End of the line for Staunton

The Football Association of Ireland have agreed to terminate the contract of Steve Staunton as national team manager by mutual consent.

The former international defender’s future was discussed at an emergency board meeting of the FAI which began on Tuesday night, and they have now acted after a poor series of results which have ended any hopes of qualification for Euro 2008.

The final straw appeared to be the 1-1 draw with Cyprus at Croke Park last week.

Staunton, 39, took charge of the team in January 2006, having had no previous managerial experience.

Staunton holds his country’s record for most caps, with 102, and was in charge as manager for 17 matches.