Koevermans joins Republic set-up

Wim Koevermans has joined the Republic of Ireland set-up

The Republic of Ireland have appointed Dutchman Wim Koevermans as their International Performance Director.

The 48-year-old, currently working for the Netherlands FA, will take up his new post on 1 September.

Koevermans will be responsible for developing the Republic's stars of the future at international level.

He will head up the new FAI National Academy for elite youth players and work closely with the association's technical department.

606: DEBATE How will Koevermans fare for the Republic of Ireland?

"The appointment emphasises our determination to bring the best talent to this country to develop Irish players," said FAI chief executive John Delaney.

"Wim will work closely with the managers of our male and female teams from Under-21 down and also the senior women's team to help them achieve their objectives.

"As head of the new national academy he will look to improve the quality of our young elite players and build on the work being done by the emerging talent programme."