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Stephen Kenny is confident he leaves behind a “great job” for someone else after his contract as Republic of Ireland manager was not renewed. Kenny’s side finished fourth in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, winning just two of eight matches, and after Tuesday’s 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand the Football Association of Ireland made the swift announcement it would not be extending his stay. The 52-year-old’s three-and-a-half-year reign brought huge change, but crucially not enough wins, and while opinions will differ on his legacy he firmly believes the squad he has reshaped – Kenny has handed competitive debuts to 26 players during his time in charge – will serve his successor well. “Listen, I think it’s a very exciting squad. I think it’s a great job now, it’s an absolutely great job now with the talent, but talent with experience – and they’ll get better between now and the Nations League,” he said, speaking before the news was announced. “It’s not until next September now, but they’ll have much more club experience under their belt as well and I think if you picked your best squad there with everyone fit, there’s a lot of talent in it and I think it’s a very good job now, that’s the way I feel.” Kenny has had little choice but to blood a new generation of attacking players, in particular with David McGoldrick’s retirement in November 2020, prompting him to turn to Adam Idah, Michael Obafemi and Chiedozie Ogbene and later the blossoming talent of Evan Ferguson and Celtic winger Mikey Johnston. However, while there have been creditable performances and near misses – Portugal needed a last-gasp double to deny Ireland a famous World Cup qualifier victory in Faro in September 2021 – a return of just six wins in 29 competitive matches represents a damning statistic. Those who questioned Kenny’s appointment in the first place cite that as vindication for their reservations, while even those who have supported him have eventually had to concede that, whatever good he has done, it has not been rewarded with the wins, draws and points he needed to keep his job. Asked if he would have done anything differently, he said: “Listen, I have no regrets, but did I get everything right? No, I didn’t, of course I didn’t. “What I had to do in the first period, I don’t think anyone would have been able to deal with it, it was so difficult. But that’s the way it is. “Listen, it’s been a massive, massive privilege and I’ve understood that every day. I have no regrets, but did I get everything right? No, I didn't, of course I didn't. Departing Reublic manager Stephen Kelly “Yes, there’s been a lot of criticism, but listen, now’s not the time. It’s a small community, the Irish football community and it can be quite political and that’s the disappointing aspect.” The FAI said “now is the right time for change” ahead of friendly matches taking place in March and June 2024 and the recruitment process for a new head coach begins immediately. “Over the period of his tenure, Stephen and his staff have worked tirelessly to create the right environment to support the development of our senior men’s team, and we are hugely grateful for that considerable contribution,” said FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill. “Stephen has also overseen an important period of transition for our senior men’s national team and has given debuts to a significant number of new and younger players and this will serve as a solid platform for whoever now takes this group of players forward.” Read More Stephen Kenny leaves role as Ireland manager after contract is not renewed Owen Farrell not planning to end his England career any time soon Lionel Messi condemns treatment of Argentina fans during clash with Brazil Everton have extra motivation following points deduction – director of football What happens next for Wales as they look to book a place at Euro 2024? Clubs must be punished for failure to meet diversity requirements – Kick It Out

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Stephen Kenny’s contract as manager of the Republic of Ireland will not be renewed, the Football Association of Ireland has announced. His departure comes following Ireland’s disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, where the team missed out on a spot in next year’s finals in Germany. Their qualification run came to a close on Saturday after being beaten 1-0 by the Netherlands in Amsterdam and as a result finished fourth in the Group B standings having won only two of their eight games. Kenny’s final game in charge saw Ireland draw 1-1 with New Zealand in a friendly in Dublin on Tuesday, with the FAI deciding that his contract would not be renewed following the conclusion of the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. They added that “now is the right time for change” ahead of friendly matches taking place in March and June 2024 and confirmed that the recruitment process for a new head coach is now under way. Speaking about the decision, FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said: “Over the period of his tenure, Stephen and his staff have worked tirelessly to create the right environment to support the development of our senior men’s team, and we are hugely grateful for that considerable contribution. “Stephen has also overseen an important period of transition for our senior