Martin O'Neill has left his role in charge of the Republic of Ireland national team by mutual consent after a meeting with the Football Association of Ireland, news that was broken by the national broadcaster RTE this morning.
It was quickly confirmed in an official statement. His coaching staff, including assistant Roy Keane, will also depart.
The former Celtic boss took over the reins five years ago and had been widely praised for his work in bringing the Boys in Green to the Euro 2016 tournament, where they eventually fell out at the round of 16 stage after defeat to hosts France, but public opinion had turned after a difficult run.
Having suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Denmark in the decisive second leg of last year’s World Cup playoff, an underwhelming Nations League campaign during which they suffered relegation from the new competition left his future in doubt.
The FAI’s long-serving chief executive John Delaney paid tribute to the work of the 66-year-old.
“I would like to thank Martin, Roy, and the management team for the impact that they had with the Ireland team. There have been many highlights during Martin’s reign – none more so than EURO 2016 in France, which will live long in the memory of all Irish supporters," he said.
“Martin did a great job guiding the team out of a difficult qualifying group – where we beat World Champions Germany along the way – to reach EURO 2016 and advance to the Last-16 following a historic victory over Italy in Lille.
“I wish Martin, and the management team, the very best for the future.”
The darling of the domestic game, the Dundalk manager, Stephen Kenny, is next in the betting at 4/1, while Sam Allardyce looms next in the 8/1.
