AAP Soccer

Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrimsson takes over Ireland

By AAP Newswire

Jul 11, 2024

Ireland have appointed Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrimsson as their new national team manager.

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Hallgrimsson replaces interim John O'Shea, who had been in charge since Stephen Kenny's departure in November following a disappointing qualifying campaign for Euro 2024.

It will be Hallgrimsson's third national team job after previous stints in charge of Iceland and Jamaica.

The former dentist was joint Iceland coach with Lars Lagerback from 2013 — a spell which included the team's Euro 2016 win over England — before becoming sole head coach for a further two years until 2018, when he led the country to their first World Cup.

Following a stint with Qatari team Al-Arabi, Hallgrimsson then became head coach of Jamaica in 2022, but announced his resignation following the team's exit from the Copa America this month.

"Ireland is rightly a proud footballing nation which has consistently produced talented players and enjoyed many memorable moments at major international tournaments," Hallgrimsson said.

"We have a young and exciting team that has genuine potential. I am looking forward to working closely with the players to help coach and guide them towards improved performances and results ensuring we qualify and compete at major tournaments on a regular basis."

Hallgrimsson will take charge of his first competitive game when Ireland play England in the Nations League on September 7.