Stephen Kenny cut an emotional figure after admitting nothing will ever beat managing his country.
He applauded fans on a loop of the pitch following his side's draw with New Zealand.
It was Kenny’s final game in charge after three-years at the helm, with FAI chiefs set to confirm it in the coming days.
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Kenny said: “It would be a dream to carry on but my instinct is that’s not going to happen and I respect that.
“Whatever I do in life, it will be a step down. No matter what it is.”
That FAI announcement could now be made earlier than next Tuesday’s FAI board meeting.
Asked if another job could give him the same satisfaction as this one, Kenny said: “No, nothing ever could.
“The Irish supporters have been great home and away. Full crowds at home matches and big crowds away.
“Because this has been such a rebuild, we’ve had our setbacks but it’s been amazing to know every one of those players in the dressing room.”
Kenny revealed it was emotional in there after the game as James McClean was bowing out of international football after 103 caps.
But it was poignant for the manager too and Kenny was asked if there was any hope of the FAI performing a shock u-turn.
“There may not be the appetite for that and I respect that,” he said. “Sport is ruthless and international management, people get impatient and I get that.
“They want to qualify for tournaments. And so do I. We will have to see.
“But I’ve had amazing support from my staff and it’s been an amazing journey with the 21s and the last three years with the senior team.”
FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill used his programme notes to pay tribute to Kenny - without actually confirming it was the end of his time at the helm.
Hill wrote: “Of course, we would all want to be here celebrating automatic qualification but that’s not to be given our results in this extraordinarily tough group.
“In the end, the table does not lie. Everyone in football is aware of that truth.”
Hill continued: “Discussions and people elsewhere will now decide the direction of travel for our men’s senior team.
“I hope all of you will agree has always approached his task with the utmost professional commitment and a burning desire to do the best for his country.
“The journey has not always been an easy one for him either.
“But he has, I believe, represented his country with the highest degree of integrity and respect for those around him, whatever the circumstance.”
Kenny was asked if the FAI should have officially informed him by now if they were moving on to find a new manager.
“Listen, that’s the way it is,” he said. “I have no complaints. I have spoken to the players about that.
“It may well be my last match, that has been well documented and if it is, so be it. I’ve had the privilege of managing my country.
“It has been a huge privilege to see this group grow.
“When you see the depth of talent in the group, they are capable of having a really strong Nations League next year in Group B, without some of the top tier nations.
“They are an incredible group of people and I am privileged to have got to know them and be part of their journeys and international careers.
“It’s a really good squad now and if you put your best squad up there, 90% of their careers are on an upward trajectory and they will only get better in their clubs.
“It’s not that long ago that I had eight players playing in League One and now we have none, so it’s a very strong squad going forward.”
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