Almost inevitably, someone had to be the fall guy following the Republic of Ireland's failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany. That person had to be Brian Kerr, who has described the Football Association of Ireland's decision not to renew his contract as manager as "short sighted".

Kerr said the decision was, "Contrary to the principles of the Genesis report" which recommended change in Irish football after the 2002 World Cup". The Dubliner said he was "deeply saddened" to lose his role. "I intend to take some time to consider the next step in my career but I intend to remain in professional football".

The FAI's decision to end Kerr's 33-month reign was taken without the need for a vote by the 10-man committee. "I acknowledge the decision of the board of the FAI but I am disappointed that I am not being given the opportunity to continue my work with the senior national team," added Kerr.

"I would like to thank all 45 players who played under me during my time in charge, and I would also like to thank the fans for their support," added Kerr.

The 52 year old thanked his assistant Chris Hughton and the remainder of his backroom staff. Hughton, plus goalkeeping coach Packie Bonner and coach Noel O'Reilly lose their roles with the senior team, although Bonner and O'Reilly retain their positions in the association as technical director and regional development officer.

A three-man committee consisting of FAI chief executive Delaney, the association's honorary secretary, Michael Cody, and its president, David Blood, will now set about finding a successor. Delaney said that the association had been right to give Kerr the opportunity to take on the job but that the failure of the team to qualify for the World Cup finals required that decisive action be taken.

Supporters of Kerr expressed anger that the Dubliner had not been given any opportunity to have an input into the process. It is unfair to judge Kerr's performance against Jack Charlton's or MIck McCarthy's, they both had far better squads to choose from, and given the quality of the players he had available Kerr performed wonders, if only they hadn't let Israel back in the game when leading 2-0 ! But then again that is football.

A good man, a decent man, will always struggle to keep everyone happy, perhaps the only thing Kerr lacked was the killer instinct, and maybe he was just more than a bit unlucky.

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