David Courell outlines challenge for Marc Canham's replacement as Chief Football Officer at FAI
That is according to the
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FAI chief executive David Courell says the new CFO must win hearts and minds to achieve success in the role
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FAI chief football officer Marc Canham stepped down from his position on Monday
Canham was appointed Director of Football in June 2022 before being given a new title last year.
In a statement on Tuesday, Canham said he felt the time was right 'to explore new personal and professional opportunities for me and my family'. He is eyeing up a role in professional football.
The Englishman received
He also encountered significant resistance in the implementation of policies such as the aligned football calendar and a centralised coaching programme designed to temporarily replace the ditched Emerging Talent Programme.
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And Courell said his replacement would be expected to secure greater buy-in for their strategic
Courell said: "We have a plan. We have done a lot of the ground work to establish that vision. Now we are in an implementation phase.
"This is not a slight on Marc, just a recognition that whoever takes over from the good work he has done will have to have the ability to bring our stakeholders with us.
"In that programme for change, there will be people who are naturally uncomfortable.
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'It is very important that we have someone who can engage and communicate with people, so they can see the real value in this and take confidence that this is grounded in trying to improve Irish football."
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He was made redundant 15 years ago with Dutch pair Wim Koevermans and Ruud Dokter occupying similar positions since.
Courell said the Association - which will plug the gap internally if there is a lag between Canham leaving and a successor being found - would again consider an overseas appointment.
He said: 'We need to make sure we make the right appointment. If that person is Irish, then fantastic.'
The brief extends from grassroots to senior international level and Courell said: "There is no doubt it is a difficult job, I don't believe it is an impossible job.
"Working in one of the biggest national governing bodies in the country, the breadth of what we have to work across is challenging.
"That could be said across multiple different roles in the FAI.
"That is part of the excitement of being involved in these roles, you can have a wide input into bringing about change.'
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