Ireland have been searching for a new manager since sacking Steve Staunton last month. Many names have been mentioned like Terry Venables, Phillipe Troussier, Graeme Souness, David O'Leary etc; but one name that sticks out in my mind as a perfect candidate is bookies favourite Paul Jewell.Jewell has been out of work since leaving Wigan at the back end of last season after keeping the Latics in the Premier League. Jewell did a marvellous job at the JJB getting Wigan from the then Division two (now League 1) right the way up to the Premier League. He even got them to a Carling Cup final.
He made some of Wigan's best signings like Jimmy Bullard and Pascal Chimbonda. He was even linked with a return to the Latics in recent weeks but has decided against returning to the club. Jewell is exactly what Ireland need, someone with a bit of bottle and passion.
Ireland currently have a lot of young talent in the squad in Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Paul McShane, Aiden McGeady etc; and we need someone who can help them to progress and I believe Jewell's the man to do that.
Ireland have appointed managers like Brian Kerr and Steve Staunton in years gone by but, frankly they were both failures. The current squad of players seem to be keen on the idea of appointing Jewell. Kevin Kilbane said "On the training ground, he was a forward-thinking coach, and he is a good man-motivator.
Jewell hasn't ruled out the opportunity of taking the job : "I'm flattered by the interest and I'm certainly not ruling it out. I am thinking about it and we'll see if anything develops." He has apparently been having talks with Irish legend John Giles about the vacancy.
I think Jewell would be ideal for the job and I, as an Ireland fan, would love to see the FAI make a decent appointment for once and appoint Paul.
