Republic of Ireland announce shock name as new coach

The FAI have announced the surprise left-field choice of Helmir Hallgrímsson as the new Republic of Ireland boss.

The Icelander was famously part of the joint-coaching staff for his country in reaching Euro 2016, a tournament in which they beat England in memorable fashion, and most recently enjoyed a two-year spell in charge of Jamaica.

It finally brings an end to Ireland’s 231 day wait to announce a new manager following the departure of Stephen Kenny, with John O’Shea filling in as stand-in coach for 2024’s fixtures so far.

Hallgrímsson will take charge of the Boys in Green for the first time against England in Dublin for Nations League action on September 7.

The 57-year-old, who also juggled working as a dentist with his coaching responsibilities, also had a time in charge of Al-Arabi in Qatar from 2018 to 2021.