Stephen Kenny replaces Mick McCarthy as Republic of Ireland head coach
The Republic of Ireland has appointed Stephen Kenny as their new head coach with immediate effect; Kenny coming in as a replacement for Mick McCarthy.
The move comes immediately after UEFA announced that the Euro 2020 qualifying play-offs would again be delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
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McCarthy’s contract was due to run until 31 July, after the Euro 2020 finals were originally due to finish, with Kenny due to step up from his role with the Under-21s on 1 August.
Interim FAI chief executive Gary Owens said: “This has been a difficult situation for the Association – and for Mick and Stephen in particular – in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on the football calendar.
“On behalf of president Gerry McAnaney, the board of the FAI and myself, I want to thank both men for their professionalism and their understanding in their dealings with the Association in these unprecedented circumstances.
These are exceptional times in Irish life and Mick has taken that into account in agreeing to vacate the post early.
“On behalf of the FAI, I wish to express our gratitude to Mick for his service and commitment to our national team throughout his career and particularly in his second spell as Ireland manager.
We wish Mick and his staff well and we thank them all for their hard work in this European Championship campaign to date.”
The Republic are due to face Slovakia away in the Euro 2020 qualifying play-offs, with the winner to face either Northern Ireland or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
