Next Senior Men's Team Manager - Runners and Riders

[Murfinator]

It's a solid appointment, an experienced international manager who has form with bringing unfancied smaller teams to major tournaments. Best of luck to him.

[texidub]

Better get these out of the way today....

"Well, that was like pulling teeth."

[elatedscum]

Its not really 'Out of Nowhere' He was mentoined as a potential manager by 'Green Machine' a couple of weeks back, July 1st to be exact. (see Green Machine FB)

Happy with this appointment.

It's a private group. wanna enlighten us what was said and why you're happy with it?

absolutely flabbergasted. chap was basically Lars Lagerback's assistant during Iceland's success in Euro 2016.

International record:

Copa America with Jamaica, 3 games, 0 points losing to Venezuela, Ecuador and Mexico
World Cup with Icekand, 3 games, 1 point

There's more nuance (their point was against Argentina, they did qualify as second seed. s to the world cup etc etc.) - but essentially Iceland played a form of Tony Pulis / Sam Allerdichi football, Delap style throws to a big frontman and the odd worldie from Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Worth noting, Sigurdsson was better than any player we currently have. As for Jamaica, Leon Bailey is also better than our best player (they also have Michail Antonio, Demarai Gray and Bobby Decordova Reid, not to mention the mighty Ethon Pinnock!)

[backstothewall]

This is an excellent appointment on paper.

Hopefully he's as successful with us as he was with Iceland.

[Demesne Lad]

[QUOTE=texidub;2192850]Better get these out of the way today....

"Well, that was like pulling teeth."[/QUOTE

We all hope his tenure will be crowned with success.

[elatedscum]

It's a private group. wanna enlighten us what was said and why you're happy with it?

absolutely flabbergasted. chap was basically Lars Lagerback's assistant during Iceland's success in Euro 2016.

International record:

Copa America with Jamaica, 3 games, 0 points losing to Venezuela, Ecuador and Mexico
World Cup with Icekand, 3 games, 1 point

There's more nuance (their point was against Argentina, they did qualify as second seed. s to the world cup etc etc.) - but essentially Iceland played a form of Tony Pulis / Sam Allerdichi football, Delap style throws to a big frontman and the odd worldie from Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Worth noting, Sigurdsson was better than any player we currently have. As for Jamaica, Leon Bailey is also better than our best player (they also have Michail Antonio, Demarai Gray and Bobby Decordova Reid, not to mention the mighty Ethon Pinnock!)

Really want to be wrong but I suspect it's another terrible appointment by the FAI

[pineapple stu]

Out of nowhere that one right? Was his name ever mentioned?
We kind of all knew it'd end like this, didn't we?

Trust the process!

Now - where's geysir...?

[The Fly]

Whatever about Willy Sagnol, it can't be denied that HH has fascist links.Straight to Rubbish. :D



Now - where's geysir...?
Venting...somewhere.

[CSAD]

Evan is still potential, he could be an incredible talent, I believe he can be, but we're going to need to see more again next year to compare him to someone who has won Serie A and played a lot of Champions league.

Also, all player value has exploded, it doesn't mean they're any better, the market is just mad, it has literally no relevance to anything, Nathan Collins isn't our best ever player, would he even be in the top 20? I also think he can be a great player, but for now he's a decent PL pro with potential to be much more he's just also happens to be most expensive ever because football is an insane sport where money is almost meaningless.


I do think our team has a lot of potential, but that's what it is, so many promising players haven't become what we hoped, but I still hold out hope for a few of them. We have very little quality and almost no depth in midfield, which is probably the most important position in football, and that will continue to hold us back. We have a fanbase with high expectations and a weak financial package available vs what very high quality managers can ask for.

That's how I'd look at it if I was not Irish at least.

Evan is still potential yes, but that potential is 100+ million euro player and potential a similar level to Kvaratskhelia. Is there right now, definitely not but he is still a top player and well above the likes of Walters, Long and tbh ahead of even Robbie Keane (Keane is possibly a better goal scorer but as an overall player Ferguson is better) and yet all 3 of those looked better for Ireland than Ferguson which says a lot.