men’s national team and has given debuts to a significant number of new and younger players and this will serve as a solid platform for whoever now takes this group of players forward.” FAI President Gerry McAnaney added: “The Board and all at the FAI would like to sincerely thank Stephen and his staff for their hard work, professionalism and unwavering dedication to the team, the fans, and to Irish football. We wish Stephen every success for the future.” Kenny has been at the helm since 2020, replacing Mick McCarthy and has overseen plenty of changes within the squad, but only recorded six wins out of 29 competitive matches during his reign. His contract expired following the New Zealand draw and admitted post-match he did not expect to continue as Ireland manager. “Of course, it would be a dream to carry on and manage the team, of course it would, but my instinct is that’s not going to happen,” Kenny said. “That’s my own instinct and the evidence suggests that probably won’t happen, so I respect that as well.” Read More Owen Farrell not planning to end his England career any time soon Millie Bright set to miss Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Paris FC Lionel Messi condemns treatment of Argentina fans during clash with Brazil Everton have extra motivation following points deduction – director of football What happens next for Wales as they look to book a place at Euro 2024? Clubs must be punished for failure to meet diversity requirements – Kick It Out

Chelsea captain Millie Bright is likely to miss her side’s Women’s Champions League meeting with Paris FC at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. Blues manager Emma Hayes confirmed Bright has a knee problem and, although it is not a serious issue, said the 30-year-old will also be a doubt for Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad for the upcoming Nations League games against the Netherlands and Scotland in the first week of December. Bright had knee surgery prior to last summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where she skippered England to second place, before returning to pre-season training at Cobham ahead of the Women’s Super League season. The defender, who took over as Chelsea skipper from Magdalena Eriksson for the new WSL season, featured in all seven matches as England finished runners-up behind Spain having not played a competitive game for club or country since March. “I’ve made it clear that having so many games in quick succession, we’re managing our load,” said Hayes. “We wanted to give her a bit of extra time but I think she’s very much in doubt for (Thursday). “Prior to the World Cup she had surgery on her knee, so preparation going into the World Cup wasn’t ideal. She rushed herself back. “She’s come back and quickly into the Chelsea season, so perhaps she needed a little bit longer. “Her knee’s a little bit angry at the minute. It’s not anything too detrimental, we’re just listening to her body and how it’s feeling. “There’s a strong possibility (of missing the Lionesses’ games).” Hayes said she is yet to decide whether she will travel to the United States during the international break, following the announcement last week that she is to take over the US national team after standing down as Chelsea coach in May. But she reiterated her stance that until then she remains committed to helping the club to a fifth straight WSL title and a first Champions League crown. The team will be looking to get the first win of their European campaign against Paris following the controversial 2-2 draw with Real Madrid last week. “I’m not watching (the US players), I’m watching my own team,” said Hayes. “That’s the work of the full-time team that are in place. I don’t start working for US Soccer until May. “Since I’ve been appointed as the coach I’ve had conversations with people. There are full-time people in post in the US and I’ll be there in May. When the opportunity arises I will have conversations. But my full focus is on Chelsea.” Striker Sam Kerr praised her manager’s impact on the club during her 12-year tenure. “It’s obviously sad,” she said. “Emma’s a great coach, a great leader and she’s been here for so long. But that’s football. “Chelsea are very lucky that they’ve had her for as long as they have, but most of us in football are used to these things (managers leaving). We all wish her all the best (with the US).” Hayes interjected: “Do you mean that?” “No,” said Australia international Kerr. Read More Lionel Messi condemns treatment of Argentina fans during clash with Brazil Everton have extra motivation following points deduction – director of football What happens next for Wales as they look to book a place at Euro 2024? Clubs must be punished for failure to meet diversity requirements – Kick It Out Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s deadline to respond to FA charge extended to Friday Rob Page ‘absolutely’ adamant he will lead Wales into Euro 2024 play-offs

