Brian Kerr
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Brian Kerr (born in Dublin, March 5, 1953) is the manager of the Republic of Ireland soccer team. He was appointed manager in February 2003, the successor to Mick McCarthy, who resigned in November 2003. Kerr previously coached the Irish youth teams with unprecedented success, winning both the U-16 and U-18 European Championships in 1998, while also guiding the U-19s to 3rd at the World Youth Championships.
Kerr, who never played senior football, began his management career in his teens, first at Crumlin United and then at Bluebell United. A laboratory assistant by trade, Kerr spent much of his working life in University College, Dublin and continued coaching and managing teams throughout his 20's and 30's. He first worked in the Ireland setup in the mid-1980's under Liam Tuohy before a brief spell as assistant manager at Drogheda United.
In 1986 Kerr was appointed manager of St Patrick's Athletic, becoming their most successful manager in history. He spent almost eleven yeats in total at the club, winning two Football League of Ireland Championships in 1989-90 and 1995-96. St Pat's were going through a tumultuous time off the pitch at the time, with crippling financial debts and the forced, if temporary move, from Richmond Park to Harold's Cross. Kerr even remortgaged his house at the time to provide much needed finance. Nevertheless he was able to develop famed players during his period at the club such as Curtis Fleming, Paul Osam, Eddie Gormley and current Pat's manager Johnny McDonnell, as well as becoming a firm fan's favourite.
Kerr has been hugely successful in taking the positive results and impressive performances of his underage sides with him to the Senior level. Despite failing to qualify for the 2004 European Championships, Kerr has helped Ireland regain some pride at International level, bringing former controversial captain Roy Keane back into the fold following his dismissal from the 2002 World Cup by Mick McCarthy.Template:Footybio-stub