France V Republic of Ireland - Thursday, 7th September 2023 - Euro 2024 Qualifier

[Eirambler]

I don't think either of them could play in midfield with any great success.

[tetsujin1979]

I think if any of them could play in midfield, they would be playing in midfield

[JR89]

Omobamidele might get his call up in the end. John Egan was subbed off in the 68th minute and went down injured in the first half. Don't think Sheffield United sub him off unless he's injured.

[tetsujin1979]

Omobamidele called up. No other injuries to report
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[liamoo11]

Will 2 draws or maybe a win and a loss get Kenny a new contract?

[pineapple stu]

I would bite your hand off for either of those outcomes to be honest.

Full-back in particular is a worry and we can't go into games like this with defensive frailties like we seem to have

One point would be decent for me, but in fairness we do seem to up it for these games somehow, so you never know!

[Jolly Red Giant]

I would bite your hand off for either of those outcomes to be honest.

Full-back in particular is a worry and we can't go into games like this with defensive frailties like we seem to have

One point would be decent for me, but in fairness we do seem to up it for these games somehow, so you never know!
So would I - and it would prolong the agony of having to put up with Kenny.

[liamoo11]

I would bite your hand off for either of those outcomes to be honest.

Full-back in particular is a worry and we can't go into games like this with defensive frailties like we seem to have

One point would be decent for me, but in fairness we do seem to up it for these games somehow, so you never know!

Do you think 1 point from.these 2 games gets him.a new contract or would he need to beat Greece at home as well or just get a result against Greece? I can't see him.getying a new contract if we lose ti Greece after only getting 1 point from these 2 games. If he does then the expectations are so low he will be in the job for the next 10 years regardless of results

[pineapple stu]

I think it depends on the performances tbh

Two games like France at home, and yeah, that could get a new contract.

Two games like our last trip to France - the friendly in 2018, when we only lost 2-0 but were utterly battered really - and it could be a very different scenario.

That's if the decision hasn't already been made of course

[liamoo11]

I think it depends on the performances tbh

Two games like France at home, and yeah, that could get a new contract.

Two games like our last trip to France - the friendly in 2018, when we only lost 2-0 but were utterly battered really - and it could be a very different scenario.

That's if the decision hasn't already been made of course

I get the sense that their has been a decision to back him regardless so as you say if the performance s can be considered competitive even if we don't get results he will get a new contract.

[Eirambler]

I think it depends on the performances tbh

Two games like France at home, and yeah, that could get a new contract.




What - two more losses?!

I think the decision has already been made to sack him, barring a major turnaround to be honest. Those were certainly the noises coming out after the latest disaster over in Greece anyway, the distraction of the women's world cup has helped to keep him in post to this point.

If we're mathematically out after these two games they'll invoke the early dismissal clause in his contract and he'll be gone I'd say. There's no way something as miniscule as a point at home to Greece keeps him in the job beyond this campaign (he may not even make it to that game in charge) we'd probably have to take the group to the last game in terms of a top 2 finish for that to happen.

[pineapple stu]

What - two more losses?!
I know!

I just think two battling narrow defeats is about as good as we can hope for with our squad against two of the best sides in the world

That said, the French game scares me. I know we all had that fear before the home game too, but they weren't all in for that one and we put it up to them more than they expected. I think it'll be a different story in Paris. I hope I'm wrong, like last time, but...

The Greece games are the biggest ones in the group for me, and of course we've already flopped in one of those

[SkStu]

Could Kieran McKenna be tempted to take over or is it too early for him? Could we afford him? He’s done so well with Ipswich, has to be on the radar.

I see he signed a 4 year contract extension at the end of last season so probably wishful thinking…

[CraftyToePoke]

Could Kieran McKenna be tempted to take over or is it too early for him? Could we afford him? He’s done so well with Ipswich, has to be on the radar.

I see he signed a 4 year contract extension at the end of last season so probably wishful thinking…

Surely his eyes will be on a PL job and the big contract and / or double promotion with Ipswich ?
There is every chance he'll get that shot too, their form since the January window was incredible and they are flying in the Championship.
It would already be arguably a step back in career.

