Jonathan Hill to stay on as FAI chief executive after morning board meeting
FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill before the international friendly match against Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Jonathan Hill will carry on his his role as CEO of the FAI and play a role in the appointment of the next permanent manager of the men’s senior international team.
Hill was under pressure ahead of an FAI board meeting on Wednesday morning, less than 12 hours after the final whistle of the second match in a two-game friendly series under caretaker John O’Shea.
As reported by the Irish Independent on Tuesday, some board members had questions to ask of Hill over his performance at the recent appearing by the FAI before the Public Accounts Committee and there was intense speculation that Hill’s position was under a serious threat.
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Hill was present for part of that 9.30am board meeting but reportedly left FAI HQ an hour after the board convened and the directors carried on their discussions until 1pm.
Following that meeting, an FAI spokesperson confirmed that Hill will remain in his post and was carrying on his duties in the managerial search, which is headed up by FAI director of football, Marc Canham.
“The board of the FAI had its scheduled end of month meeting this morning and a range of issues were discussed. The process to appoint our senior men's team Head Coach will now be finalised, led by the CEO and Director of Football, with an announcement planned in April as planned,” an FAI spokesperson told independent.ie today.
John O’Shea has stated his interest in remaining in the post, while captain Séamus Coleman, an influential voice in Irish football, backed his former team-mate to get the post after what Coleman saw as an impressive stint as caretaker.
“I think there's a case for John, the way he's carried himself, what he has done for the country, he has coached for a period of time now, the lads all really enjoyed it. Whoever that will be, we will find out soon and as always, we will have massive pride in representing our country and give our all for whoever will be in charge,” Coleman said.
“I think the way he's carried himself, the work that he, Paddy, Glenn have done behind the scenes has been really impressive, what he has done for his country, that respect he has from people instantly.
“I think he will be in the running... I have no idea but why not be in the running for it and I'd be delighted for him but that's above my pay grade.”
