The Football Association of Ireland today confirmed the appointment of Giovanni Trapattoni as new Republic of Ireland boss.

Two former colleagues of Terry Venables will conduct the search for the new Republic of Ireland manager, the Football Association of Ireland have announced.

FAI chief executive John Delaney insists appointing outside advisers to head-hunt the successor to national team boss Steve Staunton has to be “the way forward”.

STEVE STAUNTON’S reign as Republic of Ireland manager came to an end following a meeting with FAI chiefs in Dublin early this morning.

The death took place yesterday of Cork winger Paddy Shortt, one of the most decorated players in the League of Ireland.

SUNDERLAND’S Paul McShane and Wolves’ Stephen Elliot have been forced to withdraw from the Irish squad for Wednesday’s friendly international in Denmark.

The draw has been made for the third round of the FAI Ford Cup tonight.

The plot thickened today surrounding the position of Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton.

Football Association of Ireland president David Blood has insisted Steve Staunton’s position as manager is not under threat – even if the team lose to the Czech Republic tomorrow.

THE 2006 World Cup opened with a feast of goals yesterday, as hosts Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 in the curtain-raiser in Munich.

PORTSMOUTH chairman Milan Mandaric is set to talk with former Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr and Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez about the vacant managerial post at Fratton Park.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Graham Kavanagh has urged the Football of Association of Ireland to quickly make up their mind over a new manager.

THE FAI have been accused of acting too hastily in getting rid of Brian Kerr due to the lack of viable successors for the post of Republic of Ireland manager.

The Football Association of Ireland have been accused of acting too hastily in getting rid of Brian Kerr due to the lack of viable successors for the post of Republic of Ireland manager.

The Football Association of Ireland today begin the process of “head-hunting” a new manager to again take the Republic of Ireland forward.

IT’S D-Day for Brian Kerr. This afternoon at a Dublin hotel, the ten-man FAI Board of Management will meet to review the performance of the out-of-contract Irish manager, and the expectation is that he will not be given the second chance he craves.

Martin O’Neill is understood to be emerging as the leading candidate officials within the Football Association of Ireland would like to see succeed Brian Kerr as national team manager.

THE FAI Board of Management will discuss Brian Kerr’s contract as international manager next week.

THE Republic of Ireland could be forced to finish their World Cup qualifying campaign in Britain in the event of Brian Kerr’s team finishing second in Group 4 and having to take part in a two-leg play-off game.

David Blood has been elected President of the Football Association of Ireland at a special council meeting following the organisation's AGM yesterday.

THE Football Association of Ireland holds its AGM in Waterford today with its face set firmly towards the challenges of the future.

FAI president Milo Corcoran has succeeded in removing Kevin Fahy from his position as honorary Treasurer.

Waterford’s Mylo Corcoran has been elected as the new President of the Football Association of Ireland at today’s AGM in Cork.