The Football Association of Ireland has revealed a significant shake-up in the Republic of Ireland’s backroom staff, following the exit of manager Stephen Kenny.
This major staff overhaul occurred shortly after Kenny’s departure was confirmed on Wednesday. Kenny’s contract was not extended due to the team’s failure to secure a spot in Euro 2024.
On Thursday, it was announced that ex-internationals Keith Andrews and John O’Shea are among those stepping down from their positions. Andrews, with 35 international caps, worked alongside Kenny as assistant manager for both the U21 and senior teams.
John O’Shea, who represented Ireland 118 times, was an assistant coach, a role he assumed after being elevated from the U21 squad in February. O’Shea also contributes to Wayne Rooney’s coaching staff at Birmingham City.
Additionally, Stephen Rice, the chief scout and opposition analyst, along with Dean Kiely, the goalkeeping coach who is also part of the Crystal Palace team, and Damien Doyle, the athletic performance coach, have also vacated their positions.
The team concluded their Euro 2024 qualifying journey in fifth place, only managing to defeat Gibraltar in two wins throughout the campaign.
Kenny’s final game at the helm was the friendly match against New Zealand, which ended in a 1-1 draw at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday.
Marc Canham, FAI’s director of football, expressed his gratitude in a statement: “We extend our deepest thanks to Keith, John, Stephen, Dean, and Damien for their outstanding dedication and service. A special acknowledgement goes to Keith Andrews for his remarkable contribution as the assistant manager for both the U21 and senior teams. He departs with our sincerest best wishes for his future in football.”
He further noted, “Their professionalism and dedication in their respective roles have been exceptional, and we are deeply appreciative of their efforts with the senior men’s national team.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ireland football staff changes
Who left the Republic of Ireland football team’s backroom staff?
Following Stephen Kenny’s exit as manager, several key staff members departed, including Keith Andrews and John O’Shea, who were assistant managers, as well as Stephen Rice, Dean Kiely, and Damien Doyle, who held roles in scouting, goalkeeping coaching, and athletic performance coaching.
Why did Stephen Kenny leave his position as manager of the Republic of Ireland football team?
Stephen Kenny’s contract was not renewed after the team failed to qualify for Euro 2024, leading to his departure as manager of the Republic of Ireland football team.
What positions did Keith Andrews and John O’Shea hold in the Republic of Ireland football team?
Keith Andrews served as the assistant manager for both the U21 and senior teams, while John O’Shea was an assistant coach, having been promoted from the U21 team in February. O’Shea also works with Wayne Rooney’s backroom staff at Birmingham City.
What was the performance of the Republic of Ireland in the Euro 2024 qualifiers?
The Republic of Ireland finished fifth in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, achieving only two wins in the campaign against Gibraltar.
What statement did the FAI’s director of football make regarding the staff changes?
Marc Canham, FAI’s director of football, thanked Keith Andrews, John O’Shea, Stephen Rice, Dean Kiely, and Damien Doyle for their service and commitment. He highlighted their professionalism and expressed best wishes for Andrews’ future career in football.
More about Ireland football staff changes
- Republic of Ireland Football Staff Changes
- Stephen Kenny’s Departure
- Euro 2024 Qualifiers Performance
- Marc Canham’s Statement on Staff Changes
4 comments
It’s a shame to see Kenny go, he had potential but just couldn’t get us to Euro 2024. hope the new staff can turn things around for us.
wow, big changes for Ireland football! didn’t see that comin after Kenny’s exit. Andrews and O’Shea were key, gonna be interesting to see who steps in next??
Surprised to see Kiely leave, he’s done great with the goalies, especialy at Palace. Big shoes to fill for the next coach.
Interesting times for Ireland football, this could be a turning point or a downward spiral, let’s see how it plays out… but not getting to Euro 2024, that hurt.