Marc Canham makes pledge, responds to questions about his future with the FAI

Marc Canham says he has no intention of leaving the FAI – and that he is determined to finish the football pathways plan that he started shortly after his arrival in Ireland.

FAI Director of Football Canham led the 231-day hunt for a new manager, which ended on Wednesday with the appointment of Heimir Hallgrímsson.

Asked if he remained committed to the job, he replied: “Yes is the short answer.

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“I genuinely don’t read all of the stuff, but naturally I am intuitive, I get a feel of the mood music and people share stuff with me, I’m only human.

“I don’t get too carried away with when people criticise me or when people get carried away with me, so I remain balanced.

“Throughout this process I maintained the things that were important to me; integrity and family, doing the right thing both professionally and at home. I stay true to that. But I am absolutely committed.“

Canham launched the Football Pathways Plan in February – an ambitious blueprint to revolutionise Irish football across all levels, from grassroots to the international game.

With the senior women’s and now men’s international posts filled, the focus will soon return to the Pathways Plan.

Canham continued: “We have just launched a new plan, a Football Pathways Plan, we have a relatively new head coach in Eileen (Gleeson) and a brand new head coach in Heimir.

“I am really excited about the next few years and what we can develop for Irish football.”

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