Alan Reynolds appointed as Irish U21 Assistant Manager

Alan Reynolds has been appointed as Assistant Manager to the Republic of Ireland U21 team.

Reynolds was only recently unveiled as the new Dundalk Assistant Manager and it is envisioned that he will combine both the roles in what will likely be a busy few months ahead for the former Waterford boss.

Reynolds will work alongside manager Jim Crawford and coach John O’Shea, as they look to build upon the impressive work of Stephen Kenny, over the coming months.

Crawford was delighted to have secured his man as he now looks ahead to the challenges of guiding the Irish team to the European Championships.

"Alan is a brilliant addition to the coaching staff and I'm delighted to have him on board as he will bring a wealth of experience to the position," said Crawford.

"Alan has achieved fantastic success during his playing and coaching career, having managed at an early age, and achieved promotion with Waterford in 2017 and a fourth-placed finish the season after.

"Also, the apprenticeship he has served as an assistant is really important having worked with Stephen (Kenny) in the past. He has a great understanding of Stephen's philosophy that we're trying to bring in across the senior and Under-21 teams.

"We're an extended staff of the senior set-up and with John O'Shea having played with Keith Andrews and Damien Duff in the past, and me and Alan having worked with Stephen, it's fantastic to build such an experienced coaching staff across the two teams."

The young Boys in Green have been out of action for the last number of months like much of world football, and they will now be itching at the bit to make a return when they take part in a friendly fixture with Slovenia on September 9th.

Reynolds, who has worked for the FAI before as a Development Officer, is looking forward to his first foray into international coaching.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to come on board and really excited to join the staff. I've kept an eye on the qualifying campaign and the development of the team over the past year, and it's an exciting time for the team," said Reynolds.

"It's a really exciting group of young players which are coming through and we're looking to keep the momentum for the remaining three matches of the campaign.

"It will be my first taste of international football and there will be tough matches but I'm excited to get the chance to represent my country.

"It's important to keep my eye in, coaching day-to-day, with Dundalk and I really believe it is something which will benefit the Under-21s. It's an exciting opportunity and can't wait for the football to restart soon."