Former Iceland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has been appointed as Republic of Ireland’s new football manager.
The FAI made the surprise announcement this afternoon, saying the 57-year-old was identified as the number one candidate earlier this year.
Hallgrímsson has previously managed Jamaica and was Iceland’s joint manager when they famously beat England at Euro 2016.
He will take charge of the Irish team for the upcoming Nations League and World Cup 2026 campaigns.
His first competitive fixture will be against England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this September.
A message from our new Men's National Team Head Coach ??? pic.twitter.com/tDRz3KwSpS
— Ireland Football ⚽️?? (@IrelandFootball) July 10, 2024
The FAI said Hallgrímsson was chosen for his experience on the international stage and ability to move teams up the FIFA world rankings and qualify for major international tournaments.
Hallgrímsson began his international coaching career as Iceland’s assistant manager before being promoted to joint head coach for the period between 2013 and 2016.
He was sole head coach between 2016 and 2018.
During his time with Iceland, the country qualified for the euro 2016 and the 2018 world Cup.
They also reached a playoff for the 2014 World Cup.
He also took Jamaica to this summer’s Copa America before resigning at the conclusion of their campaign.
In between his international roles with Jamaica and Iceland Hallgrímsson managed Qatar Stars League club Al-Arabi.
Welcome to Ireland Heimir Hallgrímsson ??
Our new Ireland MNT Head Coach ? pic.twitter.com/aKZMMOPtyL
— Ireland Football ⚽️?? (@IrelandFootball) July 10, 2024
Hallgrímsson described his appointment to the Ireland job as “an honour”.
“Ireland is rightly a proud footballing nation which has consistently produced talented players and enjoyed many memorable moments at major international tournaments,” he 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.
“We have important and exciting games coming up in the UEFA Nations League later this year and a massive FIFA World Cup qualification campaign coming up next year.”
Heimer Hallgrimsson. Image: FAIHe said he is also “looking forward to getting to know the people of Ireland and in particular the wonderful fans of Irish football”.
“It is my responsibility to coach, prepare and develop our team as best as possible to deliver results on the pitch and to make our supporters happy and proud,” he said.
FAI Director of Football Marc Canham said: “We are thrilled to announce Heimir as our new Head Coach”.
“Not only does Heimir have significant experience at international level with two different countries, but crucially he also has a track record of qualifying for major international tournaments and taking teams up the FIFA World rankings,” he said.
“It was also important for us that we recruited a Head Coach who is interested in the overall development of football in Ireland as outlined in the FAI’s football pathways plan and in particular someone who is interested in the development of our underage international teams both of which Heimir is hugely passionate about.”
He thanked John O’Shea and his staff who he said, “guided the team through recent friendly internationals preparing the team impeccably, creating a brilliant environment for the players and achieving positive results on the pitch”.
