Brian Kerr's reign as Republic of Ireland manager is over as the Football Association of Ireland have opted not to renew his contract.
Kerr has ultimately paid the price for failing to take Ireland to next summer's World Cup finals in Germany, culminating in last Wednesday's goalless draw against Switzerland at Lansdowne Road, a game the Republic needed to win to reach the play-offs.
The decision was taken following a meeting of the FAI's ten-man Board of Management at a hotel at Dublin Airport.
A statement from the FAI read: "The board of the FAI met today and considered the implications of non-qualification of the international team for the World Cup in 2006.
"The board also assessed the prospect of achieving success in future European Championships and World Cup campaigns in the context of the development of the game in Ireland.
"Following this meeting the board has indicated that the FAI is to recruit a new international manager to succeed Brian Kerr whose contract expired at the end of the 2006 World Cup campaign.
"The board would like to thank Brian Kerr and the technical staff for their commitment and energy demonstrated during almost three years in charge."
But it was Kerr’s inability to win important competitive games that eventually ended the Dubliner’s eight-year relationship with the FAI.
The statement went on to say: "The board's view was that the declining FIFA world rankings, UEFA standings and non-qualification for the 2006 World Cup were key issues for the Association.
"The downward trend in our rankings and seedings has been very disappointing and will make qualification for future tournaments considerably more difficult and that has knock-on consequences for the development of the game."
It means the FAI now begin their search for a man to hopefully lead the country to the 2008 European Championships in Switzerland and Austria.
Unsurprisingly, the speculation over the past week has been frenzied, with three high-profile candidates in Alex Ferguson, David O'Leary and Martin O'Neill among the front-runners, with the latter a 2-1 favourite.
Bobby Robson has also been mentioned, although at the age of 72, and despite the experience he would bring to the job, it would appear time is against the former England and Newcastle manager.
Also strongly mentioned has been Kenny Dalglish, whose playing credentials are second to none, however, his spells in charge with Liverpool and Blackburn were not the most glorious.
