A Manchester United legend has revealed he had talks with the Football Association of Ireland regarding the Republic of Ireland manager’s job last year.
Then-Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny’s contract was not renewed at the end of 2023.
The 53-year-old – who replaced Mick McCarthy in the role three years earlier – was not offered a new deal after recording just six wins across his 29 competitive games in charge.
In their hunt for a replacement the FAI spoke with a number of candidates, including former Man United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, before ultimately appointing Heimir Hallgrimsson.
In January, Solskjaer returned to the dugout with Besiktas and led the club to a fourth-placed finish in the Turkish Super Lig.
On Thursday Besiktas face St Patrick’s Athletic, who are managed by Kenny, in the third round of UEFA Conference League qualifying.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed he was in talks to take the Republic of Ireland job last year
The role was vacant after then-Ireland boss Stephen Kenny was not offered a new deal
Solskjaer’s former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane was also said to be in the running
Speaking ahead of the game Solskjaer reflected on his interest in the Republic of Ireland job.
‘I had some good conversations [regarding the role],’ he said.
‘But, in the end, it didn’t turn out that way and I’m very happy where I am now, we’ll put it that way.’
Solskjaer’s former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane was also said to be in the running to take over following Kenny’s departure.
Keane had previously served as Martin O’Neill’s assistant for his country between 2013 and 2018.
However, despite being the bookies’ favourite at one stage in the hiring process Keane ultimately lost out to the relative unknown Hallgrimsson.
