SOCCER: Brian Kerr reign as Republic of Ireland manager came to an end last night after the Football Association of Ireland opted not to renew his contract.

The decision was taken following a meeting of the FAI's 10-man Board of Management at a Dublin hotel, ending Kerr's eight-year association with the FAI.

Kerr has ultimately paid the price for failing to take the Republic of Ireland to next summer's World Cup finals in Germany, culminating in last Week's goalless draw against Switzerland at Lansdowne Road, a game the Republic needed to win to reach the play-offs.

Kerr, meanwhile, revealed he was deeply saddened his association with the FAI had now come to an end. "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.

"I will now take time out to consider the next stage of my career but I intend to remain in professional football."

Kerr's backroom staff in assistant Chris Hughton, goalkeeping coach Packie Bonner and coach Noel O'Reilly have also not had their contracts renewed, although the latter duo retain their roles within the Association of technical director and regional development officer respectively.

A statement from the FAI last night read: "The board of the FAI met today and considered the implications of non-qualification of the international team for the World Cup in 2006.

"The board also assessed the prospect of achieving success in future European Championships and World Cup campaigns in the context of the development of the game in Ireland.

"Following this meeting the board has indicated that the FAI is to recruit a new international manager to succeed Brian Kerr whose contract expired at the end of the 2006 World Cup campaign.

"The board would like to thank Brian Kerr and the technical staff for their commitment and energy demonstrated during almost three years in charge.

"The board fully recognises the dedication and passion applied by Brian and his support team in their quest to gain qualification for the major championships.

"The board also acknowledges both Brian and Chris Hughton's contribution to the game in their previous roles - Brian through his involvement in the development of the game across the under-age and technical areas and Chris as a distinguished player for country for many years.

"The board's view was that the declining FIFA world rankings, UEFA standings and non-qualification for the 2006 World Cup were key issues for the Association.

"The downward trend in our rankings and seedings has been very disappointing and will make qualification for future tournaments considerably more difficult and that has knock-on consequences for the development of the game.

"Everyone involved in football is disappointed that Ireland have failed to qualify for the World Cup and reap the benefits of our involvement in terms of interest in the game and increased participation across the country.

"As an organisation, we have invested heavily over the past year to progress the game at all levels to bring more and more people into the game.

"We now have more people taking part in football than any other team sport, but to further develop the game success on the international scene is an important catalyst.

"A board sub-committee has been charged with making recommendations to the full board in respect of a new manager for the international team."

Speculation will now turn to who will succedd Kerr with bookies making former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill favourite. O'Neill has been linked with the job, with the FAI reported to favour him as the future manager. However, it is not known whether O'Neill is available after he left Celtic in late May to care of his ill wife Geraldine.

Roy Keane, who recently retired from Republic of Ireland playing duties, has only David O'Leary and O'Neill ahead of him in the bookies' lists.