Interim FAI Chief Executive Gary Owens has spoken of 'inheriting a very difficult problem' with the Ireland senior manager's contract and has praised outgoing manager Mick McCarthy's professionalism.
Speaking to Off The Ball, Owens confirmed that the decision to replace McCarthy with Kenny was sped up after last Wednesday's postponement of Ireland's play-off match with Slovakia, as well discussing the financial implications to the FAI.
McCarthy had been expected to take this game as manager, but the changing nature of soccer due to the coronavirus pandemic changed thoughts in Abbotstown.
"We then had to move quickly and decisively," said Owens of the decision.
"Since Wednesday, we have been working with the guys - Mick was very professional about it.
"We had done a bit of work with Stephen about the depth of the team that he would have with him when he eventually did take over."
As for the situation that forced the decision to be made, Owens spoke of inheriting a less than ideal situation from the previous FAI board.
"It was a difficult decision, we inherited an incredibly difficult problem with the way that the contracts were constructed in the first place and then made even more so when the Euros and play-offs were deferred.
"Mick wants to move forward with his own career and we wish him well, he has done a fantastic job for Ireland and for the FAI."
Mick McCarthy contract
Owens confirmed that McCarthy's contract was drafted as to finish on 31 July 2020 and Kenny's to commence on 1 August 2020, rather than any more ambiguous wording.
The FAI chief executive also confirmed that the FAI would prefer October or November for the play-off against Slovakia, with nine matches currently scheduled for the autumn.
"Part of the reason we moved now was because we wanted to give Stephen and his team enough time to prepare [for Slovakia]."
As reported by Off The Ball early on Sunday, the staff has grown a little more with the new coaching setup devised by Stephen Kenny.
Owens is happy with the 'young, strong' look to the coaching staff, which now includes Damien Duff and Keith Andrews with the senior squad, John O'Shea with the under-21s and Robbie Keane's role as yet undecided.
"Damien was on our wish-list, we were keen to have in on board and we moved quickly since Wednesday. He will finish up the season with Glasgow Celtic in August, if it does there.
"He is a big addition to us, as is John O'Shea at under-21 level. Keith has been working with Stephen before, so there is a combination of continuity between everybody."
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