Republic of Ireland U21 manager Jim Crawford has signed a contract extension, keeping him in the role for the 2025 European Championship campaign.The former Newcastle United, Bohemians and Shelbourne midfielder succeeded Stephen Kenny as U21 boss in 2020, guiding Ireland to a first ever playoff appearance in the Euro 2023 qualifying campaign, in which Ireland lost on penalties to Israel.Crawford assistant coaches have also signed contract extensions.
Irish international centurion John O'Shea, currently working as a coach at Stoke City, remains with the U21s for the next campaign, as does former Waterford manager Alan Reynolds."To be Head Coach of the Under-21s team is a huge privilege, so to renew my contract is something I'm very proud and excited about," Crawford told FAI TV."It gives me and my staff a further campaign to help develop the next generation of players and ready them for senior international football.
This represents success for us with the view that development leads us to a European Championship."Work is already underway for the next campaign and we look forward to the draw for the Under-21 qualifiers in February."Ireland finished runners-up in their Euro 2023 qualification group, beating seconds Sweden home and away to clamber into the playoff spot.
Their outside shot at topping the group was only formally ended in a 4-1 away loss to table toppers Italy in the final game.Their bid for a first ever U21 European Championship finals appearance was ended in agonising fashion with a penalty shootout loss to Israel in September's playoff.