The FAI have confirmed that Noel King is stepping down from his role as Ireland U21 manager.

The 62-year old had been in charge since 2010, overseeing 40 competitive games. He will now move into the role of Player Identification Manager within the association.

Confirming his departure, King said: “I would like to thank FAI CEO John Delaney and the FAI Board for placing their trust in me at the beginning and for their support over the eight years. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the role and was honoured to hold such a distinguished position.

“I take with me some great memories from over the years and moving forward I am excited to continue working with the FAI in the capacity of identifying players to represent Ireland.”  

The U21 team failed to qualify for a major tournament during his tenure with two third place finishes the closest they came. His final game was a 2-0 defeat away to Germany last month.

His future had been the subject of speculation since, with stories linking former Ireland captain and record goalscorer Robbie Keane with a coaching position in the new set-up emerging last week.

According to the FAI statement, the process to appoint King’s successor “will begin in due course.”   

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