The breaking news that Martin O'Neill has extended his managerial contract with the Republic of Ireland senior setup to the end of the Euro 2020 campaign took many by surprise.
It comes on the eve of a crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier against Moldova and then another vital clash in Cardiff against Wales which makes the timing interest.
It was a point John Giles touched on as the Leeds and Ireland legend joined us as always on a Thursday night.
"It's probably unusual because the next couple of matches are going to be very important as to whether we qualify or we don't qualify," he said.
"I think most associations wait until you either have or you haven't qualified. But obviously the FAI have a lot of respect for him and see him as the man for the future."
John told us what he would do if it was his decision to make.
"If I were in charge, I'd probably wait. Because it's only a couple of days and you don't know what's going to happen," he said.
"I think what the thinking would be we should go into the last match of the qualifying group, that that is acceptable."
John Giles
But John does feel that if Ireland had performed to the maximum consistently, the Boys in Green could have topped the current group rather than struggling to gain a playoff spot.
"I would wait until the matches are over and then take stock. You've got plenty of time then, between now and the start of the next competition, whether you decide the manager deserves the extension or not," he added.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, the absence of Wales' Gareth Bale is perceived to be a boost for Ireland.
"I wouldn't put the odds that high just because Bale isn't playing. I mean, Bale played in Dublin not so long ago and he didn't play very well at all," said John on that.
"Obviously, we've a better chance with Bale not playing but I wouldn't take the odds from them being favourites to 50:50. I don't think Bale will make that much difference, although he is a loss to them.
"It is to our benefit that he's not playing. There's no doubt about that."
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