'I would take a risk on him!' - Irish fans have their say on who they want as next Ireland manager

Huge decisions are in store for the FAI with both the Republic of Ireland men's and women's managerial positions to be filled.

It was confirmed earlier this week that Stephen Kenny's contract would not be renewed following the Boys in Green's final international fixture of the year. It was a dour affair at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night as James McClean's swansong game ended in a 1-1 draw against a New Zealand outfit ranked 103rd in the world.

The next international window isn't until March so the FAI have time on their side to mull over the ideal candidate for the job.

This will be a crucial call for the organisation. There is no doubt that the new-look squad has youthful talent at its disposal with the likes of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson and Luton winger Chiedozie Ogbene lighting up the English Premier League.

Irish supporters will always follow their country - nearly 3k fans travelled to last weekend's dead rubber Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands in Amsterdam. 

I wanted to find out who the people, that spend their hard-earned cash on the Irish team, want to take charge on the touchline. Roy Keane, Lee Carsley, Neil Lennon, Steve Bruce, Chris Hughton and Gus Poyet are among the names being mentioned for the role - so what do some of the supporters think?

Here are the responses I received:

"Stephen Kenny has brought in a youthful squad with a lot of inexperience. I think we need someone who will be good at dealing with young players and developing them. Lee Carsley could fit the bill, I'd welcome him as manager, but I don't know if he would want the job. He could have his eyes on another position after doing such a good job with the England under-21 side. He is probably the standout candidate for me." - Irish fan, Julian Canny

"We need a manager that has experience in international football who can also continue to build player development structures from underage up to the senior team. Lee Carsley is probably the best available Irish candidate." - Irish fan, Ronan Coleman

"For the first time in a long time we have a blank slate so it is important that we choose the right person. I think Anthony Barry [Former assistant coach under Kenny] is a good shout. Some fans will say he doesn't have any managerial experience but neither did Mikel Arteta when he took over Arsenal. Barry has worked under some good managers and they all seem to rate him highly. I would take a risk on him!" - Irish fan, James Daly

"I'd like to see the FAI go left field for this appointment. Maybe go into Europe and find a manager. Gus Poyet is a more tempting name than some of the others being mentioned. I definitely don't want the FAI to appoint someone like Neil Lennon, Roy Keane or Sam Allardyce. I don't think we would make any progression under any of those managers." - Irish fan, Cillian Quinn

"I think Chris Hughton would be the best manager tactically. He has loads of experience at that level and is confident in himself. You can tell he would get the players on his side." - Irish fan, Fergal O'Neill