The Football Association of Ireland have paid tribute to departing Republic of Ireland boss, Mick McCarthy.
It was exclusively revealed by Off The Ball on Saturday afternoon that Mick McCarthy would no longer remain in charge of the Republic of Ireland.
As was previously arranged, Stephen Kenny has now been confirmed as the manager going forward.
In the aftermath of publishing this story, the Football Association of Ireland released a statement in which they extended their thanks to the departing Irish boss, Mick McCarthy:
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 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 C.E.O. Gary Owens said: “This has been a difficult situation for the Association - and for Mick and Stephen in particular - in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on the football calendar.
“On behalf of President Gerry McAnaney, the Board of the FAI and myself, I want to thank both men for their professionalism and their understanding in their dealings with the Association in these unprecedented circumstances. These are exceptional times in Irish life and Mick has taken that into account in agreeing to vacate the post early.
“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.
“Stephen will now begin his planning for the play-off against Slovakia and everyone at the FAI wishes him well in our bid to qualify for Euro 2020. Football will be back and we have so much to look forward to now in the autumn with the Nations League and the Euro 2020 play-off, followed by the World Cup qualifiers in early 2021.”
You can watch Off The Ball's live reaction to the news of Mick McCarthy's departure here.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
