Stephen Kenny: 'We're not looking to overly experiment anymore'

Ireland boss ready to begin next phase of Ireland managerial career

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny at the announcement of his new contract. Picture: Inpho/Evan Treacy

It can’t help but feel bizarre to say it 18 months after the first of his 20 games in charge, but there was an undeniable sense yesterday of a man opening a new book and starting afresh as Stephen Kenny sat alongside FAI CEO Jonathan Hill to reflect on his newly-minted contract.

That won’t go down well with those who believe the former Dundalk boss has been given far too much slack and not enough flak since succeeding Mick McCarthy but the flip side is that there can be no more asterisks beside the results, or the manager's performance, from here on in.