Co Derry-born O’Neill and his assistant Roy Keane stepped down from their posts this morning “by mutual consent” with the FAI.
McClean took to Instragram to revel his devastation at the news.
And he listed all achievements the Republic of Ireland had achieved under O’Neill’s stewardship.
The Creggan winger posted: “Gutted to see the gaffer gone.
“Qualifying for Euros, beating Germany, last 16 at the Euros, beating Italy.
“Within one game of qualifying for World Cup, 4th seeds….aye bad record.
“Thanks for everything gaffer.
Martin O’Neill has spent the last five years in charge of Ireland along with his assistant manager Keane, but endured a torrid last year, as Ireland were relegated from the Nations League B without winning a game, and managed just one win in eleven games.
The former Celtic manager took the reins at Ireland in 2013 and led Ireland to qualification for Euro 2016 where they progressed to the knock-out phase before eventually being beaten by France.
O’Neill was rewarded with a contract extension, which was eventually signed after a lengthy delay, but he was unable to steer Ireland to the 2018 World Cup as they lost 5-1 to Denmark in a play-off.
That defeat to the Danes signaled a major downturn in fortunes for O’Neill and Ireland and since that game in 2017, the only game they won came in a post-season friendly international against an under-strength USA team.
Ireland rounded out their 2018 campaign with a 0-0 Nations League draw away to Denmark, a game in which they were totally dominated and failed to muster a single shot on target.
Yesterday, James posted on his Instagram account that the Republic had gone through a “tough year”.
He added: “But it is behind us and come March we’ll be ready to go again…greatest honour in football.”
Now the search is on for O’Neill’s replacement with Mick McCarthy’s name being touted as a possible replacement.
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