Casegrande
24/12/2001, 6:59 PM
[from Sports.com]
Mick McCarthy has again called on the GAA to open Croke Park to soccer – and he believes the government should turn to the most famous venue in the country in their search for a national stadium.
The World Cup-bound Republic of Ireland manager made his comments at a series of press briefings before he spoke at a Shelbourne FC dinner in Dublin.
He wants nothing more from 2002 than to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in Japan and South Korea and then parade his team at Croke Park for a European Championship qualifier.
“My Christmas wish is an easy one this year,” said the man who has emulated the qualification feats of his mentor Jack Charlton.
“I want a fully fit squad for the World Cup finals, I want to do what Jack did and take the team to the last eight in the Far East and I want to lead an Irish soccer team out at Croke Park.
“It would be a dream come true for me if the GAA allowed us to use Croke Park next autumn. Lansdowne Road is unavailable to us then as the pitch is being re-seeded and if we want to play in Dublin there are few alternatives.
“Croke Park is already a magnificent stadium and when it is finished will be as good as anything I have seen or played in across the world.
“I would really love to manage an Irish soccer team for a European qualifier there in 2002. That would make my year.”
Sports.com columnist McCarthy has also hit out at claims that he has already agreed a new four-year deal with the FAI to stay on as national boss.
So far only his assistant Ian Evans has agreed a new deal to stay on after the World Cup finals, with four years only an option if McCarthy sticks around.
Despite leaked reports to the contrary, McCarthy has yet to formally discuss his future with his employers. And nothing will happen until the New Year at the earliest.
“I have not signed a deal, nor is one imminent,” said McCarthy.
“Yes, my advisors are talking to the FAI and it is well documented that I want to stay in charge, all the way to the 2006 World Cup if that is possible.
“But I have not done any deal and I will not conduct my business in public. When the time is right I will make an announcement, but not until then.
“I am not going to conduct my affairs through the media. When the time is right I will make my announcement.”
Mick McCarthy has again called on the GAA to open Croke Park to soccer – and he believes the government should turn to the most famous venue in the country in their search for a national stadium.
The World Cup-bound Republic of Ireland manager made his comments at a series of press briefings before he spoke at a Shelbourne FC dinner in Dublin.
He wants nothing more from 2002 than to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in Japan and South Korea and then parade his team at Croke Park for a European Championship qualifier.
“My Christmas wish is an easy one this year,” said the man who has emulated the qualification feats of his mentor Jack Charlton.
“I want a fully fit squad for the World Cup finals, I want to do what Jack did and take the team to the last eight in the Far East and I want to lead an Irish soccer team out at Croke Park.
“It would be a dream come true for me if the GAA allowed us to use Croke Park next autumn. Lansdowne Road is unavailable to us then as the pitch is being re-seeded and if we want to play in Dublin there are few alternatives.
“Croke Park is already a magnificent stadium and when it is finished will be as good as anything I have seen or played in across the world.
“I would really love to manage an Irish soccer team for a European qualifier there in 2002. That would make my year.”
Sports.com columnist McCarthy has also hit out at claims that he has already agreed a new four-year deal with the FAI to stay on as national boss.
So far only his assistant Ian Evans has agreed a new deal to stay on after the World Cup finals, with four years only an option if McCarthy sticks around.
Despite leaked reports to the contrary, McCarthy has yet to formally discuss his future with his employers. And nothing will happen until the New Year at the earliest.
“I have not signed a deal, nor is one imminent,” said McCarthy.
“Yes, my advisors are talking to the FAI and it is well documented that I want to stay in charge, all the way to the 2006 World Cup if that is possible.
“But I have not done any deal and I will not conduct my business in public. When the time is right I will make an announcement, but not until then.
“I am not going to conduct my affairs through the media. When the time is right I will make my announcement.”