30 November 2023 , 17:43
371
0
Steve Bruce has thrown his hat into the ring to become the new Republic of Ireland boss in a blow to his former Manchester United teammate Roy Keane.
The FAI decided to do away with the services of Stephen Kenny after the latest international break. His contract was not renewed following a 1-1 draw with New Zealand.
Keane - who has not managed competitively since a spell in charge of Ipswich - has since been installed as one of the favourites to replace Kenny. He could face competition from Bruce, who has not ruled out the chance of taking over.
Speaking to Ladbrokes’ Fanzone, he said: “I'm led to believe I'm there or thereabout in the betting for the Ireland job. It's a job that would interest me, that's for sure. You know, as I've said, I've had a bit of time out and I'm itching to get back into the game, and something like that would suit me.
“Let's see if the phone rings... it's one of those; are they going to make an approach? At this moment in time, I really don't know. But I've seen the betting sites and read the rumours, like everybody else.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
“At the moment I can't really comment on it because there's been no connection. I know a couple of the lads in that team well - most recently, of course, I've worked with Dara [O'Shea] and [Jayson] Molumby.”
Steve Bruce has not been in management since a disappointing spell with West Brom (Getty Images)Who do you think should be the next Republic of Ireland manager? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Bruce has held 12 managerial roles throughout his career - the most recent coming with an eight-month stint at West Brom in the Championship. He was sacked in November 2022 with the Baggies in the relegation zone.
The former defender has not taken a role since but has underlined his desire to return sooner rather than later. He added: “This is the longest I've been out of the game. I was unbroken for something like 46 years, and unfortunately, I've had a year out, now.
“I've been busy building a house over the last couple of years, so I've got myself involved with that. But, look, it's time that I go back to work again. I'm itching to go back in, not necessarily as a manager. I wouldn't mind helping a young manager, helping a club in any way; I'd like to think that after 46 years if someone asked me a question about football, I'd be able to answer it.”
While Bruce has been out of the game for just over a year, Keane’s absence has been even longer. Away from his spells at Sunderland and Ipswich, he has held a clutch of assistant manager roles with the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest under Martin O’Neill and Paul Lambert.