Irish camp in turmoil as Kelly follows Duff
STEPHEN KENNY’S grip on the Republic of Ireland management tiller was further weakened last night when goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly jumped ship and followed Damien Duff overboard.
The highly-regarded Kelly has informed Kenny he won’t be returning for the start of the World Cup qualification in March.
Without a win in eight games as manager, and only one goal, Kenny’s position is under increasing scrutiny after losing the services of his third in command, Duff, and now, Kelly, inside 96 hours.
Kenny and FAI chiefs became aware that Kelly wanted out almost immediately after Duff told them he was quitting – his departure was confirmed last Friday. Kelly’s exit was due to be announced today to allow for his involvement at Everton’s game against Wolves but it broke last night and the FAI rushed out a statement.
Kelly said his decision was related to Covid-19 but
it seems hardly a coincidence he should follow Duff so soon. Their double departures has left Kenny with Keith Andrews as his only senior staffer with 10 weeks to the World Cup opener against Serbia in Belgrade. Kelly, who won 33 caps for Ireland and was a member of two World Cup squads, was previously Ireland goalkeeping coach under Giovanni Trapattoni and Mick McCarthy. Kept on by Kenny, his position came under debate in the wake of ‘Wembleygate’ where he was incorrectly linked as a possible source to our sister paper, ‘The Daily Mail’ who broke the story of Kenny’s motivational video and speech. Kelly, believed to be one of those upset by Kenny’s rallying cry, subsequently pulled out of Ireland’s remaining November games against Wales and Bulgaria citing Covid-19 concerns. Kenny insisted he understood and reaffirmed last month that Kelly would be his goalkeeping coach for the World Cup campaign. We know now that won’t be the case with the pandemic again behind Kelly’s call, according to the FAI statement. ‘With Covid-19 still viciously circulating in our communities, it is with a heavy heart that I have decided the time is right to step down from my role with the Republic of Ireland senior international team,’ said Kelly. Shay Given and Dean Kiely, who made up the goalkeeping trio with Kelly at the 2002 World Cup, are likely to be considered for the role.