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22nd Nov 2023

FAI confirm that they will not renew Stephen Kenny’s contract

Robert Redmond

Kenny was in charge for 40 matches.

The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed that they will not renew Stephen Kenny’s contract, bringing an end to the Dubliner’s tenure as manager of the Republic of Ireland men’s senior team.

The FAI confirmed the news on Wednesday evening following a board meeting. Kenny’s contract expired following the culmination of the Uefa Euro 2024 campaign.

The team failed to qualify for the tournament, and the FAI have decided to part ways with the manager following a snap board meeting.

Kenny was in charge for 40 matches and won just 11, drawing 12 and losing 17 in a difficult spell that saw him blood several young players in the first team.

You can read the full FAI statement below:

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

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