[Eirambler]

Too late for him, if anything. He's out of our price range at this point. If you're looking at a club manager in England who is currently in post, someone like Mark Kennedy would be more realistic.

[osarusan]

I'm on the record as saying that Kenny should already be gone, but a failure to pack up any points against the Dutch or French can't really portrayed as some kind of new low that crosses a line...not after what has already happened.

I said when the draw was made that it was a fortunate one for Kenny in that only Greece could be used as a barometer in terms of results, as we're going to beat Gibraltar both times and likely lose home and away to both the Dutch and French and that wouldn't necessarily mean a failure on his part as they are just far superior sides to us.

[SkStu]

Yeah, that particular ship has sailed, you’re both right (ER and CTP).

Kennedy is one to keep an eye on alright but he’s hardly tearing up trees with what seems to be a decent Lincoln set up.

The pickings are very slim out there for a decent Irish coach (wouldn’t be a criteria for me but would be a preference).

[osarusan]

Stephen Robinson doing very well at my adopted team, St Mirren.

Very well organised, hard to beat, gets the best out of the resources he has (recruits very very well but that's less relevant obviously).

[JR89]

Mark Warburton could be someone worth a look at. Strikes me as someone that would do well in an international set up.

[Jolly Red Giant]

Surely his eyes will be on a PL job and the big contract and / or double promotion with Ipswich ?
There is every chance he'll get that shot too, their form since the January window was incredible and they are flying in the Championship.
It would already be arguably a step back in career.
yep - McKenna will be on the PL radar.

[Jolly Red Giant]

Too late for him, if anything. He's out of our price range at this point. If you're looking at a club manager in England who is currently in post, someone like Mark Kennedy would be more realistic.
Oh god no - don't rate the guy at all. Seems a bit of a spoofer to me.

I think Lee Carsley could be on the list

[Fixer82]

Yeah, that particular ship has sailed, you’re both right (ER and CTP).

Kennedy is one to keep an eye on alright but he’s hardly tearing up trees with what seems to be a decent Lincoln set up.

The pickings are very slim out there for a decent Irish coach (wouldn’t be a criteria for me but would be a preference).

The same Mark Kennedy who doesn't even bother watching Ireland matches? His attitude toward Ireland is terrible because he was sent home for walking on a car. Even if he wasn't fully at fault, he fails to remember that he made it back into the squad and was included in the WC 2002 squad before breaking down in tears in Sunderland saying to McCarthy that he'd have to pull out with injury.

Not interested. Next.....

[Diggs246]

Chris wilder is available
I guess he wouldn't cost that much
Circa 700k I guess ?

Some people seem against him as he didn't do a good job at Middleborough
But we can't be to picky

[zero]

surely the FAI have some sort of list of candidates in mind. i cannot envisage a scenario in which kenny turns things around but at the same time if we don't have a viable alternative then what's the move?

[Eirambler]

Wilder is an interesting one alright. Has a history of working with younger players and has always signed an Irish player or two at his clubs.

[weldoninhio]

Chris wilder is available
I guess he wouldn't cost that much
Circa 700k I guess ?

Some people seem against him as he didn't do a good job at Middleborough
But we can't be to picky

Nathan Jones also available. Did great work with Luton Town.

[Eirambler]

Will probably be a candidate for the Wales job after page. He looked absolutely lost at Southampton to be honest.

[CraftyToePoke]

Nathan Jones also available. Did great work with Luton Town.

Not a man who held up under pressure, questioned whether he should be in one job in a post match and his last interview before getting sacked last season was a guy visibly creaking. A nice guy but I'd say the pressure cooker of the Ireland job would crumble him. He is out of work though.

[DCWA]

Next manager will be Neil Lennon, decision made already.

[Jd2793]

jones should be avoided at all costs. luton are run seamlessly, every manager who came in there has done a good job. jones looked well out of his depth at southampton and didnt do well with stoke either. id like wilder if he'd be into it. has a good character too. kind of guy, who players look like they love playing for

[seanfhear]

Next manager will be Neil Lennon, decision made already.
Perfect for the England job.

