Staunton: Axed after qualification failure
The Football Association of Ireland have terminated the contract of Steve Staunton as national team manager.
The former international defender’s fate was sealed at an emergency board meeting.
The FAI acted after a poor series of results which ended any hopes of qualification for Euro 2008.
The final straw appeared to be the 1-1 draw with Cyprus at Croke Park last week.
Staunton, 39, took charge of the team in January 2006, having had no previous managerial experience.
Staunton holds his country’s record for most caps, with 102, and was in charge as manager for 17 matches.
After reaching an agreement to terminate Staunton’s contract by mutual consent, the FAI released a statement thanking him and his staff for their efforts since taking the job.
Development
Association president David Blood said: “They have brought through many young players and leave behind a squad with strong development potential.”
With the team in another transitional stage following their failure to reach last year’s World Cup finals, it was Staunton’s understanding a main feature of his brief was to discover and nurture a promising set of youngsters for future squads and that his job was safe even bearing in mind the qualification failure.
STAUNTON’S RECORD
March 1, 2006, friendly: Republic of Ireland 3 Sweden 0 WIN
May 23, 2006, friendly: Republic of Ireland 0 Chile 1 LOSS
August 14, 2006, friendly: Republic of Ireland 0 Holland 4 LOSS
September 2, 2006, Euro 2008 qualifier: Germany 1 Republic of Ireland 0 LOSS
October 7, 2006, Euro 2008 qualifier: Cyprus 5 Republic of Ireland 2 LOSS
October 11, 2006, Euro 2008 qualifier: Republic of Ireland 1 Czech Republic 1 DRAW
November 15, 2006, Euro 2008 qualifier: Republic of Ireland 5 San Marino 0 WIN
February 7, 2007, Euro 2008 qualifier: San Marino 1 Republic of Ireland 2 WIN
March 24, 2007, Euro 2008 qualifier: Republic of Ireland 1 Wales 0 WIN
March 28, 2007, Euro 2008 qualifier: Republic of Ireland 1 Slovakia 0 WIN
May 23, 2007, friendly in New Jersey: Republic of Ireland 1 Ecuador 1 DRAW
May 26, 2007, friendly in Boston: Republic of Ireland 1 Bolivia 1 DRAW
August 22, 2007, friendly: Denmark 0 Republic of Ireland 4 WIN
September 8, 2007, Euro 2008 qualifier: Slovakia 2 Republic of Ireland 2 DRAW
September 12, 2007, Euro 2008 qualifier: Czech Republic 1 Republic of Ireland 0 LOSS
October 13, 2007, Euro 2008 qualifier: Republic of Ireland 0 Germany 0 DRAW
October 17, 2007, Euro 2008 qualifier: Republic of Ireland 1 Cyprus 1 DRAW
WON 6 DRAWN 6 LOST 5.
He still had more than two years to go on his contract, which would present the hard-up FAI with a huge compensation issue.
Former Republic boss Mick McCarthy, who guided the Republic to the 2002 World Cup and both captained and managed Staunton during the latter’s playing career, had earlier hit out at the criticism of the former Liverpool defender.
The Wolves manager told Sky Sports News: “He was given a four-year contract and they knew it was a developing squad, and I don’t think they expected to qualify.
“They made their decision and I’m not here to decide one way or the other.
“‘Stan’ is a real good pal of mine. He was wonderful for me as a player and captain.”
STAUNTON FACTFILE
1969: Born January 19, in Drogheda, Republic of Ireland.
1986: Leaves first club Dundalk to sign for Liverpool.
1988: Makes Liverpool debut in 1-1 draw with Tottenham on September 17.
1988: International debut for Republic of Ireland in 4-0 Lansdowne Road win over Tunisia.
1989: May – Member of Liverpool team who beat Everton 3-2 in FA Cup final. Liverpool miss out on Division One title after 2-0 home defeat by Arsenal, who clinch the championship.
1990: Plays all five matches as Republic of Ireland reach World Cup quarter-finals, bowing out 1-0 to hosts Italy.
1991: Sold by new manager Graeme Souness to Aston Villa for £1.1million.
1994: Again ever-present as Republic go out in last 16 at World Cup, beaten by Holland.
1998: Returns to Liverpool on a free transfer after Villa contract expires.
2000: Rejoins Villa in December, again on a free transfer, after a brief spell on loan at Crystal Palace.
2001: Overtakes Tony Cascarino to become Republic’s most-capped player, making 89th appearance in a 3-2 win over Estonia in Tallinn. Republic also beat Iran 2-1 on aggregate in World Cup play-off to secure place in 2002 finals.
2002: Becomes first player to win 100 caps for Republic, doing so at the World Cup in group game against Germany. Republic reach second round but go out to Spain on penalties, with captain Staunton again featuring in each match. The Spain match is Staunton’s 102nd and last appearance for his country. He had replaced Roy Keane as captain for the tournament after the midfielder returned home early following a row with manager Mick McCarthy.
2003: Moves out of Villa Park for a second time, joining Coventry on a free transfer.
2006: January 13 – Confirmed as new Republic of Ireland manager.
2007: October 24 – Football Association of Ireland confirm they have agreed to terminate Staunton’s contract by mutual consent after the team fail to qualify for Euro 2008.
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Source: www.skysports.com
