NOEL KING has been appointed Ireland Under-21 football manager by the FAI. King's first match in charge will be on August 10th for a European championship qualifying match against Estonia at Tallaght Stadium, writes Ciarán Daly.
King spoke of his desire to develop the talent within the Irish ranks. “I am delighted to take on the exciting role of head coach with the Republic of Ireland Under-21 team. This new role will see me work with players at a vital stage in their careers and it is a challenge I am immensely looking forward to.”
King managed Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, Limerick FC and Finn Harps before taking charge of the Ireland women’s team in 2000.
The women’s under-17 side finished runners-up at the Uefa European Championships under King’s stewardship last month. By reaching the final the side were assured of qualification to the World Cup finals in September.
King will continue to manage that team for the duration of the tournament, with international performance director Wim Koevermans taking temporary charge of the under-21 team.
The under-21s are scheduled to travel to Switzerland on September 3rd and Turkey on September 7th.
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