FAI unveil Heimir Hallgrímsson as new Republic of Ireland manager

Lifestyle & Sports
10 Jul 24

Heimir Hallgrímsson.

The Iceland native's first match will be a Nations League clash against England at the Aviva Stadium on September 7.

The FAI have revealed Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrímsson as the new Republic of Ireland senior men’s manager.

His most recent post was as manager of Jamaica - a two year stint which ended after the Caribbean nation’s group stage exit from the Copa America, where the Reggae Boyz failed to earn a single point.

The 57-year-old was notably join head coach with Swede Lars Lagerbäck during Iceland’s historic Euro 2016 run, which saw the minnows knock out Roy Hodgson’s England with a 2-1 victory in the round of sixteen.

Hallgrímsson took the reigns as manager when Lagerbäck left for Norway, leading Iceland to the 2018 World Cup, making them the smallest nation to ever reach the finals.

A former defender, he made over 200 appearances for various local Icelandic clubs between 1986 and 2007. Born on the remote Westman Islands, Hallgrímsson also worked as a dentist in his home village throughout his 21-year playing career.

His appointment will end the FAI’s seven month search for a replacement for Stephen Kenny, after they parted ways with the Dubliner following the Republic of Ireland’s failure to qualify for this summer’s European Championships in Germany.