Yes player value has exploded...between the early 2000s and now, the difference between now and 2017 would still have some merit. We like to say it has no relevance but that's just because it doesnt suit the narrative that maybe the likes of O'Shea and Kenny just arent getting the best out of our players. Collins is a player like Ferguson where you cant really compare to previous players as it's a massive handicap due to the fact they've had to endure appalling management which has probably made them look worse players than they actually are compared to donkey's like Duffy and Keogh who looked like competent international footballers by comparison. Collins is the most expensive Irish player ever because he's a top player which is why 2 separate PL clubs were willing to pay over 20m for him by the age of 20 (one of which, Brentford, broke their own transfer record in signing him). The Georgian back three is barely even mid table championship standard and yet you can be certain they'll defend better than the likes of Collins and O'Brien would defend which in itself says a lot.


There is a lot of potential yes and yes we are still waiting on some of them to achieve that potential but even still where they currently are they should still be doing a HELL of a lot better than they are doing. We have a player who was a PL captain last season, a likely PL starter in midfield next season and a few young championship players with potential to be PL standard in future in our midfield. Is it ideal? No but it's still more than enough for a competent manager to make the most of. And no Irish fans don't have high expectations, their expectations are to make us at the very least competitive which, considering squad value wise our squad would be a pot 2 side in UEFA qualifying, I dont think is asking for too much considering we are playing like San Marino or Andorra at the minute...

The question is now are we going to actually have expectations of the manager to actually do his job and hold him accountable when he fails? Or are we just going to make excuses such as fixate of one or two area's ( such as midfield when our defence, somewhere we should actually be good at, is a complete disaster or the fact we have a 50m CF and cant score goals)

[Murfinator]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5319072/2024/03/05/mason-greenwood-jamaica-heimir-hallgrimsson/

Should probably get this out of the way since it'll surface sooner or later anyway.

[CSAD]

It's a private group. wanna enlighten us what was said and why you're happy with it?

absolutely flabbergasted. chap was basically Lars Lagerback's assistant during Iceland's success in Euro 2016.

International record:

Copa America with Jamaica, 3 games, 0 points losing to Venezuela, Ecuador and Mexico
World Cup with Icekand, 3 games, 1 point

There's more nuance (their point was against Argentina, they did qualify as second seed. s to the world cup etc etc.) - but essentially Iceland played a form of Tony Pulis / Sam Allerdichi football, Delap style throws to a big frontman and the odd worldie from Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Worth noting, Sigurdsson was better than any player we currently have. As for Jamaica, Leon Bailey is also better than our best player (they also have Michail Antonio, Demarai Gray and Bobby Decordova Reid, not to mention the mighty Ethon Pinnock!)

Worth noting that 1 player doesnt make a team, its 11 and that Bailey and Sigurdsson cant defend and their job isn't to score goals which is an issue.

Good to see that he hasn't even got in the door yet and we are already making excuses to accept mediocrity before a ball is even kicked.

[pineapple stu]

It's a private group. wanna enlighten us what was said and why you're happy with it?

absolutely flabbergasted. chap was basically Lars Lagerback's assistant during Iceland's success in Euro 2016.

International record:

Copa America with Jamaica, 3 games, 0 points losing to Venezuela, Ecuador and Mexico
World Cup with Icekand, 3 games, 1 point

There's more nuance (their point was against Argentina, they did qualify as second seed. s to the world cup etc etc.) - but essentially Iceland played a form of Tony Pulis / Sam Allerdichi football, Delap style throws to a big frontman and the odd worldie from Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Worth noting, Sigurdsson was better than any player we currently have. As for Jamaica, Leon Bailey is also better than our best player (they also have Michail Antonio, Demarai Gray and Bobby Decordova Reid, not to mention the mighty Ethon Pinnock!)

Club record - knocked out of the UEFA Cup by Pat's in 2011 :p

Also got to the quarters of Euro 2016 - I know he was joint manager at the time and I don't know how that really broke down. But it's worth a mention for a side like Iceland.

I feel it's about as good as we could expect. Someone with experience and with flaws. I'm certainly open to giving it a good chance.

[geysir]

We in Iceland took pity upon your tortured process, your trials and tribulations and sent our only begotten senior manager to show you the way.

[Supreme feet]

Not particularly outraged or depressed by that appointment, which is about as positive as I could have expected.

He's done more than Carsley and O'Shea in the game at senior level. About the same as Sagnol, if not more. Better international record, and younger than Hughton. Not Lennon or either of the Keanes, so no media circus. He qualified Iceland out of a group containing Croatia, Turkey and Ukraine for the 2018 WC, which is a fine achievement. Jamaica performed around what you'd expect - they had a decent competitive record against teams at their level in CONCACAF - getting results against USA and Mexico, beating the likes of Canada, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, etc. The Copa America is generally a huge step up for the CONCACAF teams, so I wouldn't read too much into the last month.

