'A huge privilege' - Ireland Under 21s head coach Jim Crawford extends contract with FAI

Republic of Ireland Under-21s Head Coach Jim Crawford has agreed a contract extension with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). 

The contract will last up until the end of the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship campaign. 
 
Jim is joined by Assistant Coaches Alan Reynolds, who is part of the FAI Cup winning Derry City coaching staff, and former Ireland captain John O’Shea who earned 118 international caps and is a first team coach with Stoke City. 

Both have agreed extensions with the FAI for the upcoming campaign. 

The renewals follow a record-breaking season for the Ireland U21s, who reached the play-offs for the first time and have rose to 19th spot in the UEFA rankings, marking Ireland's highest ranking at that age grade.  
 
Since 2021, six U21 players have earned call-ups to Stephen Kenny’s senior squad including Conor Coventry, Lee O’Connor, Festy Ebosele, Andrew Omobamidele and more recently Will Smallbone and Evan Ferguson. 

Speaking about his contract renewal, Republic of Ireland Under-21s Head Coach Jim Crawford said, "To be Head Coach of the Under-21s team is a huge privilege, so to renew my contract is something I'm very proud and excited about. 
 
"It gives me and my staff a further campaign to help develop the next generation of players and ready them for senior international football. This represents success for us with the view that development leads us to a European Championship.  

"Work is already underway for the next campaign and we look forward to the draw for the Under-21 qualifiers in February."  
 
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill added, "We are delighted to extend Jim's contract after an excellent Under-21 campaign where he and the team achieved so much. We are also very happy that we are able to extend Alan and John's positions with the Association and to keep the team together.

"We all shared the excitement of that run to the  play-offs and there were some memorable wins for Jim over Sweden, both home and away as well as generally excellent performances in Tallaght Stadium in front of a support that grew game-by-game.

"In Jim, we feel we have a talented and experienced Under-21s Head Coach who will continue to nurture the talents of our young players to reach senior international levels."