Menton gets top FAI post

Brendan Menton, a 49-year-old Dublin economist, has been appointed as the new Football Association of Ireland Chief Executive…

Brendan Menton, a 49-year-old Dublin economist, has been appointed as the new Football Association of Ireland Chief Executive in succession to Bernard O'Byrne.

Menton, the FAI Treasurer, takes over after the departure of O'Byrne last month after an investigation into his personal use of a company credit card.

Menton previously held the role of Acting General Secretary of the FAI but was beaten in a vote for the supremo job six years ago.

For the last four years he has operated in the public relations sector.

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A meeting of both the FAI Board of Management and National Council unanimously agreed to his appointment.

"I have requested a two-year contract because I believe that would be in the best interests of the FAI and myself," said Menton.

"But I would hope to be still in that position in five or even 10 years time. I have confidence in my own ability to do the job and am looking forward to the challenge".

The FAI have been split for almost two years over a proposal to build their own football stadium.

This venture was ditched last month because of soaring costs and now the FAI will play all their major international games at the Government's proposed new national stadium, sharing the tenancy with the Irish Rugby Union. PA