Barnsley have been expelled from the FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their first-round replay against Horsham. Seventh-tier Horsham will now progress to round two, where they will visit League Two strugglers Sutton. The Tykes were 3-0 winners in last Tuesday’s replay, after the first game had finished 3-3 at Oakwell, but have since acknowledged a “regrettable”, “unintentional” error that has seen them kicked out of this season’s competition by the Football Association. A club statement read: “Today the FA has advised us that we will no longer be able to participate in the FA Cup this season. “An administrative error was brought to our attention regarding the eligibility of a player who played in last Tuesday’s game with Horsham FC. “The club has fully co-operated with the investigation and has accepted the FA’s decision. We have been in contact with Horsham FC and would like to thank the club and chairman for their understanding and co-operation throughout this process. “We would like to apologise to our fans, players and staff for this regrettable error. “This mistake – although unintentional – falls way below the high standards we set at this club and is simply not what you deserve. “We have already conducted a full internal investigation and have subsequently put safeguards in place to ensure this will never happen again.” The FA said Barnsley fielded a player in the replay who was not eligible for the first match, which is against the rules. Forward Aiden Marsh was on loan at National League York when the first game took place on November 3, before being recalled by parent club Barnsley on November 6 and playing 71 minutes of the replay on November 14. “A Professional Game Board sub-committee has removed Barnsley from the 2023-24 Emirates FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player during their first-round proper replay against Horsham on Tuesday 14 November 2023,” an FA statement read. “The FA alleged that the player was ineligible for this replay, as he was not correctly registered and eligible for the original first-round-proper match on Friday 3 November 2023, which constitutes a breach of FA Cup rule 103. “Barnsley admitted this charge and acknowledged that the breach had occurred. The sub-committee’s members ordered that Barnsley be removed from the competition, and that Horsham be awarded the tie and progression to the second round proper. “Subject to any appeal by Barnsley, Horsham will now play away to Sutton United in the Second Round Proper on Saturday 2 December 2023.” Read More Great Britain determined to ruin Novak Djokovic’s astonishing year at Davis Cup Everton have extra motivation following points deduction – director of football What happens next for Wales as they look to book a place at Euro 2024? Clubs must be punished for failure to meet diversity requirements – Kick It Out Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s deadline to respond to FA charge extended to Friday Rob Page ‘absolutely’ adamant he will lead Wales into Euro 2024 play-offs

Wales are heading to the Euro 2024 play-offs after drawing 1-1 with Turkey on a dramatic night in Cardiff. Neco Williams’ seventh-minute goal – his third for Wales – offered hope they could bridge the two-point gap between them and Croatia for the second automatic qualifying spot. But Yusuf Yazici’s controversial penalty 20 minutes from time – awarded after Wales had three stronger spot-kick appeals rejected – handed Turkey a share of the spoils and the point required to top Group D. In the end, Yazici’s leveller did not matter in denying Wales qualification as Croatia kept their side of the bargain by beating Armenia 1-0 at home. Wales go into the March play-offs where a home semi-final against Finland, Iceland and Ukraine awaits. Thursday’s draw will determine who Wales will play, with Poland and Estonia contesting the other semi-final. Wales had lost control of their destiny by drawing in Armenia on Saturday, with a performance that was as poor as the result. Boss Rob Page reacted to that disappointment by making three changes, one of which was enforced with Chris Mepham suspended and Luton defender Tom Lockyer making his first competitive appearance for Wales since September 2021. Brennan Johnson and Nathan Broadhead were also introduced on the back of Wales’ makeweight attack in Yerevan. Turkey skipper Hakan Calhanoglu, the Inter Milan midfielder, was absent through illness but Vincenzo Montella had started his managerial reign with three victories – including taking the scalps of Croatia and Germany – and their travelling support was as noisy as ever. Wales showed an intensity that was missing in Yerevan as Broadhead seized on a mistake and curled wide of the far post. But Wales did not have to wait long for the breakthrough as Harry Wilson found Williams in space on the left. Williams cut inside on his favoured right foot and with perfect placement found the corner of Ugurcan Cakir’s net from 16 yards. Turkey were visibly rattled, losing Lockyer at a corner and letting discipline slip with some unnecessary shoving as tempers threatened to boil over. Wales had no fewer than three penalty appeals in a frantic nine-minute spell. Wilson went down in a tangle of legs with with Abdulkerim Bardakci and Johnson was floored by a sliding Samet Akaydin tackle when the defender did not make contact with the ball. Akaydin then flattened Johnson from behind in a crowded goalmouth, the challenge somehow escaping the notice of Slovenian referee Matej Jug and VAR. Turkey sent on Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir for the injured Cakir and fashioned their first opening three minutes before the interval when Kerem Akturkoglu fired over. Bayindir was forced into action from Johnson, who was proving far more lively than his limp second-half showing in Armenia. Johnson brought another full-stretch stop from Bayindir after the