Pinstickers guide to Irish manager’s job
Terry Venables
Friday January 11 2008
Age: 64
Current Odds: 5/2
Has been prominent throughout the race and remains a firm contender but has yet to show his hand. A lot of industry support behind him but widespread public concern about his resolution and recent track record.
Age: 60
Current Odds:
9/2
Despite what some Scousers or wannabe Scousers view as a chequered past, has all the credentials to take the spoils but niggling suspicions persist about whether he actually wants it when push comes to shove.
Age: 51
Current Odds:9/2
Has said himself that his track record is not good enough to warrant winning the race but has still stuck in there in the background nevertheless. Has an each way shout of being involved in the set-up in some shape or form.
Age: 48
Current Odds: 7/1
Knows the track very well but his previous record divides pretty much the entire Irish nation. The stark reality is that regardless of the quality of his form, he will not get the clear run he would require to be treated as a viable candidate.
Age: 67
Current Odds:9/1
Fancifully mentioned as a possible contender but, in reality, it appears to have been in the context as a pacemaker for Brady. Remarkably, still has support in the betting market.
Age: 50
Current Odds:14/1
There's always an unconsidered long shot that stays the pace for some distance and Hoddle has been that contender. Still won't emerge as winner but performed with reasonable credit.
Age: 49
Current Odds:14/1
Looked a likely future
winner of this race when showing promise as a youngster, but the form has since tailed off and, after starting brightly, he appears to have dropped well back into the pack.
Age: 56
Current Odds:14/1
Wily old campaigner who has been off the track for some time. Would be interested in the challenge, but suspicion is that lack of recent form will rule him out at the business end.
Age: 53
Current Odds:16/1
First reserve has suddenly entered the field after change in circumstances, but has spoken of wanting a break that could leave him out of the running -- particularly when he has come on to the radar at the last minute.
Age: 39
Current Odds:16/1
A young buck compared to the rest, but still unclear whether he had any interest in being involved in the race in the first place. Essentially, a non-runner unless evidence can be found to the contrary.
Age: 52
Current Odds:28/1
A possible future winner of the race but, despite gentle coaxing, was not convinced to leave the starting tape on this occasion. One for the notebook.
Age: 54
Current Odds:33/1
A contender in the early stages but became convinced that there was no point in continuing as the winner had already been decided. Has now set sights on the Scottish National where he is also on the fringes of the main players.
Martin
Jol
Age: 51
Current Odds:
40/1
Has never really put himself into the race and has never had anything more than a feint outside chance. Doesn't seem to be interested in this kind of challenge.
Age: 52
Current Odds:40/1
Missed his chance to win this race in 2003 and never a realistic challenger on this occasion. Has since taken up a more suitable task in the Japanese lower league.
Age: 56
Current Odds:40/1
Said he wasn't good enough for the English equivalent so had little chance of figuring in the ether here.
Age: 48
Current Odds:50/1
Prolific winner up North and feint hope that he could convert that form into a different environment. Long outsider.
Age: 43
Current Odds:50/1
Was adamant that he wanted to be considered for this race but, like Souness, diverted his attentions to the Scottish version where he again looks to be an outside contender. Better chance there than here, though.
Age: 68
Current Odds:80/1
Another shocking entry who has been out to pasture for some time due to indiscretions that angered the stewards room. No hoper.
Age: 51
Current Odds:100/1
An eager sort that's prone to race a little bit too keen and, with no recent good form to recommend him, little surprise that he was another to depart the race at an early juncture.
Age: 61
Current Odds:100/1
Absolute outsider who was tailed off from flagfall and seemed more interested in plugging a DVD than genuinely stating any interest in the position. Early casualty.
Age: 60
Current Odds:N/A
A respected contender who left it hanging that he was open for offers but by the time the headhunters got around to sitting down with him he had already been approached with the offer of Premiership management by Fulham.
Age: 43
Current Odds:N/A
The Liverpudlian was a popular pick before the race even got underway and had some high profile supporters, but was effectively out of the equation at the first fence by refusing and taking up an alternative option to manage Derby County instead.
Age: 56
Current Odds:N/A
A contender from left field who has performed with a modicum of success in the United States. However, he lacks the necessary experience in this part of the world to be a serious contender, so was quickly out of the running.
Age: 59
Current Odds: N/A
Speculative entry at best and seemed somewhat unaware of the task at hand when showing limited knowledge of Republic of Ireland players. Fell by the wayside early in the contest and has since been handed the reins in Albania.
Age: 63
Current Odds:N/A
His best days are now long behind him and it was something of a surprise when he was thrown into the mix. Another early casualty, although his triumph would have made a great documentary.
