Giovanni Trapattoni commits to Ireland until 2014

REPUBLIC of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is relishing the chance to “grow and develop” the team after agreeing a contract extension which will run until the 2014 World Cup.

The Football Association of Ireland has rewarded the Italian coach for his recent success in securing the Republic’s place at next summer’s Euro 2012 finals with victory over Estonia in their recent qualification play-off.

Trapattoni’s deal will again be part-funded by businessman Denis O’Brien, who played a significant part in the FAI’s original acquisition of the former European Cup winner. “I am very happy to continue my job with the FAI,” said Trapattoni, whose assistant Marco Tardelli has also signed a new deal. “I have always said that Marco and I believe very strongly in the work that we are doing to grow and develop the Irish team. It is a huge honour and a privilege to represent the Irish team and we look forward to continuing this important task.”

FAI chief executive John Delaney said: “We are very happy to agree a contract extension with Giovanni Trapattoni and his team of Marco Tardelli and Fausto Rossi. They have done fantastic work with the squad, bringing us to qualification for a major tournament for the first time in ten years, increasing our world ranking to 21st and introducing many new players for the future. Giovanni’s experience, professionalism and achievement in qualifying for Euro 2012 has impressed everyone, including the players and the FAI board.”

The Italian and his staff have previously taken two pay cuts with Ireland’s financial difficulties biting hard, and there had been speculation that a significantly reduced package could be on the table.