The Republic of Ireland is currently facing a delay in their search for a new manager, with former Ghana coach Chris Hughton emerging as a top contender for the position. Despite leaving his role with the Ghanaian national team following a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign, Hughton’s sudden popularity in the race for the Ireland job has raised eyebrows.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had initially hinted at an announcement in early April, but the process has stretched over five months without a clear resolution in sight. While there were indications of a potential announcement by the end of the week, uncertainty still looms over the decision.
Hughton, with 53 caps for Ireland as a player, has seen his odds of landing the position improve significantly, with bookmakers now favouring him at 9/4. Reports of renewed discussions between Hughton and the FAI have sparked speculation about his potential appointment.
Despite his strong connection to the Irish national team, having made his debut in 1979, Hughton’s candidacy has faced criticism due to the challenges faced during his time with Ghana, particularly the struggles at the recent AFCON tournament.
As the saga of Ireland’s managerial selection continues to drag on, the possibility of Hughton taking on the role has become a hot topic of discussion, stirring debate among fans and analysts alike.