break, but Turkey should have been level after 58 minutes. Akaydin met an Akturkoglu corner from six yards but planted his header straight at Danny Ward in the Wales goal. Ethan Ampadu saw his header held by Bayindir before Turkey equalised in contentious circumstances. Ben Davies was adjudged to have fouled Kenan Yildiz, an incredibly soft decision that was capitalised on by Yazici in nonchalant fashion. It was Turkey’s first goal in four visits to Wales. Yusuf Sari skimmed the Wales crossbar and Johnson had the ball in the net from an offside position. There were heated scenes at the final whistle and a rash of yellow cards. Wales had extended their unbeaten run to six games, but that will be of scant consolation as the disappointment of missing out on automatic qualification sinks in. Read More Clubs must be punished for failure to meet diversity requirements – Kick It Out Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s deadline to respond to FA charge extended to Friday Rob Page ‘absolutely’ adamant he will lead Wales into Euro 2024 play-offs James McClean backs Republic to enjoy ‘glory days’ after calling time on career On This Day in 2017 – Everton’s Oumar Niasse hit with retrospective diving ban Performing under pressure – remembering England’s dramatic 2003 World Cup win

Wales must navigate the play-offs in March to reach the European Championship finals next summer. If they do so, it will be Wales’ fourth major tournament out of the last five. Here, the PA news agency looks at their Euro 2024 story so far and what happens next. How did Wales get here? It has been a campaign of transition without talismanic captain Gareth Bale following his retirement in January and the loss of other key players such as midfielder Joe Allen. Wales began well with a bonus point away to World Cup semi-finalists Croatia – courtesy of Nathan Broadhead’s stoppage-time equaliser – and a narrow home win over Latvia. But a sour summer – back-to-beat defeats against Armenia and Turkey – would cost them dear, despite bouncing back with a 2-0 success in Latvia and a sensational 2-1 home victory over Croatia. Wales had automatic qualification in their hands heading into the final two games, but ultimately fell short with closing 1-1 draws against Armenia and Turkey. Croatia and Turkey qualified as the top two in Group D. Play-off scenario Wales will discover at 11am on Thursday morning who their semi-final opponents will be on March 21. Manager Rob Page will attend the draw in Switzerland to get a flavour of what stands in his side’s way. It is a case of one from three countries as Finland, Iceland or Ukraine will be paired with Wales in Path A. The winners of that tie will play Poland or Estonia in the play-off final on March 26 for the right to play at Euro 2024. Home sweet home Wales will have home advantage for the semi-final, which will be played at Cardiff City Stadium. That is a huge boost for Wales who have had some special nights in Cardiff in recent times, and beat both Austria and Ukraine there in the 2022 World Cup play-offs. The Nyon draw on Thursday will also decide who gets home advantage for the March 26 final. Wales got the breaks in the 2022 World Cup play-offs with two home ties. Will they be as fortunate again? Who do Wales want? Ukraine are 22nd in the FIFA rankings, six places above Wales, and present the toughest test on paper. They were third in England’s qualifying group and might already be preparing for Germany had they been awarded what appeared a certain stoppage-time penalty against Italy on Monday. Finland won six of their 10 qualifiers and finished four points behind Denmark and Slovenia, while Iceland won only three times in 10 games and were a distant fourth to Portugal, Slovakia and Luxembourg. Whoever they play, Wales enter the play-offs with confidence after an unbeaten six-game run of three wins and three draws. Read More Clubs must be punished for failure to meet diversity requirements – Kick It Out Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s deadline to respond to FA charge extended to Friday Rob Page ‘absolutely’ adamant he will lead Wales into Euro 2024 play-offs James McClean backs Republic to enjoy ‘glory days’ after calling time on career On This Day in 2017 – Everton’s Oumar Niasse hit with retrospective diving ban Performing under pressure – remembering England’s dramatic 2003 World Cup win

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Mikel Arteta has been given until Friday to respond to his Football Association charge for comments he made after Arsenal’s defeat by Newcastle earlier this month. The Gunners boss branded the VAR decision not to rule out Anthony Gordon’s goal in his side’s 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park “an absolute disgrace”. Arteta has been charged with a breach of FA rule E3.1 and initially had until Tuesday to offer his response. However, that deadline has now been extended until Friday at the Gunners’ request, the PA news agency understands. VAR made a triple check to see whether the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock’s cross, whether Joelinton had fouled Arsenal defender Gabriel and whether Gordon had been offside. Arteta could not hide his anger after the match, saying: “You have to talk about how the hell did this goal stand up? Incredible. I feel embarrassed. “I have to now come in here and try to defend the club and please ask for help because it’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed. An absolute disgrace.” Read More Rob Page ‘absolutely’ adamant he will lead Wales into Euro 2024 play-offs James McClean backs Republic to enjoy ‘glory days’ after calling time on career On This Day in 2017 – Everton’s Oumar Niasse hit with retrospective diving ban

