Ireland under-21 coaching team to continue as Jim Crawford, Alan Reynolds and John O’Shea extend contracts with FAI

Jim Crawford

Jim Crawford Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

Jim Crawford has extended his stint as Republic of Ireland under-21 Head Coach having signed a contract extension with the FAI that will keep him in the role until the end of the 2025 European Under-21 Championship campaign.  

The FAI also confirmed that Assistant Coaches Alan Reynolds and John O’Shea have agreed extensions with the FAI for the upcoming campaign. 

The signings keep the management team together that brought Ireland to the play-offs for the first time rising in the UEFA rankings to 19th spot which is Ireland's highest ranking at that age grade.  
 
"To be Head Coach of the Under-21s team is a huge privilege, so to renew my contract is something I'm very proud and excited about,” said Crawford.

"It gives me and my staff a further campaign to help develop the next generation of players and ready them for senior international football. This represents success for us with the view that development leads us to a European Championship."

Crawford began his FAI coaching journey in 2008 as an FAI Development Officer in South Dublin. He was Assistant Manager of the Men’s Under-19s side under Paul Doolin before his appointment as Head Coach of the Men’s Under-18s team in 2016.

In 2019, Jim joined Stephen Kenny’s U21s backroom team and was promoted to U21s Head Coach the following year when Kenny took up the role as manager with the senior men’s team.
 
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill, speaking about the contract extension, said "we are delighted to extend Jim's contract after an excellent Under-21 campaign where he and the team achieved so much. We are also very happy that we are able to extend Alan and John's positions with the Association and to keep the team together.

“We all shared the excitement of that run to the  play-offs and there were some memorable wins for Jim over Sweden, both home and away as well as generally excellent performances in Tallaght Stadium in front of a support that grew game-by-game.  

“In Jim, we feel we have a talented and experienced Under-21s Head Coach who will continue to nurture the talents of our young players to reach senior international levels." 

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile