Sonny Coleman, the son of Chris Coleman, has snapped back at fans on social media complaining about his father being linked to the vacant Republic of Ireland manager’s job.

Coleman emerged as a surprise candidate for the job over the weekend with many reporting that now Neil Lennon has been ruled out of the running, he is now a strong candidate for the job should the FAI’s number one choice Lee Carsley turn down the role.

The 53-year-old achieved tremendous success with Wales and led his nation to the semi-final of Euro 2016. They failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia two years later, with James McClean’s famous winner in Cardiff ending the dreams of Welsh fans.

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Coleman’s emergence as a candidate hasn’t exactly been warmly received by Ireland fans, with some pointing to his record with clubs in China and Greece in recent years as reasons for why he shouldn’t be considered.

Taking to X, Sonny defended his father’s managerial record and engaged with Irish fans who were less than enthused at the prospect of the former Fulham manager taking to the dugout at the Aviva Stadium.

Replying to a tweet that pointed out his record since leaving Wales, Sonny wrote: “Atromitos he took over a team 8 points adrift. Kept them up that season, sold all assets. Spent zero money came 8th, then after that. Resigned when they cut the budget. Hebei, have them the best finish in history 6th. Season after budget chopped in half.”

He then fired back at the person in question, the journalist Stephen Doyle, and told him to “do it (His homework) better.”

Sonny also took issue with another fan who claimed that Coleman’s success with Wales was down to Gareth Bale: “I always have trouble with this argument. A manager with what you perceive toas “1good player” does over and above and it’s down to the player. Pep does it with a world class 11 and it’s down to pep. Make it make sense.”

Replying to another fan who said he didn’t want Coleman near the team, Sonny wrote: “Look mate. Tell me what your problem is. You want a new manager. Internationally you cannot an argue with what my old man has done. You can’t. You can split hairs regarding his club career I would argue wrongly. But internationally, please give me your grievances.”

Coleman first stepped into management with Fulham in 2003 when he became the youngest Premier League manager in history at the time. Spells with Real Sociedad and Coventry City followed before taking over as Wales manager in 2012.

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