Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Alan Kelly has called time on his involvement with Stephen Kenny’s senior side.
The FAI broke the news with a late statement on Tuesday night saying Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny had accepted Kelly’s resignation due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“Alan called to inform me of his decision and I have accepted it,” said Kenny of the news.
“I want to thank him for his time as goalkeeper coach with me and for his overall contribution to Irish football.”
It’s the second late-night statement from the FAI in a week which has seen Damien Duff also depart Kenny’s setup.
Statement from Alan Kelly via FAI
“With COVID-19 still viciously circulating in our communities, it is with a heavy heart that I have decided the time is right to step down from my role with the Republic of Ireland senior international team and pass on a fantastic group of goalkeepers to a new goalkeeping coach for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign”, said Kelly in a statement released by the FAI on Tuesday night.
“It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to represent the Republic of Ireland as a player and coach for the last 28 years. A special thank you goes out to all the Irish International goalkeepers I have played alongside and had the good fortune to coach.”
“I would like to thank the FAI and wish Stephen, the staff and all the players the very best of luck in the World Cup qualifiers beginning in March and for the future.”
Ireland’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign will get underway, without the two former internationals as part of the coaching selection, this quarter with games set to begin from 24 March.
