The FAI today clarified Mick McCarthy’s contractual situation by revealing the Irish manager’s current deal does not expire until February 2002, rather than October 2001 as had earlier been reported.
October was the original expiry date, but, some 18 months ago, the Association offered McCarthy an extension.
The FAI were also keen to stress today that there is no rift between the manager and the Association: "The media seem to have gotten the idea that there’s a great sense of urgency," said Brendan McKenna, the FAI’s Press Officer, "but that’s not the case. The two parties will be sitting down together shortly, the FAI wants him, he wants to be Irish manager, and that’s all there is to it."
When the two parties do eventually sit down, McCarthy will know his team’s recent performances have placed him in a very strong bargaining position.
McCarthy can also point to the fact that Manchester City tried to lure him to Maine Road when they sacked Joe Royle, and that persistent rumours suggest Cetlic have lined their Old Bhoy up as a replacement for Martin O’Neill should the latter be enticed to Manchester United.