Stephen Kenny departs as Republic of Ireland boss after FAI confirm no contract extension following Euro 2024 disaster
STEPHEN Kenny has departed as Republic of Ireland boss after FAI brass confirmed they won’t be offering him a contract extension.
The news comes after a horrific Euro 2024 qualifying campaign in which his side won just two games.
Kenny’s dismissal comes after Ireland finished fourth in Group B EURO 2024 qualifying from five teams.
FAI confirmed his departure in a lengthy statement this evening after last night 1-1 draw at home against New Zealand.
The statement read: “Following a meeting this evening and a presentation to the Board by CEO Jonathan Hill and Director of Football Marc Canham.
“The FAI Board has decided that Stephen Kenny’s contract as Manager of the Ireland senior men’s national team will not be renewed following the conclusion of the UEFA EURO 2024 qualification process.
“Having reviewed the EURO 2024 qualification campaign in its entirety, and recognising how difficult the Group was, the results needed to realise our goal of qualification for the Tournament were not achieved.
“The Board agrees that now is the right time for change ahead of the friendly matches in March and June 2024 and the next Nations League campaign starting in September 2024.
“FAI CEO Jonathan Hill commented, “Over the period of his tenure, Stephen and his staff have worked tirelessly to create the right environment to support the development of our senior men’s team, and we are hugely grateful for that considerable contribution.
“Stephen has also overseen an important period of transition for our senior men’s national team and has given debuts to a significant number of new and younger players and this will serve as a solid platform for whoever now takes this group of players forward.”
FAI President Gerry McAnaney added: “The Board and all at the FAI would like to sincerely thank Stephen and his staff for their hard work, professionalism and unwavering dedication to the team, the fans, and to Irish football.
“We wish Stephen every success for the future.”
The recruitment process for a new Head Coach is now underway.
Kenny was close to tears when he discussing his run as Ireland manager following Ireland’s 1-1 draw against New Zealand earlier this week.
‘NOTHING WILL COMPARE’
And he said nothing would ever compare to managing Ireland as his reign drew to an end.
Speaking after what was his final game in charge, Kenny said: “It may well be my last match, that has been well documented and if it is, so be it. I’ve had the privilege of managing my country.”
He added: “Of course it would be a dream to carry on but my instinct is that is not going to happen and the evidence would suggest it’s not going to happen.”
“And so do I, so does everyone. We will have to see. I’ve had amazing support from my staff and it’s been an amazing journey with the 21s and the last three years with the senior team.”
Asked if any other job could rival this in terms of what it meant to him, he said: “No, nothing could ever. Irish supporters gave been great home and away.
“No matter what I do in life, it would be a step down.”
KENNY CRITICS
Kenny came in for fierce criticism during his tenure – including from former Ireland legends.
Richard Dunne said he believes the Ireland job remains a ‘very attractive’ one despite Stephen Kenny leading the side to rock bottom.
The Virgin Media pundit has been a consistent critic of Kenny’s – long before the wider tide of public opinion turned against him.
Dunne told Betway: “We’re almost at rock bottom and the only way is up.
“I think he’s had three-and-a-half years to get his philosophy across but it’s just not transferred into results.
“It’s not made us competitive in the qualifying groups.
“He’s given a lot of debuts but the final judgement comes down to results and they just haven’t been there.
“There may be other people out there. It’s still a very attractive job and there’s still some good players in this squad.
“It’s an opportunity to build, and there’s surely someone who sees this as a good challenge for them.
“Hopefully we can look forward to the future with a little more optimism.”