Outgoing West Ham United manager David Moyes would be “perfect” for the vacant Republic of Ireland manager’s job, according to former colleague Kevin Kilbane.
Kilbane posted on X [8 May] to back Moyes for the Irish job, after his departure from West Ham was confirmed this week, as he responded to a post asking if Moyes would suit the job.
The duo played together in the 1990s for Preston North End as the opposite ends of their playing careers aligned, before Moyes signed the former Irish international for Everton in 2003.
Kilbane’s 110 Ireland caps make him the third-most capped player in the nation’s history, behind Shay Given and current interim national team chief John O’Shea.
The Irish FA are hunting for their permanent successor to Stephen Kenny, who was sacked following an uninspiring Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, but may not announce their choice until September.
Could David Moyes succeed with Republic of Ireland?
Now into his 27th season in management, Moyes will be on the list of any reasonably high-profile European club searching for an experienced boss.
His exploits with Everton which saw him succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, and then his UEFA Conference League triumph with West Ham, give Moyes enough in the tank despite his marching orders in favour of Julen Lopetegui at London Stadium.
Kilbane’s verdict on paper that Moyes would succeed with the Irish national team is difficult to disagree with – and it’s likely for that reason the Irish FA would not be able to spare the funds to match his Hammers salary
The only stumbling block career-wise against Moyes for Ireland is that in those 27 years, he hasn’t once managed internationally – though this could be the right time in his journey to take a different role away from club football.
