The FAI come in for a lot of criticism, a lot of it is justified. A couple of years ago, everyone threw their hands up in horror as the Association hastily appointed the inexperienced Steve Staunton as national team coach.

Stan got the boot last October, and the FAI were keen not to make the same mistake again. So they set up a three-man committee to find suitable candidates to recommend to the FAI board. Bear in mind that the next competitive international for Ireland isn't until September, so it's not as if an appointment has to be made urgently.

Once again, the chatterati are in despair. "Why is it taking so long?", they ask.

Because they appointed in haste last time and made a balls of it!

Let them take their time and find the right man for the job.