Stephen Kenny sacked by Republic of Ireland after failing to reach Euro 2024

Stephen Kenny’s contract as manager of the Ireland senior men’s team will not be renewed, the Football Association of Ireland has announced.

The 52-year-old took charge of his final game on Tuesday night where they drew 1-1 in a friendly with New Zealand in Dublin. His departure comes following Ireland’s poor Euro 2024 qualification campaign, where the team missed out on a spot at next year’s finals in Germany.

The FAI said in a statement that “now is the right time for change” ahead of friendly matches taking place in March and June 2024 and confirmed that the recruitment process for a new head coach is now under way.

“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,” said CEO Jonathan Hill.

“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.”

The 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.”

Kenny has been at the helm since 2020, replacing Mick McCarthy and has overseen plenty of changes within the squad, but only recorded six wins out of 29 competitive matches during his reign. His contract expired following the New Zealand draw and Kenny admitted post-match he did not expect to continue as Ireland manager.

“Of course, it would be a dream to carry on and manage the team, of course it would, but my instinct is that’s not going to happen,” Kenny said. “That’s my own instinct and the evidence suggests that probably won’t happen, so I respect that as well.”

James McClean has called time on his international career after Tuesday’s friendly and backed Ireland’s young talents to lead the men’s team back to a major tournament. The 34-year-old Wrexham winger is retiring after earning his 103rd cap against New Zealand, having played at the Euros in 2012 and 2016.

“There is so much ability here. These lads are young – that’s not making excuses for them. International football is a whole different level,” McLean said. “I’ve no doubt that with experience, down the line these lads will bring the glory days back – and when I say glory days, I mean qualifying for major tournaments.”