It's official at last: Stephen Kenny has signed a new contract as Ireland manager. The new deal will carry Kenny through to the end of EURO 2024.
Kenny has seen his fortunes improve dramatically in recent months as Ireland manager and he has been rewarded with a deal that shows the FAI's faith in him to bring Ireland to the next EUROs in Germany. This evening, the FAI have confirmed news that has been long-rumoured.
Stephen Kenny: Ireland boss signs new deal to 2024
We're approaching the second anniversary of Stephen Kenny's arrival as Ireland manager. It's been quite the whirlwind two years and, despite a seriously rocky start, the former Dundalk coach has impressively steadied the ship.
Ireland closed out their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a string of five unbeaten games, including an impressive 0-0 draw with the superstars of Portugal in Dublin. The 3-0 win away to Luxembourg in November felt like a firm turning point for Kenny's Ireland, and it appears that the FAI agree.
Kenny said:
“I consider it the ultimate honour to manage my country and I am delighted to extend my contract. The players are incredibly proud to play for Ireland and in recent performances we have witnessed a powerful connection between the team and the Irish supporters. The attitude of the players has been exceptional, we have seen the team grow and develop and I, together with Keith Andrews and all of the staff, look forward to seeing the team fulfil its potential. With the recent return of supporters to stadiums, I want to acknowledge the importance of the passionate Irish fans both home and away. Finally, I want to express my appreciation to Jonathan and the Board of the FAI for sharing our belief in the International Squad.”
His backroom team have also been kept on with a new assistant manager to be announced shortly.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said:
“On behalf of everyone at the Association I am delighted to announce this news today. The Board gave me clear instructions to agree a deal that sees Stephen in charge for the upcoming UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024 campaigns at a time when there is so much excitement about the future of this young and emerging Ireland squad. Stephen and I have agreed on that deal now and we look forward to working together as he seeks to guide Ireland to the next European Championship finals
Kenny has signed a new contract which will take him through to the conclusion of the EURO 2024 tournament in Germany. The hope will of course be that Ireland will be present at the tournament and, given the improvement in form Kenny and his team have developed, you wouldn't bet against it.
2-0 IRELAND
Well, that was pretty as a picture.
Ogbene starts it and finishes it, but in between there is a beautiful Hendrick pass and delicious Knight flick.#LUXIRL #rtesoccer
📺https://t.co/tuL8bEWhuT
📻https://t.co/mcphJPwdgQ
📱https://t.co/Vyy8I2aIt8 pic.twitter.com/CqWrfjpWdp— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 14, 2021
Kenny's new contract is fantastic news for Irish football fans ahead of this month's home friendlies against Belgium and Lithuania. The game against Belgium takes place as a celebration of 100 years of the FAI, but Kenny's new contract feels like a celebration for the future of Irish football.
The team being assembled by Kenny and his coaching staff is an exciting mixture of experience and youth. The likes of Shane Duffy and Seamus Coleman remain crucial parts of the team, but the most excitement for Irish fans has come from the youngsters like Gavin Bazunu, Chiedozie Ogbene, and Jason Knight.
We're booking our tickets for the European Championships final on July 14 2024. Just in case.
SEE ALSO: Crafting The Republic Of Ireland's Depth Chart Ahead Of The March Friendlies
