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Mick McCarthy has been confirmed as the new Republic of Ireland manager, with Stephen Kenny set to replace him after Euro 2020.
McCarthy assumes the role of senior manager for the second time, while Kenny will leave League of Ireland champions Dundalk to take over the U21 team.
Former Wolves boss Terry Connor and Robbie Keane will serve as McCarthy’s assistants.
“I’m honoured and excited to be back with the Republic of Ireland. I am delighted that the FAI Board and CEO have given me this opportunity to lead the team to EURO 2020,” McCarthy stated.
“I have been involved in club football for the last 15 years, so this will be a new challenge but one that I know well. I’m delighted to have Terry Connor, a trusted colleague and excellent coach, and Robbie Keane, one of the finest players who I had the pleasure of managing, helping me as assistant coaches.
“I am looking forward to getting started and embracing this challenge to qualify for EURO 2020, where it would be fantastic to play in front of the Ireland supporters in Aviva Stadium.”
McCarthy previously managed the Boys in Green for a six-year stint from 1996 to 2002, taking Ireland to the knockout stages of the 2002 World Cup.
Kenny will be unveiled at a press conference tomorrow, and FAI CEO John Delaney claims the future of Irish football is an exciting one.
“This is a very exciting time for Irish football as we are able to welcome back a proven manager at international level in Mick McCarthy and also look to the future with Stephen Kenny,” he said.
“Mick was a great player for Ireland and then had a terrific impact as manager by guiding the team to the Round of 16 in the 2002 World Cup following a memorable draw with eventual finalists Germany. There is no doubt that he knows international football and has the appetite to lead the team forward again.
“Qualifying for EURO 2020 is hugely important considering we are hosting four games at the Aviva Stadium and Mick will set about achieving that as soon as we discover our opponents in next Sunday’s draw at Dublin’s Convention Centre.”
This article originally appeared on The Season Ticket.