And for what it's worth, his Iceland team outclassed us in a friendly under MON in 2017.

With the pay on offer, and the fact that it's a very difficult job to turn this team around, I don't see how we could have attracted a bigger name or a more proven coach. It was either a washed-up 'proper football man' or a total left-field appointment, so here we are. We'll see how he goes in September.

[elatedscum]

We in Iceland took pity upon your tortured process, your trials and tribulations and sent our only begotten senior manager to show you the way.

What’s your honest opinion on him Geysir?

Re Stu: My understanding was the Lagerbeck was still calling the shots in 2016 - but I’m sure Geysir can provide far more insight

[backstothewall]

Worth noting that 1 player doesnt make a team, its 11 and that Bailey and Sigurdsson cant defend and their job isn't to score goals which is an issue.

Good to see that he hasn't even got in the door yet and we are already making excuses to accept mediocrity before a ball is even kicked.

Probably even more woerth noting that Bailey did a Keano and ****ed off from the Copa America without a ball being kicked. It hardly seems fair to judge him on the ability of a player who wasn't even there.

He won what was probably the toughest group in Europe to qualify for the World Cup in 2018 with an Iceland squad that was solid at best.

Iceland, Croatia, Ukraine Turkey, Finland, Kosovo.

Didn't do much in the finals but after getting a group with Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria the single point they picked up was probably par for the course.

Win percentage of 43.75% as a joint manager and 44.00% on his own with Iceland.

He is a hell of a lot more qualified for the job than some previous incumbants, or indeed some of the other names that have been mentioned.

[The Fly]

Ah wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heimir_Hallgr%C3%ADmsson)...
Best of luck Eminence Grise!

[punkrocket]

Whatever about Willy Sagnol, it can't be denied that HH has fascist links.

Says Stuttgart 88!

[Bungle]

Really happy with this appointment.

He has proven international quality which is what I wanted and until a few hours ago could only dream of.

He may have had one or two very good players with Iceland, but I feel that our current team is better than what he had in most positions. That is what excites me - a manager who can make the most of players and especially the very good ones and negate the deficiencies by a game plan and tactics.

It's a real shame that he hasn't got the last few games and his first game is England, but if he can get us 2nd in the group and a decent points total, we have a chance of a playoff.

[EalingGreen]

As for Jamaica, Leon Bailey is also better than our best player (they also have Michail Antonio, Demarai Gray and Bobby Decordova Reid, not to mention the mighty Ethon Pinnock!)Oi! The mighty Ethan Pinnock was the standout player in Brentford's defence last season, which is why he won the Supporters' POTY award. Super player, who I'd rate at least as good as any of those you mention, not least for his consistency.

Beyond that, I don't know a thing about Jamaica, or their (former) Manager, so it will be interesting to see how the new guy does.

[Acornvilla]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5319072/2024/03/05/mason-greenwood-jamaica-heimir-hallgrimsson/

Should probably get this out of the way since it'll surface sooner or later anyway.
This is definitely not a good look.

Otherwise, I think he's a fine appointment especially vs other options, lets hope it works out.

[Stuttgart88]

Says Stuttgart 88!

I've been found out after all these years!

[CSAD]

Probably even more woerth noting that Bailey did a Keano and ****ed off from the Copa America without a ball being kicked. It hardly seems fair to judge him on the ability of a player who wasn't even there.

He won what was probably the toughest group in Europe to qualify for the World Cup in 2018 with an Iceland squad that was solid at best.

Iceland, Croatia, Ukraine Turkey, Finland, Kosovo.

Didn't do much in the finals but after getting a group with Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria the single point they picked up was probably par for the course.

Win percentage of 43.75% as a joint manager and 44.00% on his own with Iceland.

He is a hell of a lot more qualified for the job than some previous incumbants, or indeed some of the other names that have been mentioned.

That is true plus the fact we seem to always just pick 1 player a team has and claim that's the reason why we'll still be crap even with him in charge.

Honestly up until the Euros if you offered me him or Sagnol I actually may have taken him because it is worth noting with Sagnol that while Georgia did great at the Euros they actually havent been that great in qualifiers or friendlies which makes me question is this a one off and is Sagnol as really the man we wanted.

Honestly considering the fear of who we could get, like O'Shea for instance, I think its a great appointment. A manager not too old plus with international experience so shouldn't be too overawed by the experience.

