Martin O'Neill Pens New Ireland Contract

Martin O’Neill and his management team have signed new contracts to continue with the Republic of Ireland National Team to take them beyond the European Championships and into the FIFA 2018 World Cup campaign.

On the eve of departing for France, O’Neill has said he was “delighted that John Delaney and the FAI Board have extended our contracts for the World Cup campaign.”

O’Neill and his management team have guided the national team to EURO 2016 having navigated a difficult group with Germany, Poland and Scotland. The Boys in Green managed some credible results during the campaign, including a famous 1-0 win at the Aviva Stadium against World Champions Germany.

Reflecting on the campaign O’Neill added, “It has been an absolute privilege to have been in charge of the Republic of Ireland national team, these last 30 months, and we go to France tomorrow in good spirits, with a strong desire to do well in the next few weeks.”

FAI CEO John Delaney shared O’Neill’s sentiments by saying it was a “great day” for Irish football.

“I am delighted we have agreed terms with Martin and his team of Roy Keane, Steve Guppy, Seamus McDonagh and Steve Walford,” said Delaney.

“The board of the FAI were unanimous in offering Martin and his full management team a renewal of their contracts.”

Echoing Delaney was FAI President Tony Fitzgerald who said “Martin is one of the great managers in football and on behalf of the Board of the FAI, we are extremely happy that he and the Association will continue to work together in the future.”

O’Neill will hope to lead his Irish charges beyond the group stages at the upcoming Euro 2016 competition before taking the Boys in Green into the World Cup Qualification campaign for Russia in 2018.