Interim boss John O’Shea beams as ex-Republic chief Brian Kerr returns to fold
Then-Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr with John O’Shea back in 2004
Interim Republic of Ireland boss John O’Shea says it was a no-brainer to bring former manager Brian Kerr back into the fold as part of O’Shea’s coaching team for the two-game series of friendlies in March 2024.
Bad weather forced O’Shea to postpone a press conference in Dublin on Friday for his unveiling as interim manager, but he went ahead and outlined his plans for the Belgium and Switzerland friendly matches.
Kerr has been drafted in as Technical Advisor, while O’Shea’s former team-mate Glenn Whelan, who had been coaching the Republic’s Under-16s, moves up to the senior squad as coach.
It’s the first time that the FAI have engaged with Kerr in any form since he was axed as senior team manager in 2005, but it was a move former defender O’Shea was happy to make.
“We’re delighted to confirm the coaching and support performance team for the March internationals,” said O’Shea.
“Brian brings with him a wealth of experience we’ll be able to tap into during the camp and his passion for Irish football and the Ireland national team is well-known.
“He will be a welcome addition to the group.
“Glenn was an unbelievable servant for his country during his playing career and we’ll be delighted to welcome him back into the international fold as a coach, having recently spent time with the Ireland Under-16s.”
O’Shea, Kerr and Whelan will attend games across the UK as part of their scouting brief, while O’Shea’s assistant Paddy McCarthy carries on his Premier League duties with Crystal Palace and Dublin-born former Under-21 cap Rene Gilmartin steps up as Republic goalkeeping coach from his Under-21 role.
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