I'm also delight for the likes of McClean who desperately wanted O'Shea just so they could weasel their way back into the set up get what they deserve, absolute disgrace to Ireland just like the rest of the former internationals backing him who only care about their own interests and not Irish football.

[Crosby87]

A dentist becomes Ireland manager you can't make that up!!

I have his jersey somewhere from his Hottur days. Got find it.

[TonyD]

[QUOTE=texidub;2192850]Better get these out of the way today....

"Well, that was like pulling teeth."[/QUOTE

We all hope his tenure will be crowned with success.

Will he stop the decay in the team, or will he only end up filling a gap until someone else is appointed ?

[elatedscum]

Oi! The mighty Ethan Pinnock was the standout player in Brentford's defence last season, which is why he won the Supporters' POTY award. Super player, who I'd rate at least as good as any of those you mention, not least for his consistency.

Beyond that, I don't know a thing about Jamaica, or their (former) Manager, so it will be interesting to see how the new guy does.

That wasn't really a sarcastic quote. I really like Pinnock... Thought the injury he got really hurt Brentford and think he's an underrated footballer

[elatedscum]

I'm also delight for the likes of McClean who desperately wanted O'Shea just so they could weasel their way back into the set up get what they deserve, absolute disgrace to Ireland just like the rest of the former internationals backing him who only care about their own interests and not Irish football.

McClean definitely fits the playing style. Wouldn't be too shocked to see HH offer him a way back in...

[Bungle]

That is true plus the fact we seem to always just pick 1 player a team has and claim that's the reason why we'll still be crap even with him in charge.

Honestly up until the Euros if you offered me him or Sagnol I actually may have taken him because it is worth noting with Sagnol that while Georgia did great at the Euros they actually havent been that great in qualifiers or friendlies which makes me question is this a one off and is Sagnol as really the man we wanted.

Honestly considering the fear of who we could get, like O'Shea for instance, I think its a great appointment. A manager not too old plus with international experience so shouldn't be too overawed by the experience.

I'm also delight for the likes of McClean who desperately wanted O'Shea just so they could weasel their way back into the set up get what they deserve, absolute disgrace to Ireland just like the rest of the former internationals backing him who only care about their own interests and not Irish football.

I have no problem in players still thinking they can play at a higher level than they can - that's on a manager to not pick them. I do have a problem with how he spoke about Kenny. I didn't rate Kenny at all, but he was very decent to McClean and for him to turn on him, shows his personality.

[Razors left peg]

Happy with the appointment overall. I like that its an "outside the box" appointment and not just some guy whos been on the english football merri-go-round for 20 years. The job he did with Iceland was excellent, whether he or Lagerback get more credit I dont know but the 2018 WC qualification would suggest that he wasnt without credit. Elatedscum saying that he plays extremely direct football would concern me, but I do have memories of those Iceland teams being excellent to watch so I guess we'll wait and see.

Theres no doubt he took the money to go work in Qatar after the Iceland success and I think thats fair enough. He cashed in on his success and I wouldnt really care what his record was in that league.

His record with Jamacia is fairly mixed I would say, very poor Copa recently but good in their Nations League where they beat Canada before being knocked out by the US. I do remember reading about some issues within the Jamacia federation and the players before the Cope so maybe there was some mitigating circumstances there.

There was no perfect appointment. Obviously Carsley was my favorite but even he was a risk. My more recent favorite would have been Robbie and he brings his own PR issues. This is a clean slate for a guy, no one has any preconceived notions of what to expect from him. His backroom team will be interesting, I hope we move on from JOS. Id love to see Brian Barry Murphy come in with him, but that might be a pipedream.

At least the saga is over and hes not a known racist.... those are 2 postives to get started with anyways!

[John83]

Interesting appointment. It's dragged on so long that I'd nearly have taken any vaguely plausible candidate at this stage and there are one or two valid quibbles raised above, but he's in place now so he gets my support unconditionally for a bit. Let's see what he can do.

[elatedscum]

Best Case Scenario: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfNz7Xau2hc
Worst Case Scenario: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpb23DXQ1q8 (10 days ago)

[JR89]

His backroom team will be interesting, I hope we move on from JOS. Id love to see Brian Barry Murphy come in with him, but that might be a pipedream.


I'd be surprised if O'Shea is involved after being overlooked for the job. Hallgrimsson you can be sure will get the who the **** is this guy treatment in the media. Likely from some who are pals with O'Shea and having O'Shea as part of his set up would make it worse imo.