[JR89]

Fact he's on two yellows it's not the worst thing if he misses the France and is available for Holland. Though his performances this season for club haven't been good. Even last season in the championship he had some dodge moments.

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[pineapple stu]

About the only position we have actual cover for. If that's the worst news we get this week, I'll be quite happy!

[seanfhear]

About the only position we have actual cover for. If that's the worst news we get this week, I'll be quite happy!
We are pretty much in Centre-Back Nirvana !

[pineapple stu]

Maybe not quite Nirvana - more like back of a cosy pub with the third round on the way?

It's nice, but not quite Nirvana

[Fixer82]

Maybe not quite Nirvana - more like back of a cosy pub with the third round on the way?

It's nice, but not quite Nirvana

Pearl Jam?

[joey B]

Evan Ferguson ruled out of both fixtures,and that is that!

[Fixer82]

Christ

[Insidetherock]

Surely not considering an England switch ?

[Diggs246]

Surely not considering an England switch ?

Chill out baby
He's injured

[texidub]

Disappointed but only so much one young player can do. Up to the rest to step up and remind us that they can play a bit.

[Insidetherock]

I know.. but you know how it is.. I'd been looking forward to him leading our line for the next 15 yrs



What are the new eligibility rules?

The new eligibility rules build on the foundation of the rules that had already been in place prior to September 2020.

So, the basis of the eligibility rules is effectively the same, but there have been a number of clarifications and some additional insertions.

In particular, FIFA has added three new exceptions whereby a player may change the national team they play for.

It is now possible for a player to change national team even if they have played competitively at senior level, provided:

the player held the nationality of their new association at the time of their first official appearance for their first national team.

the player played in no more than three competitive senior games before the age of 21.
the player has not played in the final stage of an official tournament such as the World Cup, European Championship, Copa America etc.


at least three years have passed since the player's last senior appearance for their previous national team.


The exceptions there, may mean there's no issue..

Evan would have had to have been a British passport holder, when he first played with Ireland

(Rice and Grealish would have had those passports)

And if he switched now, he'd still be ruled out for 3 more yrs

[seanfhear]

Is Stephen Kenny kinda cursed ? !

[texidub]

We're all cursed by the luck of the Irish.

[brine3]

Evan would have had to have been a British passport holder, when he first played with Ireland


The rule says hold British nationality, which is not the same as having a passport (a travel document). You can have a nationality without ever going out and getting the passport. Think of all the Americans who never leave the USA, they've never had the need to apply for a passport. It's possible that Ferguson is British since birth, regardless if he's ever gone out and gotten the passport.

That said, I don't think we need to worry about Evan Ferguson.

[weldoninhio]

Jesus lads, he turned up to Dublin and was assessed by the FAI's doctors. Do you think he faked the injury on the scans that the FAI doctors did ffs.

[joey B]

I know.. but you know how it is.. I'd been looking forward to him leading our line for the next 15 yrs



What are the new eligibility rules?

The new eligibility rules build on the foundation of the rules that had already been in place prior to September 2020.

So, the basis of the eligibility rules is effectively the same, but there have been a number of clarifications and some additional insertions.

In particular, FIFA has added three new exceptions whereby a player may change the national team they play for.

It is now possible for a player to change national team even if they have played competitively at senior level, provided:

the player held the nationality of their new association at the time of their first official appearance for their first national team.

the player played in no more than three competitive senior games before the age of 21.
the player has not played in the final stage of an official tournament such as the World Cup, European Championship, Copa America etc.


at least three years have passed since the player's last senior appearance for their previous national team.


The exceptions there, may mean there's no issue..

Evan would have had to have been a British passport holder, when he first played with Ireland

(Rice and Grealish would have had those passports)

And if he switched now, he'd still be ruled out for 3 more yrs

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[tetsujin1979]

Dan McDonnell thinks he can't change allegiance
1699021019300745363

[elatedscum]

does Troy now get a call-up? or do they go there with a man less?

[Colbert Report]

Is Stephen Kenny kinda cursed ? !

I feel bad for Kenny as Ferguson was obviously the first name on the team sheet. My concern is that Kenny will send the players out to attack France and try to beat them at a passing game. An approach like that has the potential for us to get a major hiding.