Stephen Kenny is confident he leaves behind a “great job” for someone else after his contract as Republic of Ireland manager was not renewed. Kenny’s side finished fourth in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, winning just two of eight matches, and after Tuesday’s 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand the Football Association of Ireland made the swift announcement it would not be extending his stay. The 52-year-old’s three-and-a-half-year reign brought huge change, but crucially not enough wins, and while opinions will differ on his legacy he firmly believes the squad he has reshaped – Kenny has handed competitive debuts to 26 players during his time in charge – will serve his successor well. “Listen, I think it’s a very exciting squad. I think it’s a great job now, it’s an absolutely great job now with the talent, but talent with experience – and they’ll get better between now and the Nations League,” he said, speaking before the news was announced. “It’s not until next September now, but they’ll have much more club experience under their belt as well and I think if you picked your best squad there with everyone fit, there’s a lot of talent in it and I think it’s a very good job now, that’s the way I feel.” Kenny has had little choice but to blood a new generation of attacking players, in particular with David McGoldrick’s retirement in November 2020, prompting him to turn to Adam Idah, Michael Obafemi and Chiedozie Ogbene and later the blossoming talent of Evan Ferguson and Celtic winger Mikey Johnston. However, while there have been creditable performances and near misses – Portugal needed a last-gasp double to deny Ireland a famous World Cup qualifier victory in Faro in September 2021 – a return of just six wins in 29 competitive matches represents a damning statistic. Those who questioned Kenny’s appointment in the first place cite that as vindication for their reservations, while even those who have supported him have eventually had to concede that, whatever good he has done, it has not been rewarded with the wins, draws and points he needed to keep his job. Asked if he would have done anything differently, he said: “Listen, I have no regrets, but did I get everything right? No, I didn’t, of course I didn’t. “What I had to do in the first period, I don’t think anyone would have been able to deal with it, it was so difficult. But that’s the way it is. “Listen, it’s been a massive, massive privilege and I’ve understood that every day. I have no regrets, but did I get everything right? No, I didn't, of course I didn't. Departing Reublic manager Stephen Kelly “Yes, there’s been a lot of criticism, but listen, now’s not the time. It’s a small community, the Irish football community and it can be quite political and that’s the disappointing aspect.” The FAI said “now is the right time for change” ahead of friendly matches taking place in March and June 2024 and the recruitment process for a new head coach begins immediately. “Over the period of his tenure, Stephen and his staff have worked tirelessly to create the right environment to support the development of our senior men’s team, and we are hugely grateful for that considerable contribution,” said FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill. “Stephen has also overseen an important period of transition for our senior men’s national team and has given debuts to a significant number of new and younger players and this will serve as a solid platform for whoever now takes this group of players forward.” Read More Stephen Kenny leaves role as Ireland manager after contract is not renewed Owen Farrell not planning to end his England career any time soon Lionel Messi condemns treatment of Argentina fans during clash with Brazil Everton have extra motivation following points deduction – director of football What happens next for Wales as they look to book a place at Euro 2024? Clubs must be punished for failure to meet diversity requirements – Kick It Out

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Birmingham received an inspirational pep talk from NFL great Tom Brady before a last-gasp victory against Leeds that boss John Eustace dedicated to the late Trevor Francis. A sold-out St Andrew’s celebrated the club’s greatest ever player and an exciting future under new ownership as Daniel Farke’s relegated side came to the second city. It is a month since American businessman Tom Wagner completed his takeover at Birmingham, who nine days ago saw seven-time Super Bowl winner Brady join as minority owner. The former NFL star enjoyed a memorable first trip to St Andrew’s, visiting a local pub before meeting the players and watching a 1-0 stoppage-time win. “The new owners came into the dressing room just as I was coming out and congratulated the lads,” Blues boss Eustace said. “It’s great to see Tom Brady in there as well. “Tom spoke to the group before our meeting today, so that is great to have one of the most famous sporting people in the world come down and chat to the group. “They were all very excited to listen to him and he gave us some real good words of advice. “I think you can see today his presence at the club (is a benefit), the vision that he’s got for the football club is amazing. “He wants this football club to be a world brand, he wants this Birmingham City family now all over the world, which is what we all want. “We want this magnificent football club to grow and get better and be known all around the world. “We’ve got a great person to come in and do that.” Substitute Lukas Jutkiewicz’s stoppage-time penalty was the difference at the end of a tense match that began with a heartfelt tribute to Birmingham great Francis following his death in July. “I’m delighted with the performance for the whole game,” Eustace said. “We dedicate that winner to Trevor Francis and his family. I think it marked a real special occasion. “The boys today were outstanding with and without the ball. “Tactically you have to be spot on against an excellent Leeds team and I think the level of concentration and the way the boys went about their business today was superb.” Leeds counterpart Daniel Farke felt like a point would have been deserved from Saturday’s performance at St Andrew’s where the relegated side’s shortcomings were obvious. “(This job) is exactly what I would have expected because I have been in the situation before,” the Leeds boss said. “I know after relegation it’s never easy for the club. There is a hangover. “It’s more like you’re getting used to having disappointing results (when relegated), there’s always question marks especially in the first transfer window. “What makes it a bit different is the situation with the contract. We spoke quite openly about it, that there are exit clauses that makes the situation obviously also quite difficult. “But I knew this before and, yeah, my decision for this massive club was really with full commitment and also totally convinced that we can lead the club in the middle and long term to success. “We knew that the start would be bumpy and would be tricky and it’s not the easiest shop at the moment, but I mentioned before if it would be it would be easy everyone could do this and it wouldn’t be that much fun to turn our fate around. “I know that it’s a hell of a task. I said this even in my first press conference and especially during August we have to be a bit patient.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live West Ham boss David Moyes considering using Jarrod Bowen as striker Lachlan Lam lands golden point drop goal to give Leigh dramatic win over Hull KR Everton pay price for missed chances as Fulham snatch win at Goodison Park

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