The FAI have announced that Noel King has been named as the new head coach of the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side and will take charge of his first game when Estonia travel to Tallaght Stadium for a Uefa European championship qualifier on August 10th.
King, 43, had a long League of Ireland career, including three spells at Shamrock Rovers, where he won two league titles and one FAI Cup during the 80s. He also claimed an FAI Cup medal with Home Farm in 1975.
King moved in to management with Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, Limerick FC and Finn Harps, before being appointed manager of the Republic of Ireland women’s r team in 2000. He also led the under-17 side to the final of the women’s European Championships last month, where they lost to Spain in a penalty shoot-out.
The success of the Under-17 side saw them qualify for the World Cup finals in September. King will continue to manage this team for the duration of the World Cup, with International Performance Director Wim Koevermans taking temporary charge of the Under-21 squad for their matches away to Switzerland on September 3rd and Turkey on September 7th.
“I am delighted to take on the exciting role of head coach with the Republic of Ireland Under-21 team. I have been involved with the women’s squads for ten years and I have thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to help develop women’s football in Ireland,” said King.
FAI High Performance Director Wim Koevermans, said: “Noel has achieved tremendous success during his long career and he has rightly cemented his reputation as one of the best coaches in Ireland.”
King takes over from Don Givens, who stepped aside from the role in March after 10 years, and is now the FAI’s chief scout in Britain.