BRIAN KERR SAYS he is “elated” to be part of John O’Shea’s management team following today’s confirmation he will join the Waterford man’s interim coaching staff for Ireland’s upcoming March friendly internationals.
Kerr, 70, has been brought on board as a technical advisor as O’Shea prepares to lead Ireland in games against Belgium and Switzerland on 23 and 26 March.
𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐫𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰!
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 1, 2024
▪️ Delight at his new role
▪️ His return to the FAI
▪️ The upcoming friendlies
▪️ The call from John O'Shea
▪️ His passion for Irish football
▪️ Missing St Pat's games in March 😅@BernardOToole | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/v72kLJs0N5
The Dubliner was Ireland manager for 33 games between 2003 and 2005.
“This came out of the blue for me,” Kerr said in an interview with Virgin Media.
“I was surprised but am delighted to offer any assistance I can to John O’Shea. We’ll see where it goes.
“Without having long discussions with anybody about the role, I’m delighted to be asked.
I had 33 games and three years in the job. It was an absolute honour at the time but maybe it ended quicker than it should have.
“That’s all well in the past. It’s all about the future now and I’m happy to be involved. If that means chasing balls or picking up tracksuits off the ground, I’m more than happy to make a contribution.
“But I think I’ve a knowledge and understanding of international football that will help John for this short-term [deal].
“I’m elated to be part of John’s team.”
Kerr admitted he didn’t think he would return to work with the FAI at this stage of his career, 19 years after his time as manager came to an end.
“I would have to say no, I thought it was very unlikely at this stage.
“I’ve been offered a couple of roles in the last few years. One of them was a bit of a mad one about being the media watchdog at one stage, I was offered that job.
“But no, I suppose I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to be out on the training pitch to be assessing players and maybe lending a word of advice here and there to players and to staff about trying to win matches, which I think is the most important thing now for this team and for the FAI and for these two games, that the team tries to win the games and get football back on a positive note.”
