Delaney named chief executive

Soccer: Long regarded as the front runner in a one-horse race, John Delaney has been confirmed as the chief executive of the FAI.

The interview panel established to replace Fran Rooney settled for just one round of interviews with the short-listed candidates before naming their choice just after lunchtime yesterday.

For Delaney the appointment marks the completion of a swift rise to power within Merrion Square, where his father, Joe, had been influential before he was forced to resign as treasurer almost 10 years ago.

John Delaney had taken the association's top job on an interim basis in November following the departure of Fran Rooney, and, having smoothed over initial difficulties with Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue, he cemented his position as favourite in recent weeks by unveiling a series of high-profile commercial deals.

"What I want to do now is to build on the successes of the last few months," he said after hearing of his appointment yesterday.

"Between the technical development plan, the stadium, the development of our relationship with all of our stakeholders and the proposed move out of Merrion Square, there's a lot to be done. But the team of people I've been working with in the FAI have been terrific and I'm confident that we can achieve a great deal."

Brian Kerr's contractual position may also be one of the things to receive the attention of Delaney now that he has the post on a long-term basis.

He had said the Ireland manager was doing "a terrific job", but when asked yesterday about the Dubliner's future, Delaney refused to be drawn, remarking only, "In time I'm sure we will be looking at the positions of all our managers."