BYE BYE BAD MAN

Roy Keane's suffocating influence on Irish football claimed its second victim in a week last night when Brendan Menton, the FAI's general secretary, admitted they had become "crisis-prone" under his leadership and followed Mick McCarthy in announcing his resignation.

Menton's 18-month tenure was brought to an undignified close after an independent inquiry, commissioned by the FAI to investigate the circumstances surrounding Keane's split from Ireland's World Cup squad, acknowledged that the Manchester United captain had justifiable grievances about the association's preparations.

The report incorporated 20 pages of recommendations and stated that the FAI had "learned nothing" from its two previous World Cup campaigns and had "no culture of discipline". The association, it concluded, was under-staffed, under-resourced and lacking organisation.

Keane's sympathisers will see that as vindicating his complaints before the now infamous row with McCarthy that led to him flying home from Saipan, the Pacific island where the Irish squad was based before the tournament. He accused the FAI of undermining the team's chances, saying it was like "playing for the Dog and Duck".

The report supported most of Keane's arguments, concluding that Ireland's achievements in reaching the second round, eventually losing to Spain in a penalty shoot-out, had come "despite the FAI rather than because of it".

Menton, who will remain at the FAI in a vastly reduced role, said: "There is clearly a need for radical change. Our structure is totally inappropriate and we have become crisis-prone. I feel my resignation will accelerate the process of change."

Other officials implicated in the report are expected to leave in the next few weeks before the association starts the complicated process of trying to persuade Keane to resurrect his international career and usher in a new era.

After the resignations of Menton and McCarthy the Eire squad is need of a new manager. Will the revolution go as far as making Roy the manager? If you think he's in with a shout why not put your wage where your pie hole is and follow the link to Blue Square. If you haven't already done so there's even the chance of a free £10 bet.

Next Permanent Ireland Manager

Peter Reid 7/4
Bryan Robson 11/4
John Aldridge 5/1
Ronnie Whelan 7/1
Kenny Dalglish 10/1
Joe Kinnear 12/1
Wim Jansen 16/1
Frank Rijkaard 16/1
Niall Quinn 20/1
Brian Kerr 25/1
George Burley 33/1
Roy Hodgson 33/1
Martin O'Neill 33/1
Don Givens 33/1
Liam Brady 40/1
George Graham 40/1
Ray Houghton 50/1
Roy Keane 66/1