Kerr and FAI part company
The Football Association Of Ireland have decided to end Brain Kerr's reign in charge of Ireland after the side's failure to qualify for the 2006 World Cup. Kerr's contract ran out last week but the FAI have decided to not renew the deal after a meeting yesterday in Dublin. Kerr's future has been the subject of intense debate for the last week after Ireland saw their World Cup hopes ended when they could only manage a goalless draw with Switzerland.Kerr paid tribute to all the players he used during his time in charge and admitted he will take his time before deciding what to do next."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," said Kerr.
"I will now take time out to consider the next stage of my career but I intend to remain in professional football." The FAI have opted to look for a new coach to guide the side in qualification for the 2008 European Championship."The board of the FAI met today (Tuesday) and considered the implications of non-qualification of the international team for the World Cup in 2006," read an FAI statement.
"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 his 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 benefits 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."
Many top top managers have already been linked with the vacant post including former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill.
I believe the desicion by the FAI is a good one because I just don't think Brain was good enough. He was a bit to defensive in his tactics and that is what cost Ireland their place in the 2006 World Cup. I would love to see someone like Martin O'Neill or David O'Leary get the job. I know it's not just Brain's fault for not qualifying but the majority of the blame has to go on him.