Republic of Ireland winger Stephen Hunt believes 'big bucks' need to be spent if the Football Association of Ireland are to recruit a quality manager.
The FAI have already made it clear in the wake of failing with rookie Steve Staunton that an experienced boss is now required.
Terry Venables is strongly linked, despite his current association with the England set-up under Steve McClaren, and he fits the bill in terms of the calibre the FAI are seeking.
Whoever the new man may be, it is understood he will not be Irish as the association feel a quality foreign coach is the way forward to end a run of three successive qualification failures.
The latest led to Staunton's sacking at the end of last month just 21 months into a proposed four-year plan.
Hunt, one of a number of new faces handed his debut by Staunton, said: 'He gave me my chance and I'm thankful for that, so I was disappointed when I heard he had gone. But it's one of those things because managers get the sack, just as players move on.
'It's now a fresh start and I'm looking forward to it. It's a new era and we have to look forward. There's no point looking back.
'As for a new manager, if you pay the big bucks then you usually get the best, which is one way of looking at it.
'It's the same with players. If you pay £20million then you get the best player.'
Hunt, though, appreciates the players were also at fault, and the Reading star is not afraid to point an accusing finger at himself, in particular for the 1-1 draw at home to Cyprus last month that ultimately led to Staunton's departure.
'In the last game the players didn't do themselves justice, and didn't do him justice,' added Hunt ahead of Saturday's final Euro 2008 qualifier with Wales.
'It's you who crosses the line at the end of the day and you who has to perform. Overall I know I did okay for him. Maybe I let him down once or twice, and I'm honest enough to admit that.
'He probably wouldn't have picked me for this game if he had still been in charge the way I played the last time. But as to whether it was that last result that cost him the job, you would have to ask the FAI.
'Certainly as players we are capable of qualifying for World Cups and European Championships, and we know we need to do better.'
Hunt also feels that once the dust has settled, Staunton will one day find his feet in management.
'Our paths might cross again,' remarked Hunt, who sat out training yesterday as a precaution due to a foot injury. 'It's a merry-go-round, and he may end up being the manager at a club I'm at.
'I certainly feel he has what it takes to be a good club manager. This was his first job, and at international level it's not easy for anyone. We all make mistakes. As players we make mistakes.
'I'm sure when I become manager one day then I'll make mistakes. Everybody does. We're not all Jose Mourinhos.'
