Former Blues boss Mick McCarthy has left his role as manager of the Republic of Ireland with immediate effect.

McCarthy’s contract was due to expire on July 31st following Euro 2020 when he was set to be succeeded by U21s coach Stephen Kenny.

However, with Euro 2020 put back to the summer of 2021 and with the play-offs, in which Ireland will face Slovakia, postponed until later in the year, the handover has been brought forward.

McCarthy was assisted by his Town number two Terry Connor, who has also has left his role.

Although frustrated not to get the chance to lead Ireland at the Euros - "hugely disappointing, but I fully understand it" - the 61-year-old backs his earlier than expected departure.

"I fully support the decision," he said. "It's only right and fair that Stephen gets his chance on August 1st."

The one-time Town, Millwall, Sunderland and Wolves boss has no plans to retire insisting he is "back on the market now so I can look for a job with impunity".

Interim FAI CEO Gary Owens said: “This has been a difficult situation for the Association - and for Mick and Stephen in particular - in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on the football calendar.

“On behalf of president Gerry McAnaney, the board of the FAI and myself, I want to thank both men for their professionalism and their understanding in their dealings with the Association in these unprecedented circumstances.

“These are exceptional times in Irish life and Mick has taken that into account in agreeing to vacate the post early.

“On behalf of the FAI, I wish to express our gratitude to Mick for his service and commitment to our national team throughout his career and particularly in his second spell as Ireland manager.

“We wish Mick and his staff well and we thank them all for their hard work in this European Championship campaign to date.

“Stephen will now begin his planning for the play-off against Slovakia and everyone at the FAI wishes him well in our bid to qualify for Euro 2020. Football will be back and we have so much to look forward to now in the autumn with the Nations League and the UEFA Euro 2020 play-off, followed by the World Cup qualifiers in early 2021.”

McCarthy returned to the role of Ireland manager - which was previously his between 1996 and 2002 - in November 2018, seven months after leaving Town following a five-and-a-half-year stint in charge.

In addition to Connor, ex-Blues fitness coach Andy Liddell was also on McCarthy's Ireland staff along with Dave Bowman in a part-time role alongside his director of football position at Portman Road.

Photo: Action Images

ITFCsince73 added 18:22 - Apr 5 That's a shame essex, as you post well and have views to start a debate.... Unfortunately if you do have any strong views, you will get attacked by some on here. Which isn't what it's supposed to be about. Not aimed at you 81, as respect your opinions on club ownership of course.
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Tractorboy1985 added 20:33 - Apr 5 I respect every opinion but FACTS are FACTS... mick mc Carthy has been our most successful manager in Evans tenure with no money on offer yet still gets slated... i could go on but there is no point... many still support Evans and won't accept he's the problem! Thee end
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brittaniaman added 09:29 - Apr 6 I would love to see the list of Managers that Evans interviewed before the Hurst Disaster ???
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Draws_apoint_ added 11:06 - Apr 6 Remember we were in the Champoinship when Mick was pushed out say no more.
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runningout added 12:09 - Apr 6 We have too many sensitive fans coming through our turnstiles. I respect MM for the simple reason he was OUR manager for 5 years. Don't give a damn he decided to tell us to F off
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Cheshire_Blue added 12:37 - Apr 6 Some still cannot read a story about MM without having a kick at the man who would have kept us in the Championship. Pity, really. Look where we are now with little prospect of improving our situation in the foreseeable future. You reap what you sow.
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ArnieM added 12:57 - Apr 6 How can people on here say McCarthy had no money ? Wtf do you think he paid all these experienced journeymen and PL loanees with ? Effing peanuts ?????? Evans allocates a given amount to each of his managers and / or allies them to use some of the money raised or saved ( wages), on players leaving the Club. It's up to the manager to use that money allocation as he sees fit . Obviously Evans approach has changed over the years as financial restriction bite, none more so than this season where Evans has had to absorb an ADDITIONAL £9m of costs on top of the annual £6m running costs . McCarthy CHOSE to get in players for zero or very low transfer fees, but he got them to come to Town because they were offered lucrative contracts . Huws 4 year one being a prime example ! How much had he played for us ?? He was damaged goods when we got him ..... as was Chopra, et al ..... McCarthy was good at identifying players in the main, as Ive said above he would use his funds to pay them a princely sum to come here . The likes of Lawrence, Fraser would not have been cheap to recruit. So please , this nonsense that McCarthy has no money is Just that, nonsense!

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ITFCsince73 added 13:07 - Apr 6 The worlds best managers would have failed to prevent something that was delayed and delayed. Not sure Mick Ma has more expertise than the worlds best. He leaves all clubs he runs, with a bad taste in the mouth.... Where as those best managers have glowing reports from all their previous clubs. Our own great Sir Bob being a good example.
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thundercat added 08:10 - Apr 10 "Mick lost the fans" did he now, I don't think so, no, the fans lost Mick, would you put up with people who were the minority I have to say, shouting and swearing at you every week, no you wouldn't. He did his best with the players and limited budget that he had. Just remember you will never win the Grand National riding a Donkey.
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