This morning, the former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr was named new coach for the Faroe Islands on a-two-and-a-half year contract.
Kerr was the coach for the Republic of Ireland from January 2003 to October 2005 when his contract was not extended after Ireland had failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup. During that period Kerr twice faced the Faroes, as they were paired in the same qualifying group for the 2006 World Cup.
Before Kerr became manager for Ireland’s seniors, he had been a very successful manager for Ireland’s youth teams from U16 to U20. In 1997 he guided Ireland to a bronze medal in the World Youth Championships. In 1998 Ireland’s U16 and U18 teams won the European Championship, both times managed by Kerr.
Kerr has twice guided St. Patrick’s Athletics F.C. to the Irish league title; in 1990 and 1996.
Interview with Brian Kerr about his new coaching job for the Faroe Islands:
Kerr will be residing in the Faroe Islands, but will also travel regularly to watch Faroese players overseas.
In addition to be coach for the seniors, Kerr is also intended to have a role in developing Faroese football at youth levels – although not being their coach.
The Faroe’s next international is the World Cup qualifier against group leaders Serbia on 10 June.