Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane resign as Republic of Ireland manager and assistant after dismal run of form

The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that the pair have left the national set-up five years after taking charge

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill and his assistant Roy Keane have resigned following their relegation in the Nations League.

The Board of the Football Association of Ireland confirmed their departures on Wednesday morning, which came after a nightmare run of one win in their last 11 games and ends their five-year reign in charge of the national team.

As well as Keane, goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh and assistant coach Steve Guppy have left the backroom staff with immediate effect.

“On behalf of the FAI Board, I would like to thank Martin, Roy, and the management team for their work with the Republic of Ireland team over the last five years,” said FAI president Donal Conway in a statement.

“Martin ensured that we enjoyed some great nights in the Aviva Stadium and on the road in Lille, Vienna, and Cardiff, which were fantastic high points for Irish football.”

O’Neill memorably guided Ireland to their most successful European Championship campaign in 2016 as they reached the last-16 before suffering defeat against eventual runners-up France, while they came within one win of making the 2018 World Cup, only to suffer defeat to Denmark in the play-offs last November.

Roy Keane and Martin O'Neill have left their roles with the Republic of Ireland with immediate effect (PA)

However, the heavy 5-1 loss to the Danes triggered their current lull in form, having lost five times as many games as they’ve won over the last 12 months. Monday’s 0-0 draw against Denmark also saw the Irish end their Nations League campaign without a win to their name, resulting in relegation from Group B4 to the third tier of the competition next time around.

FAI chief executive John Delaney added: “I would like to thank Martin, Roy, and the management team for the impact that they had with the Ireland team. There have been many highlights during Martin’s reign – none more so than Euro 2016 in France, which will live long in the memory of all Irish supporters.

Mick McCarthy is the early favourite to replace O'Neill (Getty)

“Martin did a great job guiding the team out of a difficult qualifying group – where we beat World Champions Germany along the way – to reach Euro 2016 and advance to the Last-16 following a historic victory over Italy in Lille.

“I wish Martin, and the management team, the very best for the future.”

O’Neill’s resignation has led to former national team boss Mick McCarthy being installed as the bookmakers’ favourite, with current Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny and recently sacked Aston Villa coach Steve Bruce also in the running.