Bobby Back In A Job

Last updated : 10 January 2006 By Footy Mad - Editor




Ex-Toon manager Sir Bobby Robson has turned down numerous job offers, including the manager's seat at Hearts. But he has accepted a position for the Republic of Ireland, and striker Clinton Morrison believes he and Steve Staunton can rekindle the country's glory days.

After a near three-month search for a successor to Brian Kerr, whose reign ended after failing to lead the Republic to this summer's World Cup finals, the Football Association of Ireland are poised to name their new man - or men, in this case.

Morrison: "It would be good. A lot of the players know 'Stan' [Staunton's nickname], so it would be a good appointment, and if he brings Bobby Robson in with him that would be brilliant because he has got great experience."

Robson, who has enjoyed a stunning career in management with Ipswich, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona and Newcastle, will take on a full-time role, although his remit has yet to be finalised.

In particular, the eight years he spent in charge of England should prove invaluable to Staunton, who only retired as a player from the international scene when Ireland bowed out of the 2002 World Cup finals following a second-round penalty shoot-out defeat to Spain.