The John Delaney Thread

[back of the net]

"John Delaney , the charismatic Chief Executive of the Football Association of Ireland, has spent the last six months collaborating with Sunday Independent writer Barry Egan on a behind-the-scenes documentary for independent.ie. - See more at: "


http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/coming-soon-john-the-baptist-30562148.html



John Delaney collaborating with Barry Egan!!!!!!

Isnt that the same Barry Egan who believes he is a journalist because he follows non celebs who believe they are celebs?.....

Bloody comical


EDIT: MOD's move into Delaneys thread ....should have posted it there

Equally delete thread as garbage doesnt deserve advertising

[tetsujin1979]

there's two other "John Delaney" threads, but neither have been updated since 2007, so I'm designating this the John Delaney thread.
Have fun.

Also I'm pretty sure I'm going to need steel wool for my brain after this documentary

I did wonder why Delaney nominated Egan after his ALS Ice Bucket Challenge recently

[back of the net]

there's two other "John Delaney" threads, but neither have been updated since 2007, so I'm designating this the John Delaney thread.
Have fun.

Also I'm pretty sure I'm going to need steel wool for my brain after this documentary

I did wonder why Delaney nominated Egan after his ALS Ice Bucket Challenge recently



There never can enough Big J.D threads tets!!!!


Ah Barry Egan (Z list celeb Journo) , Nadia Forde (Z list celeb and National Anthem singer for the INTL games) and Delaney - three of them are all buddies - its all interlinked


Cringeworthy stuff!

[tetsujin1979]

dear god in heaven: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/exclusive-video-john-the-baptist-part-1-30562269.html

[DannyInvincible]

dear god in heaven: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/exclusive-video-john-the-baptist-part-1-30562269.html

Well, he is, to put it mildly, quite amazing, really. John the Baptist? John the God, more like!

[back of the net]

Well, he is, to put it mildly, quite amazing, really. John the Baptist? John the God, more like!



havent watched it nor will i - once i saw that so called journo Egan was involved .... i knew it would be car crash stuff to supplement delaneys ego


Mate saw it earlier - told me it was sickening stuff

[Closed Account]

http://www.newstalk.ie/player/listen_back/10/12622/07th_September_2014_-_Off_The_Ball_Part_1
Kimmage discussing the fluff pieces in the Indo this weekend, about 40 mins in.
"In 2010 John effectively gave the sports fans of Ireland the greatest stadium ever built in this country, the state of the art Aviva"......
Thanks John.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Read the thing in the Indo today. Amazingly skewed puff piece. Delaney was made out to be an utter saint that Irish fans adore. Not a mention of league neglect, his wages or his drinking (not really). LOI mentioned only briefly, as part of a paragraph on devious "factions" within FAI Delaney had to tackle.

[Stuttgart88]

I bought the uk edition of today's Sindo with no magazine, which apparently had a feature on JD. All I saw on JD in the main paper was the bit about his new girlfriend. "We're not seeking publicity at all, no, no, no. It's just that people are yapping". Yeah right.

[DannyInvincible]

I'd often wondered did Delaney and Denis O'Brien (leading shareholder in Independent News & Media, of course) have personal connections, but it seems the cosy relationship is strictly business.

I came across this earlier: O'Brien explaining why he funded Trap: http://www.independent.ie/business/obrien-reveals-why-he-agreed-to-fund-trapattoni-30565698.html


DENIS O'Brien has spoken for the first time about why he decided to finance the appointment of former Irish soccer coach Giovanni Trapattoni.

In an interview to be published in the Sunday Independent tomorrow, the billionaire businessman said the idea came after watching Ireland suffer a defeat.

"I think we were beaten by Norway or Cyprus 4-0," Mr O'Brien says. "I rang up Kieran Mulvey [the chief executive of the Labour Relations Commission) and I said, 'Kieran, do you have John Delaney's number?'"

Mr O'Brien (pictured) adds that he "had Eddie Jordan yakking in my ear every five minutes" during the call.

The call eventually led to a meeting which in turn led to an offer of extra money if the FAI wanted to appoint an experienced European coach. I didn't have a view on who they were going to employ because that would be really dangerous.

