- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: Have England really been playing with fear at Euro 2024?
- Republic of Ireland have appointed their new permanent manager
- They have hired the man who masterminded England’s downfall at Euro 2016
Republic of Ireland have named their new permanent manager – and England fans may want to look away now.
Ireland have been looking for a new boss since sacking Stephen Kenny in November after they failed to qualify for Euro 2024.
Former Manchester United star John O’Shea was placed in interim charge for Ireland’s first four games of 2024, overseeing a win, a draw and two defeats, but the nation’s football association have now settled on Kenny’s permanent replacement.
They have appointed Iceland’s Heimir Hallgrimsson, a qualified dentist who has also taken various managerial roles since 1993.
His most notable time in the dugout came when he managed Iceland’s national team between 2013 and 2018. He led them at Euro 2016 and 2018, and his side memorably beat England 2-1 to dump Roy Hodgson‘s men out of the former tournament at the last-16 stage.
Republic of Ireland have appointed Heimir Hallgrimsson (pictured) as their new manager
He was the manager of Iceland when they knocked England out of Euro 2016
That match proved to be Roy Hodgson’s last game in charge of England
Upon his appointment, Hallgrimsson, 57, said: ‘It is an honour to be appointed Head Coach of the Ireland Senior Men’s National Team. Ireland is rightly a proud footballing nation which has consistently produced talented players and enjoyed many memorable moments at major international tournaments.
‘We have a young and exciting team that has genuine potential. I am looking forward to working closely with the players to help coach and guide them towards improved performances and results ensuring we qualify and compete at major tournaments on a regular basis.
‘We have important and exciting games coming up in the UEFA Nations League later this year and a massive FIFA World Cup qualification campaign coming up next year.
‘Finally, I am also looking forward to getting to know the people of Ireland and in particular the wonderful fans of Irish football. It is my responsibility to coach, prepare and develop our team as best as possible to deliver results on the pitch and to make our supporters happy and proud.’
Ireland will be the third national team that Hallgrimsson has managed as he also coached Jamaica from September 2022 before resigning after a poor performance at this summer’s Copa America.
Gareth Southgate will hope Hallgrimsson’s appointment is not a bad omen for his side as they face the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 semi-final tonight
It has not taken him long to get back into management, and his appointment has been confirmed on the day that England face a crunch Euros semi-final against the Netherlands.
Gareth Southgate will hope this isn’t a bad omen for his team after Hallgrimsson masterminded one of the most humiliating days in England’s football history.
England will get the chance at revenge against Hallgrimsson when they take on Ireland in the Nations League in September at the Aviva Stadium.
The return fixture is due to be played in November, with England and Ireland also having Finland and Greece in their group.