The former Iceland manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson, has been named the new head coach of the Republic of Ireland.
The 57-year-old’s appointment concludes an eight-month quest to find a permanent successor to Stephen Kenny.
Hallgrimsson famously co-led Iceland alongside Lars Lagerback, guiding them to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals where they shocked England.
Subsequently, he took sole charge as Iceland qualified for the 2018 World Cup, achieving their highest-ever FIFA World ranking of 18th during his tenure.
In 2022, Hallgrimsson took on the role of Jamaica’s manager but resigned earlier this month following their exit from the Copa America.
Marc Canham, the director of football at the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), confirmed that Hallgrimsson had been identified as their top choice earlier this year.
“Not only does Heimir have significant experience at international level with two different countries, but crucially he also has a track record of qualifying for major international tournaments and taking teams up the Fifa world rankings,” he added.
‘A young, exciting team with genuine potential’
Following Kenny’s departure in November, the FAI initially aimed to appoint a new manager before the UEFA Nations League draw in February. However, the appointment process extended, drawing criticism of the governing body.
England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley, a former Republic of Ireland midfielder, emerged as the FAI’s initial preferred candidate. However, he withdrew from consideration in March, by which time John O’Shea had been named interim boss.
Former Wales manager Chris Coleman was strongly considered before deciding against it, while Neil Lennon and Chris Hughton were also linked to the vacancy.
Until Wednesday, Hallgrimsson was not mentioned in the Irish media as a likely choice. The FAI has now described him as “our number one candidate,” and his appointment has come as a significant surprise.
The new head coach of the Republic of Ireland, Heimir Hallgrimsson, expressed that it is “an honor” to take on the role.
“We have a young and exciting team that has genuine potential,” said Hallgrimsson.
“I am looking forward to working closely with the players to help coach and guide them towards improved performances and results ensuring we qualify and compete at major tournaments on a regular basis.”
That may prove no easy task for a team that has slipped to 60th in the world rankings after being as high as 28th in October 2019.
Hallgrimsson’s first game in charge will be the Nations League contest against England in Dublin on 7 September and his side then host Greece in the competition three days later.
FAI director of football Canham praised O’Shea’s contribution during his interim role which saw the former Manchester United defender achieve a win and a draw in four friendlies.
“I also want to thank and pay tribute to John O’Shea and his staff who have guided the team through recent friendly internationals preparing the team impeccably, creating a brilliant environment for the players and achieving positive results on the pitch,” said Canham.
O’Shea’s four-game tenure concluded with a 3-0 defeat against Portugal last month, following a 2-1 home victory over Hungary seven days earlier.
After the loss to Portugal, O’Shea requested clarity from the FAI regarding his potential permanent appointment. However, it took the governing body another four weeks to announce Hallgrimsson as the new coach.