Kenny’s getting up early
Sunday Mail 51
Stephen Kenny has replaced Mick McCarthy as Republic of Ireland manager three months early following the delay to the Euro 2020 qualifying play- offs.
McCarthy’s contract was due to run until July 31, after the Euro 2020 finals were originally scheduled to f ini sh, w ith former Dunfermline boss Kenny stepping up from his role with the Under- 21s on August 1.
The Republic will face Slovakia away in the Euro 2020 play- off semi-finals, with the winner to face either Northern Ireland or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
However, the fixture has been postponed for a second time due to the coronavirus pandemic. Interim FAI chief executive Gary Owens said: “This has been a difficult situation for the Association and for Mick and Stephen in particular in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ef fect it has had on the football calendar.
“On behalf of president Gerry McAnaney, the board of the FAI and myself, I want to thank both men for their professionalism and their understanding in their dealings with us in these circumstances. These are exceptional times and Mick has taken that into account in agreeing to vacate the post early.
“We wish Mick and his staff well and thank them all for their hard work in this European Championship campaign to date.”
McCar thy had st i l l planned to take charge of the side for the rescheduled tie in June but that has now been postponed with no new dates announced.
Owens added: “Stephen will now begin his planning for the play- of f against Slovakia and everyone at the FAI wishes him well.
“Football will be back and we have so much to look forward to now in the autumn with the Nations League and the UEFA Euro 2020 play- off, followed by the World Cup qualifiers.”
Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill is also due to step down following the qualifying play- offs but he will remain take charge until they are staged.