Stan axed eventually

Steve Staunton's time in charge of the Republic of Ireland football team sailed down the Liffey in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The FAI bigwigs met to discuss compensation with Staunton in the Raddisson hotel near Dublin airport yesterday. The meeting was a long one and his time came to an end apparently at around 1 am.

The backroom team of Kevin McDonald and Alan Kelly contracts have also been terminated. It is thought that Sir Bobby Robson will stay on until the end of his contract next month.

Staunton had lost the support of the Irish media and public after the disasterous 5-2 result in Cyprus last year. On Wednsday night the fans let the management and team in no doubt that things were wrong following the dreadful 1-1 draw with Cyprus. Don Givens will be thrown into the role of caretaker manager for the last Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales in Cardiff. This is his 2nd time doing this after McCarthy left in 2002.