“It is with a heavy heart that I leave this role.”
Martin O’Neill is no longer the Republic of Ireland manager. O’Neill, and his assistant Roy Keane, left their roles with the national team on Wednesday morning.
The pair were appointed five years ago and there were some great nights during their reign.
Ireland beat Germany, Italy, Bosnia and Austria in big games under O’Neill and reached the last 16 of Euro 2016.
Ireland reportedly want new manager in place before draw for Euro 2020 qualifiers https://t.co/zcIoFgajt5
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 21, 2018
However, the team’s form sharply declined over the last two years.
Ireland were beaten 5-1 by Denmark last November in the second leg of their World Cup play-off. They last won a competitive match in October 2017, when they beat Wales 1-0 in Cardiff.
O’Neill’s side finished bottom of their Uefa Nations League group and haven’t scored a goal in four games – the national team’s worst run in front of goal for the national team since 1996.
The former Sunderland manager reflected on his achievements with Ireland in a statement released on Wednesday afternoon.
O’Neill thanked the Irish supporters, his former players and his coaching staff.
You can read the statement here:
Martin O’Neill statement on the end of 5-year reign as Ireland manager pic.twitter.com/tHrnAVaeg4
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) November 21, 2018
