Stephen Kenny departs as Republic of Ireland boss

When Kenny stepped up from the Under-21s to take charge of the senior squad in 2020, the hope was that he would spearhead a transitional period.

However, the 52-year-old was able to oversee just 11 wins from his 40 matches in charge, a period that included failed attempts to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.

The odds were against progressing through to the latter once the Boys in Green were placed in a group alongside France, Netherlands and Greece.

Republic of Ireland subsequently endured a dismal campaign, losing each of the respective double-headers and only defeating minnows Gibraltar.

Speculation has persisted regarding Kenny's future for some time, but the decision was made official by the FAI on Wednesday evening.

A statement read: "Having reviewed the EURO 2024 qualification campaign in its entirety, and recognising how difficult the Group was, the results needed to realise our goal of qualification for the tournament were not achieved.

"The board agrees that now is the right time for change ahead of the friendly matches in March and June 2024 and the next Nations League campaign starting in September 2024."

FAI CEO Jonathan Hill added: "Over the period of his tenure, Stephen and his staff have worked tirelessly to create the right environment to support the development of our senior men's team, and we are hugely grateful for that considerable contribution.

"Stephen has also overseen an important period of transition for our senior men's national team and has given debuts to a significant number of new and younger players and this will serve as a solid platform for whoever now takes this group of players forward."

A total of six wins have been recorded from Republic of Ireland's last 16 fixtures, yet the only notable triumphs were at home to Scotland and Armenia.

During the most recent international break, a 1-0 defeat in the Netherlands was posted before a 1-1 draw at home to New Zealand in a friendly three days later.