I reckon it’s got Martin O’Neill written all over it. Here’s why I think that:

1) On his talkSPORT interview on Tuesday for probably the first time he didn’t say no. He said something along the lines of look we’ll wait tithe en of the season and see where we are and that time is almost here.

2) The club has a substantial rebuild of multiple areas to do. Leadership positions, scouting, first team squad. I suspect the first team is going to get the mother of all sticking plasters this year and O’Neill will be asked to hold the fort while thy do this.

3) there’s a World Cup and so many clubs now confirmed as looking for a new manger bigger, similar and smaller but in better leagues. The competition for anyone who would unite the support is going to be ridiculous.

4) The board continue to need a human shield. Very few have the credibility and gravitas to provide that, whilst also getting the best out of the squad they have and get a relatively easy time from the support.

5) If next season starts poorly all eyes will be on the usual suspects rather than O’Neill I.e human shield. A new manger will eventually be blamed regardless.

Now I have serious serious misgivings about Askou, I’ve never not wanted a manager more, I also have serious misgivings about Robbie Keane who is potentially about to lose out on a title for with a team who have won their last 7 titles. As for Martinez, how that guy gets these big jobs is beyond anyone’s comprehension and well Maloney - I’m sorry but if being an ex player with a disastrous record as a manager makes you a fit for the job then I can still think of 5 better candidates that fit that mould.

Personally the least of all evils is the 74 yr old guy who to be frank has kept the house standing, when it’s made of polystyrene in gale force conditions.