Chelsea's Barry named Ireland assistant
Barry was offered the Fleetwood manager's job last month
Written by Training Ground Guru — February 26, 2021
CHELSEA first-team coach Anthony Barry has been appointed assistant to Stephen Kenny with the Republic of Ireland.
The 34-year-old will join up with the national team before the start of their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign in March. He will continue to work full-time for Chelsea while joining up with Ireland during the international windows.
Barry joined the Blues in August 2020 under Frank Lampard. When the former England midfielder was sacked at the end of January, Barry was offered the chance to leave and become manager of Fleetwood Town, but opted instead to stay at Stamford Bridge under new boss Thomas Tuchel.
"The opportunity to work in international football is something I'm thoroughly looking forward to and I'm looking forward to working with manager Stephen Kenny, his staff and the squad,” Barry said.
“I’d also like to thank Chelsea for helping facilitate this opportunity."
Kenny added: “I’d like to welcome Anthony to the Republic of Ireland team. He is an innovative coach with an energetic style and is someone I have been aware of for a few years now.
“The skillset Anthony brings will complement the existing coaching team and I look forward to him joining up in March ahead of the World Cup qualifiers."
Barry made 270 senior appearances in a 13-year playing career before beginning his coaching career at Accrington. He was first-team coach under Paul Cook at Wigan, during which time they won the League One title in 2017/18, and joined Chelsea at the start of the 2020/21.
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