Mick McCarthy says he is "bitterly disappointed" to have cut short his time as Republic of Ireland manager, but insists he is "pragmatic" about the situation amid the coronavirus pandemic currently sweeping the globe.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) announced McCarthy's departure on Saturday, with ex-Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny drafted in as his replacement ahead of a European Championship play-off against Slovakia.
McCarthy's existing contract was not due to expire until after Euro 2020, but in light of UEFA's decision to push the tournament back a year, the FAI have been forced into making a premature change in the dugout.