Breaking: Stephen Kenny Replaces Mick McCarthy with Immediate Effect

Stephen Kenny succeeds Mick McCarthy as Republic of Ireland manager with immediate effect, the FAI have announced today. Kenny was due to take over from McCarthy following the completion of Ireland’s Euro 2020 campaign, whether that be in August or following qualifiers which were due to take place last week.

However, due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus which has resulted in the postponement of all major sporting events, it was unclear whether Kenny would still replace McCarthy in the summer.

The FAI released a statement saying that Kenny would take charge straight away and that they had agreed the terms with both parties.

“The Football Association of Ireland announces that Mick McCarthy is to be succeeded as national team manager by Stephen Kenny with immediate effect. The handover has been agreed with both men in light of the delay to the European Championship play-offs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Mick McCarthy’s contract was due to expire on July 31st after the Uefa Euro 2020 finals, with Stephen initially scheduled to step up from his Under-21 team role on August 1st. This move allows Stephen Kenny time to plan for the European Championship play-off semi-final against Slovakia later in the year.”

Interim FAI CEO Gary Owens admitted that it was a difficult time for both men and expressed his gratitude to Mick McCarthy and his staff for their efforts up to this point.

“On behalf of the FAI, I wish to express our gratitude to Mick for his service and commitment to our national team throughout his career and particularly in his second spell as Ireland manager. We wish Mick and his staff well and we thank them all for their hard work in this European Championship campaign to date.”