"All I said was, 'Look, I'm good for it if you need the help.' He came back to me and said, 'We're going to go with someone'. "Then he told me Trapattoni and I said, 'Jesus, that's heavy'," Mr O'Brien recalls.

The FAI later hired Trapattoni and assistant manager, Marco Tardelli. "It was a good combination," Mr O'Brien says of the 2008 move. He then agreed to part-fund the wages of Trapattoni and Tardelli.

Mr O'Brien also praises the team's new management, saying that Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane are a good combination.

The latter was a "left field" appointment but is "pure box office". Talking of his love of soccer, Mr O'Brien says he wasn't a good player as a child but now loves the game. "The craic is just great. The people you meet. The slagging is lightning. The same kind of fun as rugby but different," he says.

The altruistic benefactor... He must have been referring to the 5-2 defeat to Cyprus.

[elroy]

Egan behind that article doesn't surprise me. Spends his time on his knees massaging egos of no body 'celebrities'.

If he was any way decent a journalist, he would take his head out of his JDs ass and ask him proper questions about the fai debt, the youth structures, the under performing league of Ireland etc

[Stuttgart88]

Was Delaney married before?

[Mr A]

Part two: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/exclusive-video-john-the-baptist-part-2-30565166.html

Hard to know what too say. Grotesque, unbelievable, bizarre and unprecedented seems to cover it.

[tetsujin1979]

Woodward and Bernstein must fear for their position in the journalistic hall of fame.

this is sarcasm.

[punkrocket]

"Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey"

Are we talking about the same guy?

[back of the net]

http://balls.ie/football/audio-paul-kimmage-torn-sindos-john-delaney-documentary/

[tetsujin1979]

Reading articles on balls.ie makes me think of this stand up routine from Stewart Lee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YE9Kthyaco

[back of the net]

Reading articles on balls.ie makes me think of this stand up routine from Stewart Lee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YE9Kthyaco

hahahaha....that lee piece had me in tears of laughter


very apt parallel on balls alright

[DannyInvincible]

Part two: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/exclusive-video-john-the-baptist-part-2-30565166.html

Hard to know what too say. Grotesque, unbelievable, bizarre and unprecedented seems to cover it.

The way it starts off, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a parody of one of those scripted junk "reality" shows on MTV. It kind of develops into a really bad episode of The Office then. I lolled at some points that were along the lines of: "Not only am I really modest and humble, but I'm a pretty big f*ckin' deal too!"

Dunphy claiming "Trappatoni didn't really work out", in spite of his simultaneous acknowledgement that he got us to the Euros?... Not that he sees that as any reason to be critical of Delaney anyhow, for it was Delaney who got us the "best man in the world" in the first place. Why is Dunphy, the inveterate critic and pessimist, so fawning of Delaney when he'd be absolutely scathing of anyone else who'd employed (or thrown away a few million on) an alleged failure?

There isn't seriously a part 3, is there?...

[Charlie Darwin]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/player/813/649089/

[ArdeeBhoy]

I bought the uk edition of today's Sindo with no magazine, which apparently had a feature on JD. All I saw on JD in the main paper was the bit about his new girlfriend. "We're not seeking publicity at all, no, no, no. It's just that people are yapping". Yeah right.

Was at a do with the pair of them on Saturday, managed to avoid even making eye contact with JD, even though he was feted by rather too many and was also the subject of additional gossip which won't repeat here.
Did however, tell one half-decent story during a short speech he gave, which for the time being escapes me...

[Stuttgart88]

Was that the ROISSC anniversary do?

[paul_oshea]

Was Delaney married before?

Ya he had 2 young kids, makes me think you sound surprised.

THey were together as recently as the bulgaria home game.

Yes it was stutts.

[bennocelt]

Was at a do with the pair of them on Saturday, managed to avoid even making eye contact with JD, even though he was feted by rather too many and was also the subject of additional gossip which won't repeat here.
Did however, tell one half-decent story during a short speech he gave, which for the time being escapes me...

Yeah the ole ole brigade no doubt, ha;)

[Kingdom]

I can't stand that man. I appreciate that some of his commercial dealings have been impressive, but I just cannot stand listening to him.
I should say I wrote that halfway through.
I don't want to hear three times that his Grandfather fought for the IRA. Both my Grandfathers fought for the IRA, but most men of a certain age did.

