Jim Crawford signs new deal with 'real belief' Ireland U21s can make history

Crawford will take charge of the Ireland U21s for a third qualifying campaign. 

Ireland U21 manager Jim Crawford after the Euro qualifier against Norway. Picture: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Jim Crawford has extended his contract with the FAI which will see him continue as head coach of the men's U21 team for the Euro 2027 qualifying campaign.

Crawford took over as U21 boss in April 2020, succeeding Stephen Kenny who had moved into the senior hotseat. Ireland have narrowly missed out on qualification during Crawford's two campaigns in charge, losing to Israel on penalties in a 2022 playoff, and finishing third in their group late last year.