Kerr reign as Republic manager ends

Brian Kerr’s reign as Republic of Ireland manager is over as the Football Association of Ireland have opted not to renew his contract.

Kerr has ultimately paid the price for failing to take Ireland to next summer’s World Cup finals in Germany, culminating in last Wednesday’s goalless draw against Switzerland at Lansdowne Road, a game the Republic needed to win to reach the play-offs.

The decision was taken following a meeting of the FAI’s 10-man Board of Management at a Dublin hotel, ending Kerr’s eight-year association with the FAI.

A statement from the FAI read: ``The board of the FAI met today and considered the implications of non-qualification of the international team for the World Cup in 2006.

“The board also assessed the prospect of achieving success in future European Championships and World Cup campaigns in the context of the development of the game in Ireland.

“Following this meeting the board has indicated that the FAI is to recruit a new international manager to succeed Brian Kerr whose contract expired at the end of the 2006 World Cup campaign.

“The board would like to thank Brian Kerr and the technical staff for their commitment and energy demonstrated during almost three years in charge.

“The board fully recognises the dedication and passion applied by Brian and his support team in their quest to gain qualification for the major championships.

“The board also acknowledges both Brian and Chris Hughton’s contribution to the game in their previous roles – Brian through his involvement in the development of the game across the under-age and technical areas and Chris as a distinguished player for country for many years.

“The board’s view was that the declining FIFA world rankings, UEFA standings and non-qualification for the 2006 World Cup were key issues for the Association.

“The downward trend in our rankings and seedings has been very disappointing and will make qualification for future tournaments considerably more difficult and that has knock-on consequences for the development of the game.

“Everyone involved in football is disappointed that Ireland have failed to qualify for the World Cup and reap the benefis of our involvement in terms of interest in the game and increased participation across the country.

“As an organisation, we have invested heavily over the past year to progress the game at all levels to bring more and more people into the game.

“We now have more people taking part in football than any other team sport, but to further develop the game success on the international scene is an important catalyst.

“A board sub-committee has been charged with making recommendations to the full board in respect of a new manager for the international team.”

Kerr, meanwhile, revealed he was deeply saddened his association with the FAI had now come to an end.

“I would like to thank all 45 players who played under me during my time in charge, and I would also like to thank the fans for their support,” added Kerr.

“I will now take time out to consider the next stage of my career but I intend to remain in professional football.”

Kerr’s backroom staff in assistant Chris Hughton, goalkeeping coach Packie Bonner and coach Noel O’Reilly have also not had their contracts renewed, although the latter duo retain their roles within the Association of technical director and regional development officer respectively.

The FAI’s decision comes as no surprise, not least because of the influence of Delaney, who was the lone dissenting voice on a three-man panel when it came to finding a successor to Mick McCarthy three years ago.

Kerr’s unprecedented success throughout the under-age levels in the preceding five years on that occasion swung the vote in his favour ahead of Bryan Robson, who Delaney preferred.

Kerr, though, has failed to mastermind glory for the senior team during his 33 months at the helm, despite a record that on the surface would appear to have credence.

Ireland lost just four of 33 matches, winning 18 and with 18 clean sheets, with some notable friendly scalps along the way such as Holland, Czech Republic and Portugal.

Yet competitively, Kerr won just seven of 16 games, with those victories home and away to Georgia, the Faroe Islands and Cyprus, and at home to Albania.

When the Republic needed three points the most, against France, Switzerland, Russia and Israel in European Championship and World Cup qualifiers, Kerr was found wanting as his record read: played eight, won none, drew six and lost two.

When you add into the equation Ireland were among the second seeds when the qualifying draw was made for Euro 2004 – yet come January and the draw for the 2008 championships they will be in pot four – it is perhaps easier to appreciate the FAI’s standing.

Ireland have also considerably dropped down the world rankings during Kerr’s tenure as Delaney pointed out, adding: “The downward trend in our seedings and rankings has been very disappointing.

“It will make qualification for future tournaments considerably more difficult and that has knock-on consequences for the development of the game.

“But Brian deserved to manage Ireland, based on what he had done at under-age level and his commitment to the Irish game.

“The timing, when you look back, was correct. He deserved a shot at it, and he got a shot at it.

“In the end there was no vote, just a consensus among the board in arriving at the decision we came to.”