Former Birmingham City coach secures an amazing management role

 Birmingham City news includes ex-Blues coach John O’Shea’s surprise new role in management.

John O’Shea, a former Birmingham City coach, has been chosen interim head coach of the Republic of Ireland.

O’Shea, who left Blues in January following Wayne Rooney’s sacking and the subsequent appointment of Tony Mowbray as manager, will head Ireland in friendly matches against Belgium and Switzerland next month. He will be assisted by Paddy McCarthy.

Following his hiring, O’Shea stated: “I’m delighted to return to the senior men’s coaching staff as Interim Head Coach for the two international friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.” It will be a great privilege to lead the team into the March international window.

“As everyone knows, I’ve always taken great pride in serving my country, whether as a player or, more recently, as a member of the coaching staff for the men’s senior squad and Under-21s.

“It’s excellent that Paddy has agreed to join us for the two matches, and work will begin immediately to prepare for two high-quality games against outstanding opponents in Belgium and Switzerland, in front of our fantastic home crowd.

I have a strong belief in this set of players’ ability to win football matches and am looking forward to some excellent results.”

O’Shea played for Manchester United and Sunderland in the Premier League and has 118 caps for his country. Prior to joining Blues in October, the 42-year-old worked as a coach at Reading and Stoke City.