Stephen Kenny's tenure as Ireland manager officially ended Wednesday night, less than 24 hours after his Republic of Ireland team finished a woeful 2023 with a one-all draw with New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium. As we have long known, Ireland will not take part in Euro 2024, after finishing fourth in Group B with 2 wins in eight matches. Both of those victories came against Gibraltar. It was Ireland's worst-ever qualifying campaign for a major tournament.
The end of Euro 2024 qualifying will usher in an era of uncertainty as it will almost certainly mean that Ireland will appoint a new manager in the coming months. Here are the important milestones and dates for the Republic of Ireland.
Has Stephen Kenny been sacked?
Effectively, yes. The FAI brought forward a board meeting by a week in order to confirm the inevitable. Speaking to media last night, Kenny said he expected there wouldn't be an appetite from the FAI to see him continue his project, as the results had been so poor, and he was right.
While the writing has been on the wall for Kenny since the defeat at home to Greece, the FAI took the option of allowing Kenny to finish out his contract. This move has been criticised by ex-players, but Kenny chose not to criticise the FAI about it when asked by Tony O'Donoghue last night.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said in a statement:
Stephen has also overseen an important period of transition for our senior men’s national team and has given debuts to a significant number of new and younger players and this will serve as a solid platform for whoever now takes this group of players forward.”
Has Stephen Kenny responded?
Kenny issued a statement on Wednesday night, thanking his coaching staff, players and the Ireland supporters.
He wrote:
I have had the privilege of overseeing the evolution of this squad over the past three years and I am genuinely excited about the future of these players and look forward to seeing them mature and realise their creative potential...
My commitment to Irish football remains resolute and I look forward to supporting the team and wishing them every success.
What have the Ireland players said?
A number of senior Ireland players have thanked Kenny on social media. Most interestingly, Shane Duffy wrote on instagram: "The inside circle will see how much you meant to us and the group". The Ireland camp seemed united and happy under Kenny and these posts back that feeling up.
When will Ireland appoint a new manager?
It's presumed that the FAI will not be under massive pressure to hire its next manager. The Republic of Ireland will not play a competitive international game until September 2024, when the Nations League resumes. Ireland will be play two friendlies during the March international window, and another two during the June international window.
Unless the FAI have a preferred candidate already lined up, Kenny successor would likely not be appointed until early 2024.
The draw for the 2024-25 Nations League will take place on 8 February in Paris. We would imagine a next Ireland manager will be appointed no later than this date.
Who will be the next Ireland manager?
Roy Keane, Lee Carsley, Steve Bruce and Neil Lennon are four of the leading candidates for the job. On Wednesday, Steve Bruce issued a 'come and get me' plea to the FAI.
We have analysed the leading candidates and presented the case against each one
