Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has appointed Chelsea FC first-team coach Anthony Barry as his assistant manager ahead of next month’s 2022 World Cup Qualifying campaign.
Barry will replace the recently departed Damien Duff who left under a cloud of uncertainty in early January. Duff’s departure came abruptly and directly after the departure of goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly, who the former Newcastle and Chelsea winger is rumored to have fallen out with over the video shown to the squad before the England international.
Barry will remain in his role at Chelsea but is delighted to join the coaching staff with Ireland.
“I’m delighted to join the Republic of Ireland coaching staff ahead of the start of the FIFA 2022 World Cup campaign. The opportunity to work in international football is something I’m thoroughly looking forward to and I’m looking forward to working with manager Stephen Kenny, his staff and the squad. I’d also like to thank Chelsea for helping facilitate this opportunity.”
Stephen Kenny has made his second appointment to the backroom team following Dean Kiely’s arrival last week as a replacement for Kelly. He was happy to secure the services of Barry.
“I’d like to welcome Anthony to the Republic of Ireland team, he is an innovative coach with an energetic style and is someone I have been aware of for a few years now. The skillset Anthony brings will complement the existing coaching team and I look forward to him joining up in March ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.”
Ireland will begin their 2022 World Cup Qualifying campaign away against Montenegro on March 24 followed by games against Luxembourg and Kazakhstan at the Aviva Stadium.