Kerr is axed

The announcement was widely expected following the Republic of Ireland’s failure to qualify for the World Cup finals to be held next summer in Germany. Kerr was appointed after the firing of Mick McCarthy in January 2003. Among those being mentioned as possible successors are: former Celtic boss and Northern Ireland international Martin O’Neill, former Republic of Ireland defender and current Aston Villa manager David O’Leary, former England boss Bobby Robson, long-time Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson and former Scotland and Liverpool superstar Kenny Dalglish. For more coverage and comment on the Ireland team, go to pages 45, 46 and 48.