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James McClean has backed the Republic of Ireland’s new generation to fulfil their potential after calling time on his international career. The 34-year-old won his 103rd and last Ireland cap in Tuesday night’s 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand and bade an emotional farewell to team-mates and fans alike after a 11 and a half years in the green shirt during which he played at the finals of two major tournaments. McClean may not be the only man whose time in the international set-up has drawn to a close, with manager Stephen Kenny now out of contract and not expecting an extension after a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, although the Wrexham defender is convinced the foundations he has put in place will pay dividends. Speaking after the game, he said: “I’m going to call it how I see it. There is so much ability here. These lads are young – that’s not making excuses for them. International football is a whole different level. “These will get better with experience and with that experience, I’ve no doubt that down the line, these lads will bring the glory days back – and when I say glory days, I mean qualifying for major tournaments. “They just need to believe in themselves because the ability is there, it’s just getting that consistency and doing it every single game, and I’ve no doubt that will come with experience.” McClean knows what it takes to qualify for tournaments having represented Ireland at both Euro 2012 and ast France 2016, too. It was at the latter that the Republic secured one of their most significant victories, a 1-0 win over Italy in Lille which set up a last-16 clash with hosts France. McClean said: “That night in Lille when we beat Italy was… I’ve said this before, I wish you could bottle that because if you could bottle that and sell it, you’d be laughing. Absolutely phenomenal. “It’s been absolutely amazing. From the second I stepped on the pitch against the Czech Republic in 2012, the fans here in the stadium have been absolutely phenomenal, home and away. “That was something again that was very special. I pride myself on how your nearest and dearest, your team-mates, view you as a person and tonight that showed how they viewed me. “I’ve struck up some great relationships with the lads over the years and it’s something that I will miss, the camaraderie around the squad and going into battle with these lads.” McClean announced his decision to step back from international football last month and had no regrets about doing so after his final appearance. He said: “I think this is the right time to go. Not many people get to go out on their terms. I’ve had the absolute time of my life. I’ve achieved so much. Beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve had my time. “The lads were saying tonight, ‘why didn’t you cry? I would have cried’. But I don’t see the need to cry because like I said, I had the time of my life. I’ve had so many happy memories and it’s been an absolute honour.” Read More On This Day in 2017 – Everton’s Oumar Niasse hit with retrospective diving ban Performing under pressure – remembering England’s dramatic 2003 World Cup win Jason Robinson has yet to watch a rerun of England’s World Cup success Rob Page draws on play-off experience after Wales miss out on Euro qualification Stephen Kenny admits dream job is probably over James McClean’s Republic of Ireland farewell ruined by New Zealand friendly draw

Everton striker Oumar Niasse became the first Premier League player to be hit with a retrospective suspension for diving on this day in 2017. The Senegal international was handed a two-match ban by the Football Association after winning a controversial penalty, under pressure from Scott Dann, in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Niasse’s punishment came six months after the FA voted in favour of introducing new laws in an attempt to clamp down on players diving or feigning injury. Everton caretaker boss David Unsworth felt a “dangerous precedent” could be set by the sanction. “I think these people (the FA) will be very busy,” he said. “He (Niasse) was shocked and I was shocked (by the charge). “It’s a dangerous precedent that could be set if decisions are given against you which are debatable.” Niasse denied he had “committed an act of simulation” which led to a spot-kick being awarded in the fifth minute of the game in south London. But he was found guilty by the FA’s Independent Regulatory Commission, which includes former players. Leighton Baines converted the contentious penalty to cancel out James McArthur’s early opener before Niasse earned Everton a point by equalising following a goal from Eagles forward Wilfried Zaha. Palace boss Roy Hodgson said: “My only satisfaction is that the FA and the people who make those decisions have sided with me rather than the player.” Read More Performing under pressure – remembering England’s dramatic 2003 World Cup win Jason Robinson has yet to watch a rerun of England’s World Cup success Rob Page draws on play-off experience after Wales miss out on Euro qualification