Manager Martin O’Neill and his assistant Roy Keane have parted company with the Republic of Ireland after five years in charge.
The news comes after a disappointing year for O’Neill and his staff, with the Republic failing to win a competitive match in 2018. The 66-year-old’s final game in charge was a 0-0 draw with Denmark on Tuesday night.
How a difficult year led to O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland departure – Five key points
- O’Neill actually signed a contract extension in January to remain as manager until 2020.
- The Republic failed to qualify for this years World Cup after an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Denmark.
- Problems escalated off the pitch when Harry After withdrew from the squad after a row with O’Neill’s assistant Keane.
- West Ham starlet Declan Rice had a late change of heart about representing the Republic in October.
- O’Neills side were relegated to the third tier of the Nations League after collecting just two points and scoring one goal in their four matches.
The high point of O’Neill’s time in charge was the Republic’s Euro 2016 journey. O’Neill and Keane guided their side to qualification after famous victories over Germany and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
They produced one of the shocks of the tournament when they beat Italy to qualify for the knockout stages, only to be beaten by France.
FAI Chief Executive John Delaney paid tribute to O’Neill by saying: “I would like to thank Martin, Roy, and the management team for the impact that they had with the Ireland team. There have been many highlights during Martin’s reign – none more so than EURO 2016 in France, which will live long in the memory of all Irish supporters.
“Martin did a great job guiding the team out of a difficult qualifying group – where we beat World Champions Germany along the way – to reach EURO 2016 and advance to the Last-16 following a historic victory over Italy in Lille.
“I wish Martin, and the management team, the very best for the future.”
As well as O’Neill and Keane, Steve Guppy and goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh have both moved on, too.
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Who next for the Republic of Ireland?
The FAI are said to be keen to appoint a replacement for O’Neill before the Euro 2020 draw in Dublin at the start of December.
Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny is one potential option, having turned a lot of heads with the style of play he has implemented with the League of Ireland champions.
The Republic are, of course, co-hosting Euro 2020 and will want to ensure that their next appointment is a successful one.
Mick McCarthy, who enjoyed a previous spell as manager of the Republic between 1996 and 2002, is said to be keen on a return to his former role having left Ipswich Town in April.
Sam Allardyce, Steve Bruce and Harry Redknapp have also been linked with the role.
The post Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane step down from Republic of Ireland roles appeared first on Squawka News.
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