Wanted and wannabes: Contenders to be next Ireland boss

At the highest level, football can be an unforgiving business.

As soon as Stephen Kenny walked out the door at Lansdowne Road on Tuesday the board of the FAI were preparing the ground for his successor.

A meeting of the association's board was brought forward, sparing Kenny further days of speculation regarding his future.

While there was an acknowledgement of the difficulty of the qualifying group, after the Republic of Ireland lost six out of eight matches it was clear that the recruitment process for a new manager was underway.

So who are the names at the top of director of football Marc Canham's list, or seeking to be at the top of his list?

Lee Carsley

The former Ireland midfielder continues to be linked to the job and has earned a growing reputation in the game having led England's Under-21s to their first European title in almost 40 years. He's on a rolling one-year contract with the English FA and would likely command a salary exceeding that paid to Kenny.

Chris Hughton

The former Ireland full-back was an assistant manager under Brian Kerr. Currently with Ghana but the 64-year-old, who managed Brighton, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, would be seen as a safe bet.

Neil Lennon

The former Celtic boss is interested, and available. Financially appealing as no compensation would be required to bring him in.

Steve Bruce

The ex-Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic, Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, Sunderland, Hull City, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion manager - whose son Alex played for the Republic before switching allegiance to Northern Ireland - is also said to be keen.

Gus Poyet

The Greece manager, who twice defeated Kenny's Ireland in Euro 2024 qualifying, has