Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny will be unveiled as the new Republic of Ireland U21 boss today, replacing Noel King in the role. Ahead of that announcement, details have emerged on the process that saw Kenny accept the position.
Reports emerged earlier in the week that Kenny was the FAI's preferred option but turned down the role. However, per the Irish Sun, Kenny then was asked to meet with Irish football legend John Giles on behalf of the FAI. A subsequent meeting with John Delaney and performance director Ruud Dokter took place yesterday.
The Sunday Times also report that there is an option for Mick McCarthy's contract to be extended for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers but instead he is expected to receive a seven-figure compensation pay-off.
Kenny will now manage the U21s as well as overseeing the U15 to U19 age groups. Then, in 2020, he will assume the role of senior manager.
Meanwhile, the Sunday Independent report that on Friday, a day before John Delaney met with Kenny, he met with Mick McCarthy and was convinced he should return after just five minutes.
Both McCarthy and Kenny will have a prolonged period to bed into their respective roles as there are no immediate fixtures. The Euro 2020 qualifying draw will take place in Dublin next week when Ireland will discover their opponents for that campaign.
