Byrner
01-19-2008, 12:51 AM
By Daniel McDonnell
STEVE COPPELL has denied any interest in making a late play to become the new Republic of Ireland manager amid renewed speculation that an expression of interest from Gerard Houllier could derail the seeming certainty that is Terry Venables.
The Irish Independent revealed last week that Frenchman Houllier would be the preferred candidate but his commitment to the role has never been fully confirmed given that he only took up employment as Technical Director with the French Football Federation last September
That has left Venables in pole position but a massive plunge in the market on Houllier yesterday accompanied rumours that he was ready to speak to the kingmakers Don Givens, Don Howe and Ray Houghton, although all betting moves should be treated with a pinch of salt after a frenzied market that has been nothing but a bookie's benefit.
However, one man who will not be replacing Steve Staunton is Reading manager Coppell, who quelled suggestions that he might yet be interviewed by the selection panel with a view to vacating his post with the Premier League.
"I have a contract here and I'm happy here", said Coppell who did admit that international football would interest him at some stage but not now. I wouldn't even contemplate it. I'm only aware of it from the newspapers.
"It doesn't rock my boat, if you know what I mean. If I was out of work, then I would be bothered, but I've got a contract so I'm here. It's way outside the possibilities,'' he continued.
"I love going to Ireland, I like the Guinness and I like scouting over there. That really appeals to me.
"But bearing in mind that we've got Manchester United and Chelsea to look forward to over the next couple of games, I'm not looking anywhere else other than those two games.
"Don Givens was here the other week but that was in a coaching capacity for his badge. So I have had contact with Don Givens but only that we had a cup of tea.
"I haven't been interviewed for the job, and I've got a job here unless the chairman tells me otherwise."
As the search continues, Ireland's calendar of friendly matches remains uncertain. Tentative discussions are understood to have taken place with Croatia about a friendly game on March 25 with Glasgow the most likely venue.
The Croats want an away fixture at that juncture while Croke Park is unavailable for action.
Before securing the home of GAA for competitive games, the FAI conducted feasibility studies into the use of Anfield, Old Trafford and Parkhead and the latter is in the frame for this fixture -- however nothing can happen until a new boss identifies his chosen schedule.
Source: (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/big-move-on-houllier-1268393.html)
STEVE COPPELL has denied any interest in making a late play to become the new Republic of Ireland manager amid renewed speculation that an expression of interest from Gerard Houllier could derail the seeming certainty that is Terry Venables.
The Irish Independent revealed last week that Frenchman Houllier would be the preferred candidate but his commitment to the role has never been fully confirmed given that he only took up employment as Technical Director with the French Football Federation last September
That has left Venables in pole position but a massive plunge in the market on Houllier yesterday accompanied rumours that he was ready to speak to the kingmakers Don Givens, Don Howe and Ray Houghton, although all betting moves should be treated with a pinch of salt after a frenzied market that has been nothing but a bookie's benefit.
However, one man who will not be replacing Steve Staunton is Reading manager Coppell, who quelled suggestions that he might yet be interviewed by the selection panel with a view to vacating his post with the Premier League.
"I have a contract here and I'm happy here", said Coppell who did admit that international football would interest him at some stage but not now. I wouldn't even contemplate it. I'm only aware of it from the newspapers.
"It doesn't rock my boat, if you know what I mean. If I was out of work, then I would be bothered, but I've got a contract so I'm here. It's way outside the possibilities,'' he continued.
"I love going to Ireland, I like the Guinness and I like scouting over there. That really appeals to me.
"But bearing in mind that we've got Manchester United and Chelsea to look forward to over the next couple of games, I'm not looking anywhere else other than those two games.
"Don Givens was here the other week but that was in a coaching capacity for his badge. So I have had contact with Don Givens but only that we had a cup of tea.
"I haven't been interviewed for the job, and I've got a job here unless the chairman tells me otherwise."
As the search continues, Ireland's calendar of friendly matches remains uncertain. Tentative discussions are understood to have taken place with Croatia about a friendly game on March 25 with Glasgow the most likely venue.
The Croats want an away fixture at that juncture while Croke Park is unavailable for action.
Before securing the home of GAA for competitive games, the FAI conducted feasibility studies into the use of Anfield, Old Trafford and Parkhead and the latter is in the frame for this fixture -- however nothing can happen until a new boss identifies his chosen schedule.
Source: (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/big-move-on-houllier-1268393.html)