'Irish football is in great hands' - Irish sports stars react to Stephen Kenny's appointment as Ireland manager
Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)
Stars of Irish sport reacted positively to the news that Stephen Kenny would take over as Republic of Ireland manager with immediate effect.
The Tallaght native had been due to take over from Mick McCarthy following Euro 2020 but, with the competition pushed out until next summer, the decision was taken to proceed immediately.
Kenny will have a baptism of fire as he looks set to take on Slovakia in a must-win play-off in his first game in charge when football resumes later this year.
Several of Irish sport’s big names expressed surprise and regret that McCarthy had been unable to see out the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign but Kenny’s promotion was greeted with enthusiasm.
“A new era for @FAIreland. Thanks to Mick McCarthy who has been a safe pair of hands in a difficult period,” said former Ireland striker Jonathan Walters.
“An exciting time ahead with so many young players on the verge of breaking through. Qualification in our sights with Stephen Kenny.”
A new era for @FAIreland
— Jonathan Walters (@JonWalters19) April 4, 2020
Thanks to Mick McCarthy who has been a safe pair of hands in a difficult period.
Now an exciting time ahead with so many young players on the verge of breaking through. Qualification in our sights with Stephen Kenny #COYBIG#Euro2020
Former Ireland striker Stephen Elliott, who played under McCarthy for Sunderland, also expressed his surprise at the speed of the transition.
He said: “Bit surprised that Mick never got the chance to finish the job. Did a good job getting supporters back on board.
“However I’m looking forward to seeing what ideas Stephen Kenny has in future. He has worked his arse off to earn this opportunity and I wish all the very best.”
Bit surprised that Mick never got the chance to finish the job. Did a good job getting supporters back on board. However I’m looking forward to seeing what ideas Stephen Kenny has in future. He has worked his arse off to earn this opportunity and I wish all the very best. #COYBIG
— Stephen Elliott (@SleevesElliott) April 4, 2020
Former world champion middleweight boxer and coach to heavyweight champions Andy Lee shared an anecdote for his own personal experience with Kenny.
“Recently I sat beside Stephen Kenny at a charity dinner. I told him about a situation I was in relating to boxing.
“The advice he gave me ended up turning the thing completely around.... what I’m getting at is, Irish Football is in great hands!”
Recently I sat beside Stephen Kenny at a charity dinner. I told him about a situation I was in relating to boxing. The advice he gave me ended up turning the thing completely around.... what I’m getting at is, Irish Football is in great hands!
— Andy Lee (@AndyLeeBoxing) April 4, 2020
Former League of Ireland players Alan Cawley and Conan Byrne also tweeted their appreciation for Kenny being given his hard-earned chance.
“Right call. It’s Stephen Kenny’s time. Mick can leave with his held high and in dignified fashion like the man he is,” said Cawley
“Huge congrats to Stephen Kenny. Can't wait to see this passion at senior international level,” added Glenavon winger Byrne.
