Who do you think should get the job?

The Football Association of Ireland's managerial advisor Bryan Hamilton has submitted a shortlist of six names from which a successor to Mick McCarthy will be appointed.

Irish football officials are refusing to reveal who is on the list but speculation suggests that Bryan Robson, Philippe Troussier, Kevin Moran, Brian Kerr and Kenny Dalgish are definitely in the mix.

It's possible that Peter Reid, John Aldridge, George Burley and Frank Stapleton could also be in contention.

Robson is the bookies' favourite but some media punters and fans feel that his managerial CV from his spell at Middlesbrough doesn't inspire confidence.

Others point out that Robson has a good relationship with Roy Keane and would be in a good position to coax the Corkman back in the fold.

A new boss is expected to be in place by the end of January.

Who should take over?

This debate is now closed. A selection of your e-mails appears below.

I don't think it would be fair to Robbo to put him in a position where once again he would fail to live up to expectation. He went to Boro with the weight of Teesside's expectations on his shoulders, and he simply did not have the experience to make the club successful.

Why, then, should he go for what is a relatively high profile job managing a team with its own serious difficulties? Robbo could be a great manager, but he needs time at a smaller club to go through the necessary transition from player to real leader.

Appointment to the Ireland job would be a mistake on a par with Graham Taylor being handed the England job (and Taylor had at least had some success behind him).
Thom Rowson, England

In my view, we had two of the best coaches in world football in Charlton and McCarthy. Appointing a man just to please one player would be an absolute disgrace. I would hate for Robson to get the job, he is a terrible manager and would prefer to see it go to someone with a proven track record like Kenny Dalglish or Ruud Gullit.
Brendan O'Flannerty, Ireland

I have to say I don't think Robson is the answer to the Irish vacancy. Keane only has a few years left at the top level, if that, anyway. Robbo's record speaks for itself and I think someone passionate like Aldridge would be a great candidate, considering his great efforts at Tranmere.

Eire are blessed with spirit and I think some great skill too. Aldo would bring out the best in the Irish tradition of spirit.
Alex, UK

If it is because of the Keane factor that he should get the job then that would be the hogwash of the year, for Keane is not indispensable and at most has less than five competitive years to offer.

But by and large, Robson deserves the job based on his own credentials and not the mercy of a Keane or any other mortal.
Opeyemi Ajala, Nigeria

Surely he has not had enough experience to become an international manager. He is a good First Division manager, but has not got it when it comes to the big time. His record is not good enough yet.
Jim Vidler, UK

Bryan Robson has achieved nothing as a manger Kieran Toale, Armagh

Why is a simple process of finding a new manager proving to be so difficult for the FAI. It really is very simple.

Alex Ferguson a major success with Aberdeen, he joins Man Utd he continues his success story. Martin O'Neill a major success with Leicester City, he joins Celtic he continues his success story. Joe Kernan a major success with Crossmaglen, he joins the Armagh team he continues his success story.

The Republic need a manager who has already proved that he can win trophies. Bryan Robson has achieved nothing as a manger. I don't really rate any of the other shortlisted candidates except maybe Brian Kerr. He is the only one with some kind of past success story.

He is also Irish so he'll really care about the team unlike some of the other non-Irish candidates. Jack Charlton as an example did very well but I think he believed that he could only take the team so far.

He was pleased with the quarter-finals of Italia 90. This is not the right mentality for the manager of the Republic. He must believe he can genuinely take the Republic to World Cup glory (something that I think was a lot closer that what most people would believe during the World Cup in Japan/Korea).
Kieran Toale, Armagh, Ireland

I can envisage all the hard work getting the Irish squad playing good passing football will go to the wall with the appointment of Bryan Robson. He has a dire record as a club manager, whose idea is it that this will make him a good Irish national team manager?

The Irish national football teams fly the flag for Ireland and have been a source of pride alongside the rugby triumphs. With a man like this at the helm I can see only disappointment and embarrassment!

We need Brian Kerr, he has been brilliant with the kids Bernard, Armagh

Could the appointment with Robson be put forward to strengthen and placate the dubious links of the FAI and Manchester United? Perhaps soon we will have full sponsor backing of 'the' PLC (Prawn Sandwiches all round for the board!).
Mike, Manchester (From Dundalk), England

Bryan was undoubtedly one of the greatest players ever, he ruled the roost as captain and could turn a game. That was at player level however, and management needs other skills. Charisma and gusto are two necessary requirements, especially at international level, and Robson, bless him, has neither. Why not get O'Leary on the phone.
Pete, England

Bryan Robson would make Ireland even worst. We need Brian Kerr, he has been brilliant with the kids. Give him a chance.
Bernard, Armagh, Ireland

Give Roy Keane the job. He has got passion for the game.
Ateeq, UK

NO, NO, NO! What has he achieved as a manager? Just goes to show how dismal the FAI really are. Out of the options - take a risk FAI, and appoint Brian Kerr. What he has done with the youth teams has been fantastic.
Liam, Netherlands

Bryan Robson - Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. Get it over and done with and give the job to Roy Keane. Irish football is turning into a laughing stock!
Paul H, England

Bryan Robson has been out of football too long and I hope he gets the Ireland job. I don't know whether he has had offers and refused them, but he did a great job for Middlesbrough and will do so for the Republic
Darren, UK

Being realistic, we should appoint Kenny Dalglish Robert, Ireland

Robson would be a national disaster. Dark horse John Aldridge is without doubt the man for the job. Big games (such as internationals) are John Aldridge's forte. He would command the respect of all fans, players and opposition. International players need motivation and tactics. Without doubt, Aldridge is yer man and not Robson.
Mark, UK

There's no way Robson should be manager, maybe Bobby but certainly not Brian. The only success he's had is a promotion campaign with Boro but that's only after spending millions on a squad of misfits that only brought him a bit of a cup-run.