He then says he is pro-media and will answer any questions, yet two minutes later whinges about being asked about his salary.
He slipped up saying he didn't pay attention to the interest rate when they were re-negotiating.

Hugh Cahill either was under orders not to push certain questions, or he was unable to communicate his questions properly, because he is audibly sighing, or just downright doesn't believe some of the responses he is getting.

It would have been a perfect time to ask Delaney about the Sunday Indo piece, the necessity of it, and the link as a result of Dinny's control of INM.

[Stuttgart88]

Ya he had 2 young kids, makes me think you sound surprised.

THey were together as recently as the bulgaria home game.

Yes it was stutts.
No, wasn't surprised. The question was really seeking confirmation rather than expecting otherwise.

Thanks for letting me know you were going. :) I wouldn't have gone though as I had a half marathon the next morning and was hoping to run well.

[Stuttgart88]

I can't stand that man. I appreciate that some of his commercial dealings have been impressive, but I just cannot stand listening to him.
I should say I wrote that halfway through.
I don't want to hear three times that his Grandfather fought for the IRA. Both my Grandfathers fought for the IRA, but most men of a certain age did.

He then says he is pro-media and will answer any questions, yet two minutes later whinges about being asked about his salary.
He slipped up saying he didn't pay attention to the interest rate when they were re-negotiating.

Hugh Cahill either was under orders not to push certain questions, or he was unable to communicate his questions properly, because he is audibly sighing, or just downright doesn't believe some of the responses he is getting.

It would have been a perfect time to ask Delaney about the Sunday Indo piece, the necessity of it, and the link as a result of Dinny's control of INM.
I found myself largely sympathetic to a large amount of what he said.

The evasion / lack of transparency is obviously a pretty important negative, of course.

Where I was particularly sympathetic - as many of you will guess - was the silly comparison to Irish rugby. Without the Heineken Cup Irish rugby would lose all its best players abroad and the public will be less satisfied with the product. The economics and institutional arrangements in rugby are so far removed from those of European football that comparisons are ridiculous.

I do agree with his point that the FAI is a better organisation than it was a decade ago. I also agree that the LOI is more sensibly run than it was. I agree to an extent that the clubs can't rely on the FAI and that they have to help themselves and build bridges to schoolboy football. I agreed with his defence of certain clubs' facilities and their support. I've been genuinely impressed by the LOI's top five clubs this season and think there is a great foundation for something better.

What is impossible to ignore though is the suspicion that, as in all walks of life, he is treating his office as some form of entitlement and vehicle that satisfies his own self-interest. Politics, big business, it's all the same. It's hard not to think he's being disingenuous wrt the awkward issues.

[paul_oshea]

Stutts I was NFI too. Had asked for tickets and the person never got back to me.

Was all charlies ybig mates so didn't miss too much :P

[ArdeeBhoy]

Yeah the ole ole brigade no doubt, ha;)
They weren't/aren't, but some of them should really know better.

[bennocelt]

They weren't/aren't, but some of them should really know better.

The cult of personality. Were many selfies taken?

[ArdeeBhoy]

Far too many. But that dick encouraged him, but as I said a few salacious rumours doing the rounds...

[bennocelt]

Far too many. But that dick encouraged him, but as I said a few salacious rumours doing the rounds...

Now you have to message me then later, ha

[ArdeeBhoy]

Already posted elsewhere on social media...
;)

(Not mine, btw!)

[Deckydee]

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/360000-salary-of-fai-boss-john-delaney-criticised-at-pac-30632101.html

[Stuttgart88]

What a cop out by Treacy. This is a perfect opportunity to scrutinise the whole governance of the FAI, not just the club landscape. Any what does he mean by "the club structure is weaker"?

The FAI deserves plaudits for a lot of what it does, such as the areas Treacy pointed out, but the real question that has to be asked is whether the institutional structure of the FAI and Irish football is achieving all its aims. Treacy seems to be very complacent on this point, as does the PAC.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Hmm.
http://www.irishpost.co.uk/sport/john-delaney-ireland-fallback-option

[geysir]

What a cop out by Treacy. This is a perfect opportunity to scrutinise the whole governance of the FAI, not just the club landscape. Any what does he mean by "the club structure is weaker"?

