The FAI decided not to renew Brian Kerr's contract after the Republic failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals.

Now there is increasing speculation over who will replace him, but with no friendly planned for November's free international date, the FAI has plenty of time to find its new man.

Here we look at the top contenders to take over the Republic of Ireland hot-seat.

Burley ponders next move

George Burley quickly became a strong favourite for the job after his shock departure from Hearts.

The Scot left the Tynecastle club due to "irreconcilable differences" with owner Vladimir Romanov.

However, he departed with his reputation intact, with the club top of the Scottish Premier League after winning their first eight matches under his leadership.

Burley spent eight years at Ipswich, leading them to the Premiership and Uefa Cup qualification before he was sacked when the club were relegated in 2003.

Odds: 10-3 (PaddyPower)

Our verdict: A likely contender

O'Neill out of Republic running

Immediately after Kerr's departure, former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill emerged as the man that many would like to see as the next Republic of Ireland manager.

However, the Northern Irishman has since ruled himself out of the running altogether.

The 53-year-old has been out of work since leaving Celtic in May to care for his ill wife Geraldine, and he said the circumstances in which he left football "haven't changed one jot".

He said he had not been contacted by the FAI and added: "I don't know how my name came into the betting."

Odds: 11-4 (PaddyPower)

Our verdict: Out of the picture

Dalglish could be "head-hunted" by FAI officials

Kenny Dalglish, among a whole host of other names, has been mentioned in connection with the Ireland post, but the link may be stronger than first suspected.

The former Liverpool and Blackburn boss was interested in the job last time around in 2003 but refused to get involved in the interview process.

However, FAI chief executive John Delaney has said it will be a "head-hunting" process this time, rather than conducting interviews.

This could mean the Scot is genuinely in the frame, though he has yet to comment and there is the possibility that he may not be interested three years on.

Odds: 33-1

Our verdict: Dark horse

Aldridge has leapt into the frame of contenders

There was little mention of John Aldridge before Kerr's exit but since the announcement, the former Republic of Ireland striker has moved up to challenge the firm favourites in the betting.

Just 12 months ago, Aldridge was touting his suitability for the Wales job, citing his years of experience at World Cups with Jack Charlton and his success managing Tranmere Rovers.

But the former Liverpool striker failed even to make the Football Association of Wales' short-list of six to succeed Mark Hughes.

Aldridge has not commented on the Ireland job but has been out of the game since resigning as Tranmere coach in 2001 and could be ready for a return to management.

Odds: 11-1

Our verdict: Strong contender

O'Leary rules out Republic role

Despite the recent protestations of David O'Leary and Sir Alex Ferguson, neither can be categorically ruled out at this stage - given the situation with their respective clubs in Aston Villa and Manchester United.

O'Leary has admitted an interest in doing the job in the future but has ruled himself out of the running at the moment.

"If I'm approached about the job in the future, I'd like to do it," the Irishman told the Sun newspaper.

"But there is plenty of club football left in me."

A lot could depend on his fortunes at Villa, who are languishing in the bottom half of the Premiership table, but O'Leary has no real reason to leave there just yet.

Odds: 14-1

Verdict: Possible

Ferguson denial over Republic job

Like O'Leary, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has made his feelings clear on the Republic post but remains linked to the job.

"Believe me, you do not leave Manchester United and go anywhere else, club or country," he recently told the Mail on Sunday.

"There will not be another job."

Former Old Trafford full-back Denis Irwin was reported to have claimed that there had been contact between the Scot and the FAI.

But Irwin later denied that he had said anything regarding Ferguson and the Ireland post.

Despite all his success at the club over the years, it would seem that the Scot still has plenty prove at Manchester United before considering a move elsewhere.

Odds: 28-1

Our verdict: Unlikely

Keane ends international career

Keane has only just retired from Republic of Ireland playing duties but many would relish the return of the fiery Irishman in a managerial role.

Big changes look to be on the horizon for the 34-year-old, who announced recently that he expected to leave Manchester United at the end of the current season.

But Keane's playing days are far from behind him and the United skipper is being tipped to move to Celtic.

He is yet to react to the news of Kerr's departure, but has already rubbished rumours that he could coach at United in the near future.

Odds: 18-1

Our verdict: Not yet

Robson plays down Republic link

Whenever there is coaching job going, former England and Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson seems to be in the frame.

So it is no surprise Robson has been linked with the Republic job, but he has denied any talks regarding a return to international football.

"I know nothing about it, it's just pure speculation," Robson told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek show.

Robson certainly has impressive credentials for club and country, but at 72 years old his age is likely to count against him.

Odds: 16-1

Verdict: Possible