I'd say there's more chance of John O'Shea being involved than BBM. If the FAI could actually get him involved then fair ****s to him. But walking away from City you'd imagine he's going back into management.

This lad was one of his assistant coaches with Jamaica. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/john-wall/profil/trainer/36723

Sebastian Boxleitner and Gudmundur Hreidarsson are the other two non Jamaicans that were part of his coaching staff and both also worked with him while with Iceland.

[elatedscum]

FAI spin never fails...

On what excites him to come to Ireland: "I really like the administration, how they approached, their professionalism, and how they treated me with respect etc.", overlaid with Mark Canham smiling and laughing with him signing the contract.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L9kWhnSJTc

[Razors left peg]

https://youtu.be/0L9kWhnSJTc?si=1haARqBpVVytq_TN

He speaks pretty well. Talks about being involved in the youth structures in Iceland and will expect to do that with us too.

[elatedscum]

I think we'll know a lot more when we see the squad and then when we see them play.

Basic expectations:
- Played better than we did under JOS
- Showing more tactical nuance than JOS did
- Decent results

What does that realistically translate to for the rest of the year? In general in the nation's league, I think 2nd place is par for what we should achieve (that equates to 21st to 24th in Europe). 3rd is probably a touch below expectations - and 4th would be our worst ever result...

[Eirambler]

Says Stuttgart 88!

At least the handle isn't Stuttgart 38!

A total left field appointment. But what I wanted was a serious manager with a decent track record who represents a potential significant improvement on Kenny and O'Shea. And this guy appears to be that. And if he is it's the first time we'll have had that in four years.

If he can get us organised at the back initially he should improve us. Then hopefully develop the team from there as the younger players come through and some of them move into their peak years ahead of Euro 2028. I have hope for this guy, let's give him a chance for a couple of years at least and see what he can do.

[JR89]

1811118190807896280

Also says he's confident that Hallgrimsson will qualify us for the upcoming WC.

Full interview is here.
https://www.goloudplayer.com/episodes/i-am-certain-hallgrimsson-will-s-NGEyNWM0NTM5YzcxYWNhMThjNDMyMzE3OTUwODVhNjg=

[Eirambler]

Hallgrímsson was identified as the FAI’s number one candidate earlier this year with his experience aligning perfectly with the Association’s search criteria.

I can't believe they put in the press release to try and cover Canham. I mean it's technically true, as last week is indeed "earlier this year", but he's some bull****ter trying to pass this off as being the plan all along. Kilbane had him down to a tee with his "fake it until you make it" comment.

[Eminence Grise]

How strange! I dreamed about this only last night. :rolleyes: The setting was the Aviva as Ireland lost 5-0 to England, and I saw the news reports the following day.

If Tets is here today… They weren’t very complimentary reports.


But if Tets isn’t here today…




This is what I saw (these aren’t puns, by the way – they’re prophecies).



What the Viking hell??? – The Sun (never one to let medieval geopolitical inaccuracies get in the way of a good pun).
It’s All Grim, Son – Daily Mirror
Less Braun, More Brain


- dentist’s boys brushed aside by England – Evening Herald



No GUMption – Mail on Sunday
Open Wide!


- This IS going to hurt - The Daily Star



Emerald Aisle! Ireland to replace former Iceland manager with former Tesco manager - The Phoenix
A photo of a laughing Stephen Kenny surrounded by piles of money and training cones – the St Pat’s matchday programme
‘Toothless Ireland were down in the mouth as they lacked bite against…’ (continues without any improvement for another 800 words) – Roy Curtis in the Sunday World
On Crimecall, ‘50,000 people turned on this man when he shouted “Give me a H”. If you recognise his bruised and battered face and know where he lives call us. We were disappointed not to get in on the action ourselves.’



And, finally, restrained yet all the more hurtful as it rubs salt into our collective wounds, The Irish Times…





Ireland Outclassed by Carsley’s England

[CraftyToePoke]

Here's hoping for a veneer of respectability.

[geysir]

What’s your honest opinion on him Geysir?

