Mick McCarthy’s reign as Republic of Ireland manager has come to an end with the news that he has negotiated a compensation package with the FAI and will vacate his post immediately.
McCarthy’s contract was not due to expire until February 2004, however following poor results against Russia and Switzerland in the recent European Championship qualifiers, and the loss of public support, McCarthy has agreed to vacate the position he has occupied since March 1996.
McCarthy is due in Dublin tonight to finalise formalities with the FAI and a press conference has been arranged for the Burlington Hotel this evening where confirmation of his depature is expected.
The search for his successor will begin straight away with David O’Leary, John Toshack, John Aldridge and Joe Kinnear all early favourites for the job.
Ireland's next match is a friendly away to Greece later in the month and under-21 manager Don Givens is expected to take over in a caretaker capacity.
Filed by Johnny Proby
