McCarthy Confirms Irish Quit Plan for 2004

By Ade O'Connor
October 14 2002

Republic of Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy has confirmed that he plans to resign from his post as the national boss in 2004. McCarthy stated that he would like to see his side qualify and hopefully compete in the tournament to be held in Portugal.

If the Irish supreme were to still be in the job come to the 2004 tournament, he would have been employed as national coach for a total of 8 years. Mick McCarthy recently came under fire from some sections of the media after the Roy Keane dispute, in which the player claimed that he was ‘ bullied out’ by McCarthy. However, McCarthy followed with a solid World Cup campaign.

There were also mumblings of discontent from anti-McCarthy figures after the Republic failed to impress in their opening qualifying game against Russia. Journalists such as Eamonn Dunphy have constantly publicly hounded McCarthy in the press for bad tactical play and personal issues with the likes of Roy Keane. The Barnsley born manager has survived this fire though, silencing critics with sound displays against higher ranked nations.

It is understood that McCarthy would desire a Premiership manager’s job, as he misses the day to do aspect of club football. Indeed, the Yorkshire Irishman has been linked with top-flight posts such as Leeds United and Sunderland in recent times, although he has been quick to play these down as mere speculation.

"I miss that day-to-day stuff. I've got more used to doing this job and the time it affords you but I would still like to manage in the Premiership.” Commented McCarthy. I'll manage a football club but the kick is the team. That's what drives us all on, I imagine. It certainly drives me.”

Mick McCarthy’s short-term goal must be to defeat Switzerland in Irelands important European Championship qualifier on Wednesday. The Irish will be without Rory Delap, a versatile player who will join the list of other dropouts. Jeff Kenna and Andy O`Brien had been forced to withdraw through injury, whilst Steven Carr and Steve Finnan were unavailable at the time the squad was selected, also from injuries.