Rice leaves Ireland U-21s to link up with Brentford

Republic of Ireland men's Under-21s assistant coach Stephen Rice has departed to take up the position of first-team setpiece coach with English Premier League side Brentford, the Football Association of Ireland has confirmed.

Former Ireland international and assistant manager Andrews was appointed as Thomas Frank's successor at the Bees at the end of June, becoming the first permanent boss from the Republic in the English top-flight since 2019, shortly after the club had signed Irish goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher.

Rice succeeds Andrews as setpiece coach, after he was promoted from role to become the club's manager after Frank departed for Tottenham.

Brentford lost their opening game of the Premier League season 3-1 to Nottingham Forest last Sunday.

Rice (40) played for Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers and Longford Town as a midfielder before joining the FAI as a development officer.

He progressed to the senior men's national team setup in 2021, where he served as opposition analyst and head scout under Stephen Kenny, when Andrews was Kenny's assistant.

In 2024, Rice was appointed assistant coach to Jim Crawford with the U21s team.

Crawford said: "Stephen has been an outstanding member of our coaching staff and has made an important contribution since joining the U21s setup.

"He leaves with our sincere thanks for his hard work and dedication and we wish him all the very best for the future."

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