FORMER CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill, his assistant Roy Keane and the rest of his backroom staff have today parted company with the Republic of Ireland. O’Neill and his team leave by mutual agreement with the Irish FA. Coaches Steve Guppy, the former Celtic player and Seamus McDonagh are also out, with Steve Walford resigning his position previously.
The decision came after a meeting last night between the Irish FA Chief Executive John Delaney and Martin O’Neill.
The FAI have promised fans that they will move swiftly to appoint a replacement with Stephen Kenny, currently manager at Dundalk. former boss Mick McCarthy – another ex-Celt – and Steve Bruce all in the running.
Martin was in charge of the Republic for five years but has struggled in the last year or so to take the national side forward, given the lack of numbers of quality players available at the moment. 2018 has probably been the worst of the five with the team relegated from Nations League Group B – Scotland moved in the opposite direction. Ireland ended the year with just one win from eleven games and all parties came to the conclusion that it is time for a change.
Delaney thanked O’Neill, Keane their backroom team in an official statement released this morning.
“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.”
And the FAI President Donal Conway also commented saying:
“On behalf of the FAI Board, I would like to thank Martin, Roy, and the management team for their work with the Republic of Ireland team over the last five years.
“Martin ensured that we enjoyed some great nights in the Aviva Stadium and on the road in Lille, Vienna, and Cardiff, which were fantastic high points for Irish football.”
O’Neill remains a hugely popular figure with the Celtic support and perhaps we’ll see him at one or two games over the next few months. He will given a very warm welcome indeed!
