In Pictures: Trapattoni's Ireland Reign

With news of Giovanni Trapattoni's departure, we've taken a look back at some of the best pictures from the defining moments of his reign as Ireland manager.

Appointed in February 2008 following the dismissal of Steve Staunton

Most people were pretty happy about the selection

Though reporters didn't seem to realise how bad his English is...

...get some mics on Manuela; you're gonna need them.

His first game was a friendly 1-1 draw with Serbia

First competitive game: a 2-1 away win over Georgia

Starting lineup: Given, Finnan, O'Shea, Dunne, Kilbane, McGeady, Whelan, S Reid, S Hunt, Doyle, Keane

However, the campaign ended in heartbreak in Paris

Ireland reached the play-offs with four wins, six draws and no defeats.

Those were dark days, but Trap couldn't be blamed

He did win the Nations Cup

And qualified for Euro 2012

But performances at the tournament marked the beginning of the end

The 6-1 home defeat to Germany led to increased calls for his sacking

And two more defeats to Sweden and Austria were the last straw