Steve Staunton has today had his contract terminated by the FAI after a miserable Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. This news comes after a week of intense speculation as to the future of the former Walsall assistant coach. "Stan" as he is more commonly known had previously said he would like to stay on in the job and lead Ireland into the World Cup 2010 campaign.Staunton had been in charge since January 2006 after the departure of Brian Kerr and many people questioned the decision by the FAI to appoint the Louthman. Ireland under 21 boss Don Givens will take temporary charge of the team until the FAI appoint a new man to fill the vacancy
Speculation has already been mounting as to the successor of Staunton, with former Leeds boss Dave O'Leary as the shortest price of the bookies. Other names being mentioned are the likes of John Aldridge, Graeme Souness and former Arsenal favourite Liam Brady. Out of those four I would personally prefer O'Leary.
Although he hasn't managed in a some time, I feel he did a terrific job at Leeds in getting them to the Champions League semi-finals and in my view, it was the wrong decision to sack him in the first place. I feel it should definitely be an Irishman to take the job and hopefully they can get the best out of Ireland emerging talents.