He's too limited to be an international manager. The obvious choice would be Martin O'Neill but being realistic we should appoint Kenny Dalglish.
Robert, Ireland

No..No.. NO..Robson is not the man for the job - his managment record is laughable. I can see no way that being managed by Robson would improve our team. If it is true, this rumour suggests someone, somewhere has their head so far up Mr Keane's backside they have completely lost the plot.

My choice would be a Kevin Moran/Niall Quinn super team. Moran and Quinn, during their international careers, displayed everything I want from a the new manager(s) - tons of heart, commitment and no lack of talent.

They are both ex-GAA men, they both know what it means to play for the country and above all they are both legends in Ireland who have the respect of all fans and player alike.
D Kearns, Ireland - living in England

I think he should be given the chance to prove himself with Ireland Kevin, Nevada

Keane had a dig at McCarthy because he was "English", now because of him they are going to employ an ex-England captain (and assistant manager), well done to the FAI. Remember, Keane will be playing for another two or three years, then what; get McCarthy back.
Kieran, Cork, Ireland

A lot of people dislike Robson simply because he is ex-Man U. His time at Middlesbrough was disappointing but I think he was unlucky and gained a lot of experience from it.

He'd make a great manager for Ireland - just look at his playing career CV and tell me another candidate who can match that (with the exception of Dalglish, who isn't interested anyway).

A lot of ex-players mess up their first managerial post and I think he should be given the chance to prove himself with Ireland with an outlook to making Roy Keane his assistant.

As a side note, Philippe Troussier would be the worst choice as he proved he's just after the money when he managed Japan and then walked away. Come on Robbo!
Kevin, Reno, Nevada, USA

Robson? He hardly has a sparkling managerial CV does he?
Jonathan Michaud, UK

Get him in; he'll get Keane playing again, who will in turn get Ireland winning again. Deep down that's what everybody wants isn't it?
Sando, UK

Are we looking for a national manager or a manager for Roy Keane? Ollie, Belfast

Robson would be a certain disaster. He was a flop at Middlesbrough, despite having huge financial resources and some top-name players. The team were characterised by sloppiness, poor football, tactical unawareness, unfitness, and were remarkable for spending megabucks on big-names while putting journeymen and kids in key positions.
Mark, Wexford, Ireland

I vehemently disagree with anyone who thinks Robson can build on or improve on what big Mick has done. We should not be in this position in the first place, Roy Keane can play tiddlywinks for all I care. It is our national team and someone like Robson would mess it up, as he has done with his past premiership club and for those who say give him a chance, I say do your experimentation somewhere else. Brian Kerr for example.
Jack, England (From Dublin)

I suppose an ex-Man Utd captain will placate a certain Mr Keane? The Irish deserve someone as poor as Robson after the way they treated their last manager.
Rob Thomson, UK

Being a Man United fan, I was I huge fan of Robbo during his playing days but his managerial days at 'Boro were far from great so it seems that he is only being considered for the Ireland job purely because of his relationship with Roy Keane. Are we looking for a national manager or a manager for Roy Keane? The next manager should be a great coach and tactician first and foremost.
Ollie, Belfast

Robson would be an absolute disaster Malachy, Derry, Ireland

Give the job to big Niall Quinn!
Greaves, England

Robson was a failure as a manager at club level and hasn't been offered a job since he nearly got Middlesbrough relegated. I hope the people who hounded Mick McCarthy from the job are satisfied now.
Dougal McKinnon, UK

I think it would be a good move! After reading Keane's autobiography the Republic need good organisation and a complete overhaul! Robson would bring respect from his dressing room and his captain (Keano), and I am sure the positives would show on the pitch.
Luke, UK

Robson would be an absolute disaster. There is no guarantee of bringing Keane back. He shouldn't be considered a candidate never mind the favourite. He can't manage, has no personality, and would not command the respect of the Irish fans. Someone should tell the headless chickens at the FAI before any more time is wasted on the international scene.
Malachy, Derry, Ireland

Apart from the obvious question of whether or not Bryan Robson is the best equipped to manage the Irish through what is turning out to be a difficult Euro 2004 qualifying group, there is the question of why a man who so passionately captained his own national side for so long would want to manage the Irish? Surely if he thought he ever stood a chance he would hold out to become the England manager?
Adam Bridgland, England

Please, FAI, do not hire Bryan Robson! I find it outrageous that he is even being considered. He was a poor manager at 'Boro; the only thing he had going for him was a chairman who gave him millions, and look how poorly he did with all that money.

I would like to see Brain Kerr and Chris Hughton get the job Gareth, Dublin, Ireland

There's no money in international football to bail you out, you have to manage the players you get. At the end of his reign at 'Boro, the players basically mutinied against him. And he has no knowledge of the most important aspect of the Irish team: being Irish!
Cal, USA

God please no! Not Robson! We have a good young team coming through, and he'll wreck it. Keane may never come back, so why bother appointing Robson. We have to move on, not take a step back.
Niall, Ireland

Bryan Robson should take on the job along with Peter Reid. They are the best of friends and both good coaches with good records. I think those two would take the Republic onto the next level. The only drawback could be that they have only ever managed club teams and could find that they both miss the day to day life of football.
Gav, England

I would not like to see Bryan Robson getting the Irish manager's job as his record at Middlesbrough was nothing to write home about. He got them relegated once and nearly twice until El Tel saved them. I would like to see Brain Kerr and Chris Hughton get the job.
Gareth, Dublin, Ireland