the top before Akanji secured a 7-6 win for City.
EGAN THANKS BLADES
FOR ‘SPECIAL’ 6 YEARS
Cork-born John Egan admits Sheffield United’s relegation to Championship means that his time at Bramall Lane is up, but he could find himself back in the top-flight in time very soon with Nottingham Forest strongly linked with the son of the former Kerry Gaelic footballer of the same name. The powerful defender spent much of last season on the treatment table, as the Blades were relegated back to the Championship. The 31 year-old who has won 36 Irish caps, was previously with Sunderland, Gillingham and Brentford, before his 2018 arrival at Sheffield United. In a Twitter message to Blades fans the Cork-born defender wrote:
“It’s hard to put into words how special the last six years at Sheffield United have been for me, my family and friends. I have nothing but gratitude and respect for everyone that I have come across at this great football club, two promotions to the EPL an FA Cup semi-final and a top-half finish in the EPL are just some of the high points that stick out, which we all worked so hard to achieve,” Egan said. “Firstly, I would like to thank the fans, your unwavering support has been incredible, through all the highs and lows. You are the reason it is such an amazing club to play for. To the manager and previous managers, thank you for believing in me and helping me become a better player and person.’’
Sheffield United started with a 2-0 win away to Preston North End on Friday night. Irish international Sammie Szmodics top scorer in the Championship last season with 27 goals, got off to a good start, scoring in Blackburn Rovers’ 4-2 home win over Derby County on Saturday. Adam Idah, who has been linked with a permanent move to Celtic, started on the bench for Norwich City, who lost 2-0 away to Oxford United, who were playing their first game in the Championship since 1999. But the Irish international was introduced on the hour mark. Leeds United, favourites to win the Championship this season, could only draw 3-3 at home to Portsmouth, who were promoted from League One last season. In League One former Irish international James McClean captained Wrexham in their first game back in League One since 2005, a 3-2 home win over Wycombe Wanderers.
RODGERS WANTS
IDAH DEAL DONE
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says that he hopeful of sealing a deal for Norwich City’s Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah. The Canaries are believed to be considering an improved offer for the striker, whose successful loan spell with Celtic in the second half of last season culminated in him scoring a late winner against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final. When asked about the potential transfer, Rodgers said: ‘‘I'm hoping by the end of this transfer window that can be done, with some others. Yeah, God willing, we can get that sorted along with one or two other players.’’ Last week Celtic issued an update to the stock exchange in which they stated earnings for last season would be significantly higher than previous expectations, With recent club accounts showing cash reserves of about £70m, many Celtic fans are demanding the club spend money in the transfer market to boost their chances of Champions League progress.
HAYES LATE DAD’S
WISH COMES TRUE
USA coach Emma Hayes recalled that the final words from her father Sid, before he died last year were, ‘‘If you ever get the opportunity you have to take the job with the USA.’’ At that time 47 year-old Hayes was managing the Chelsea women’s team. She finished with Chelsea last May, took over the USA team and last weekend they beat Brazil 1-0 in the Olympic Games Women’s final in Paris, in what was only Hayes’ tenth game in charge
TOMMY CASSIDY, 73
The death occurred earlier this month of former Northern Ireland international Tommy Cassidy. Born in Belfast in November 1950, Cassidy started his career with Glentoran and joined Newcastle United in 1970 where he made 239 appearances, scoring 28 goals before joining Burnley in 1980. Cassidy helped the Geordies reach the 1974 FA Cup final, as well as the 1976 League Cup final. He made 239 Toon appearances in total, scoring 28 goals, before signing for Burnley in 1980. As a manager Tommy managed various Irish and English clubs including, Sligo Rovers, Glentoran and Ards. As he battled Alzheimer’s in his recent years, Cassidy attended Newcastle United’s Memory Café, which the club describe as their drop-in session for those living with life-changing memory loss illnesses.
