Football Corner

Republic of Ireland boss Brain Kerr's future is to be discussed by FAI officials next week after Ireland failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The FAI has said it will "consider the implications" of Kerr's side failure to reach the World Cup finals amid growing speculation he will be sacked. The 0-0 draw against Switzerland ended the Republic's hopes of qualifying. Kerr, who was appointed in January 2003, has indicated he will not resign after his contract ended on Wednesday. Kerr refused to comment on his own future following Wednesday's disappointment in Dublin. FAI chief executive officer John Delaney, meanwhile, praised Kerr and his staff for their efforts during the unsuccessful campaign.

"Football is the most popular team sport in Ireland and the interest in a World Cup year would have helped grow the game even further," Delaney said. "Everyone associated with the quest for qualification - Brian Kerr, the technical and support team, the players and squad members and the staff in Merrion Square - have all applied tremendous effort in terms of commitment and dedication to the task. "Unfortunately, despite the highest levels of planning and preparation by Brian and all the support team, our collective efforts have not been sufficient to take the squad to Germany next year."

Delaney has said that the FAI will not suffer financially from failure to qualify as they had budgeted for such a scenario. However, he added: "Nevertheless, the additional income from a major championship campaign would have been a very welcome addition to our investment in the game at home."

Personally I think it's time Ireland appointed a new manager, someone like Martin O'Neill. All Kerr has done for Ireland is draw, draw, draw. The only wins Ireland got in the group were against the bottom two, which I believe is unacceptable. I now it's not just the managers fault for everything, but this time it is mainly Kerr's fault for being to defensive in the group. I actually think the FAI will stick with him because they have no sense what so ever. I was at the game last night and I have to say that the team was brutal, apart from Richard Dunne who was awarded man of the match.