Lennon in frame after the Republic axe Kenny

Stephen Kenny

The FAI has confirmed the end of Stephen Kenny’s tenure as Republic of Ireland manager.

A snap board meeting brought forward the inevitability of Kenny’s departure, with all parties keen to avoid a point­less wait until next Tuesday when the likely outcome of a review of the cam­paign was known.

The search is now under way for Kenny’s successor and former Northern Ireland captain Neil Lennon is among the strong contenders.

Former Celtic and Hibs boss Lennon has been searching for his next role since he was sacked by Cypriot side Omonia last year and a first international job may appeal to him.

In a 259-word statement released by the FAI, it was explained that a presenta­tion to the board by CEO Jonathan Hill and director of football Marc Canham concluded with the agreement that Kenny had reached the end of the road after a difficult year featuring six competitive defeats in eight Group B games with the Republic out of the running for Euro 2024 at an early stage.

“Having reviewed the Euro 2024 qual­ification campaign in its entirety, and recognising how difficult the Group was, the results needed to realise our goal of qualification for the Tournament were not achieved,” read the FAI statement, which made no reference to the 52-year-old’s backroom team.

“The Board agrees that now is the right time for change ahead of the friendly matches in March and June 2024 and the next Nations League campaign starting in September 2024.”

The statement added: “The Board agrees that now is the right time for change ahead of the friendly matches in March and June 2024 and the next Nations League campaign starting in September 2024.”

Hill said: “Over the period of his tenure, Stephen and his staff have worked tirelessly to