Sunday, 14th February 2010

The Football Association of Ireland have announced that Giovanni Trapattoni’s assistant Liam Brady will leave his role when his contract expires in April of this year. Brady, who acted as a crucial bridge between the Italian coach and the players upon Trapattoni’s arrival, has taken the decision in order to concentrate on his responsibilities at Arsenal.

The former Juventus midfielder, who starred for The Gunners between 1973-80, hold the role of Head of Youth Development at the Emirates, explained the reasoning behind his exit.

"The decision to end my involvement with Ireland has been taken in light of my continued work as Director of Youth Development at Arsenal. The Ireland role required me to be away a lot of the time and although Arsenal made it clear they would have been quite happy for me to continue, I have decided it is not right in the circumstances to remain in position once I complete my contract this April."

The loss of Brady will no doubt be a blow to the Ireland management team, and with coach Giovanni Trapattoni reportedly in demand elsewhere, these next few months could be crucial in shaping the coaching staff which will lead the country into the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

 

 

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