Latest reactions to Staunton's impending appointment
Niall Quinn has thrown his weight behind the expected appointment of Steve Staunton as Ireland boss, stating that the Walsall coach can restore spirit and passion to the international side.
Quinn, who won 91 caps himself, has welcomed the bold step, insisting that the former Liverpool and Aston Villa star can make Ireland a feared force once more in international football.
"My initial reaction is I think it's a very bold and very good appointment if it comes off," Said Quinn
"I think Steve Staunton to me epitomises the strength the Irish team had over the years.
"Anyone who played against us recognised Ireland brought something different to the table, a passion, a spirit that I'm afraid has evaporated over the last couple of years.
"If I could pick one person over the last couple of years or so who defined that and could possibly bring that back into the fold it would be Steve Staunton."
Quinn also opined that bringing in Robson could prove to be a shrewd move as he guides Staunton through his first steps in management.
"Of course the worry is that he isn't a recognised manager as of yet and the lack of experience may stand against him, but that's where I feel the foil of bringing in Robson, the grand old master of European football, to help him through it - he has a real good chance," Quinn added.
"There's going to be a lot of reaction one way or another but as a football person who knows how the Irish thing works best I just feel it has a chance, a real good chance.
"I'd imagine you can foresee some of the problems Ireland have.
"The fixtures meeting where they all get together, Robson will be able to help Staunton with that.
"Other areas I'm sure where Steve has great ideas of what he wants to do and maybe Sir Bobby will say 'okay that's down to you'.
"But I think Steve is a very authoritative, direct person here because he's shunned the limelight of the cameras.
"I don't think people quite know his steeliness and his strengths but I think they'll see them over the next year or two."
Ireland striker Clinton Morrison believes Steve Staunton and Sir Bobby Robson can rekindle the country’s glory days.
“It would be good,” insisted Crystal Palace striker Morrison.
“A lot of the players know ‘Stan’ , so it would be a good appointment, and if he brings Bobby Robson in with him that would be brilliant because he has got great experience.”
“He helped a lot of the young players when I was around him – and I hope he still likes me,” quipped Morrison.
“But he was friendly with all the players and got on with them, and although it will be difficult for him, I think he is a professional man and he knows he is there as a manager.
“As for Bobby, he has got great experience. He has been a top manager wherever he has gone, and he has won trophies.
“I will have to control my tongue a bit, and just listen and learn.”
Former Ireland star Ray Houghton insists Steve Staunton is the ideal man to turn the country's fortunes around.
"The players have a healthy respect for him. And if the fans see progress and a bit of belief and spirit, he'll be fine." Said Houghton.
"Sir Bobby has been it, seen it and done it, Steve can lean heavily on him, especially when it comes to the media.
"But once he gets to grips with it, Steve will be his own man and want to pick the team.
"A lot of people will level the fact he's inexperienced against him, but other nations have done the same thing.
"Marco van Basten got Holland qualified for the World Cup this year and Jurgen Klinsmann was plucked from nowhere and is manager of the host nation.
LIVERPOOL'S former Ireland hero, Ronnie Whelan, "fears" for his old pal Steve Staunton, as the former Reds defender is set to be named new Irish boss.
"I think it's very, very early to be going into international management with so little experience," he explained.
"You also have to ask just who is going to be the manager? Stan or Bobby Robson? Who is going to pick the team and make the decisions?
"I hope it works out because Stan's a great lad. I love him to bits. But I fear for him a little, also.
"If it doesn't work out, where does he go from there?
"It's a huge appointment for a lad with not that much experience, but I really hope it works out for him."
Steve Staunton would achieve his lifelong ambition by managing the Republic of Ireland, his father revealed tonight.
"He is elated, he is really, he is. He is thrilled, he is absolutely thrilled with it. He has a spring in his step again," said Tom Staunton.
"I'm very happy for him because that was his ambition, to play football, to play for his country and eventually manage and there it is. It has happened in my lifetime so thanks be to God," he added.
"It began I suppose when Brian Kerr lost his job with the FAI and speculation began as to who was going to take over, and within a few weeks his name was mentioned, and it was mentioned, and suddenly there he is," he said.
"He's not appointed yet, but that's the way it seems to be going.
"He knew he was in the frame shall we say ... But suddenly he is number one and it was his ambition to lead the team out for his country, that was his ambition after finishing football."
Former Irish boss Jack Charlton, has given Steve Staunton his full backing and blessing as new Irish team manager.
"I think this partnership would be excellent. They would be good together. Robson knows exactly what to do and Steve knows what is necessary,"
"Bobby Robson has got the experience to teach Steve and his enthusiasm for the game is second to none," said Charlton.
"Steve Staunton is a good lad. I don't know what qualifications he has got for the job, apart from being a good player but I think he would be OK.
"If they were appointed now I would agree with that decision to be honest," he added.
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