The FAI deserves plaudits for a lot of what it does, such as the areas Treacy pointed out, but the real question that has to be asked is whether the institutional structure of the FAI and Irish football is achieving all its aims. Treacy seems to be very complacent on this point, as does the PAC.
I think Treacy is not in a position to comment publicly about Delaney's salary or the points you mention. The context of Treacy's supportive comments about the FAI were him as Sports Council rep facing down the Dail Public Accounts Committee, who have the clout to recommend cuts in public sports funding. Treacy's job is to secure sports funding and justify the usage of that funding in the face of attempts to water it down.

[Stuttgart88]

Alan Cawley's take on the JD interview

http://foot.ie/threads/194530-RTE-Column-Irish-football-floundering-without-change

[KK77]

http://www.broadsheet.ie/2014/10/16/big-bear-day/

[ArdeeBhoy]

A little update.
http://www.herald.ie/sport/treatment-of-fans-brings-shame-on-irish-football-30757323.html

[Stuttgart88]

Much as YBIG is hard to read and engage with if you want serious debate, they really do seem to be leading the growing sense of dissatisfaction with JD.

I have long resisted the knee jerk common reaction to blame the FAI for everything. I've met FAI people many of whom are very good. I also said here two years ago that I didn't have much issue with JD getting drunk in Poland. But it seems he gets drunk everywhere and just can't help attracting attention at a time when the national football team is seen as a media sh1tshow. He gets well paid to exercise judgment but instead singing political songs and courting publicity like some VIP socialite is embarrassing, reflects badly on our game and all of us, the loyal supporters.

[geysir]

Whether Delaney is fit for purpose or not, is an issue. His removal, one way or the other, deserved or not, will not make the slightest positive difference to the state of football in Ireland.

[tricky_colour]

Surely his singing would be missed?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHeigdGLB64

[gastric]

Whether Delaney is fit for purpose or not, is an issue. His removal, one way or the other, deserved or not, will not make the slightest positive difference to the state of football in Ireland.

Granted, but it might make it more transparent, honest and ethical! Then again...

[nigel-harps1954]

Whether Delaney is fit for purpose or not, is an issue. His removal, one way or the other, deserved or not, will not make the slightest positive difference to the state of football in Ireland.

Freeing up €300k a year may make a significant change in grassroots level.

[Stuttgart88]

Root and branch reform of the organisation prompted by a new CEO could make a huge difference.

[The Donie Forde]

Root and branch reform of the organisation prompted by a new CEO could make a huge difference.


They'll agree with that, produce an expensive independent report on how to change things and then carry on with the dictatorship.

[tetsujin1979]

Freeing up €300k a year may make a significant change in grassroots level.The only way that amount will be made available is if the the new CEO works for free!

I often wondered if Delaney's salary was a strange sort of job security? i.e. if he is sacked or steps down from his position in the morning, would any viable candidate be interested in doing the same job for significantly less money?

[ArdeeBhoy]

Fair point, but probably lots of capable candidates who'd do the job for a quarter of his money...

I would!

[MariborKev]

Much as YBIG is hard to read and engage with if you want serious debate, they really do seem to be leading the growing sense of dissatisfaction with JD.

I have long resisted the knee jerk common reaction to blame the FAI for everything. I've met FAI people many of whom are very good. I also said here two years ago that I didn't have much issue with JD getting drunk in Poland. But it seems he gets drunk everywhere and just can't help attracting attention at a time when the national football team is seen as a media sh1tshow. He gets well paid to exercise judgment but instead singing political songs and courting publicity like some VIP socialite is embarrassing, reflects badly on our game and all of us, the loyal supporters.

S88,

All fair comments, and the reality was that if this had happened 5 years ago then we would have used this site. I post on both(others do as well) and the reality is that in order to collect the information to show the size of error for the Scotland game, it was more practical to use YBIG. The information we were able to collect was invaluable and drove the debate. The actions of the FAI after the meeting just added fuel to the fire.

I'd be happy if we could get buy in from lots of groups and perhaps people here want to raise queries on behalf of foot.ie users.