Re Stu: My understanding was the Lagerbeck was still calling the shots in 2016 - but I’m sure Geysir can provide far more insight

I only give honest opinions :)

Heimir was most definitely the junior partner in the 2016 campaign, that being said it was also common knowledge that he was being groomed as heir the throne post 2016. He’s been a part of a set up that took one of the lowest ranked countries in Europe to a play off and 2 finals where Iceland, tactically, physically and technically competed against and beat teams many times more talented on a regular basis. What more does a potential manager have to do in order to be a candidate for the Ireland job? It’s beyond bizarre for know nothings to be ‘unpleased’.
He has the credentials, he has personality, more importantly a solid tough as nails character and he’s a Westmann Islander to boot.
He’s also charismatic with a sense of humour. He gets fans, not platitudes or whatever, he’s all for direct communication and nurtured the growth of the the ‘12th man’ - the Iceland 'ultras', from a small cabal to epic proportions.

His tour de force with Iceland was in the WCQ 2018 campaign as sole manager, the peak was reached topping the group after going into the penultimate round of games when Iceland were destined for 3rd or 4th place, but the surreal happened with a 3 nil victory in Istanbul, then we switched over to watching Croatia at home conceding a last minute equaliser to Finland. Not only do you dodge a destructive comet but win the lotto on the same evening.

The questions arose later at the WC especially with mistakes he made in the 2nd game v Nigeria, a game which should have been won. It was regarded as a big fail not to progress to the last 16.
I haven’t followed his career since he left Iceland,

My attitude to this appointment is, why not Heimir?

[Fixer82]

Hopefully he can get to the root of the problem and really drill his ethos into the team. Some players might need to fill a few gaps so we better brace ourselves. Not sure I have the palate for this tbh

[Razors left peg]

I only give honest opinions :)

Heimir was most definitely the junior partner in the 2016 campaign, that being said it was also common knowledge that he was being groomed as heir the throne post 2016. He’s been a part of a set up that took one of the lowest ranked countries in Europe to a play off and 2 finals where Iceland, tactically, physically and technically competed against and beat teams many times more talented on a regular basis. What more does a potential manager have to do in order to be a candidate for the Ireland job? It’s beyond bizarre for know nothings to be ‘unpleased’.
He has the credentials, he has personality, more importantly a solid tough as nails character and he’s a Westmann Islander to boot.
He’s also charismatic with a sense of humour. He gets fans, not platitudes or whatever, he’s all for direct communication and nurtured the growth of the the ‘12th man’ - the Iceland 'ultras', from a small cabal to epic proportions.

His tour de force with Iceland was in the WCQ 2018 campaign as sole manager, the peak was reached topping the group after going into the penultimate round of games when Iceland were destined for 3rd or 4th place, but the surreal happened with a 3 nil victory in Istanbul, then we switched over to watching Croatia at home conceding a last minute equaliser to Finland. Not only do you dodge a destructive comet but win the lotto on the same evening.

The questions arose later at the WC especially with mistakes he made in the 2nd game v Nigeria, a game which should have been won. It was regarded as a big fail not to progress to the last 16.
I haven’t followed his career since he left Iceland,

My attitude to this appointment is, why not Heimir?

Good to get the opinion of someone who has seen him close up, makes me even more enthusiastic about the appointment.

[CraftyToePoke]

Hopefully he can get to the root of the problem and really drill his ethos into the team. Some players might need to fill a few gaps so we better brace ourselves. Not sure I have the palate for this tbh

This is it exactly.

Maybe win a plaque.

[SkStu]

I just can’t wait for his name to be butchered on here like Bazuna, Obamadele and McLean.

[SkStu]

I’m quite optimistic about this appointment to be honest. He’s probably more qualified and experienced than anyone else that we had on the realistic list, except possibly Sagnol (who would probably approve of his appointment).

Basically, we may never lose again.

[samhaydenjr]

So... not as good as we might have hoped but better than we had feared is probably a good way to describe this appointment. In fairness, leading Iceland to top the 2018 World Cup qualifying group was a pretty impressive achievement, and even getting Jamaica to the Copa America was no mean feat, beating three teams who had recently qualified for World Cups and taking the US to extra time.

Could well be a good bridge to a time, perhaps four years from now, when Robbie, Duffer, BBM, Carsley and even JOS could be viable candidates,

[Olé Olé]

Sounds like his style of play isn't the most attractive. That means he will need results to keep the media and supporters off his back. Might well be a better version of Michael O'Neill in some regards and I think that we have all seen what he has extracted from incredibly limited resources.

Additionally, he has been a busy man in tapping up eligible players for Jamaica. Hafliðason on OTB specifically said he spent a lot of time in the UK going around speaking to the players he brought into the Jamaica side. Not sure who he brought in though - Hallgrimsson appears to have begun that post in 2022 and Pinnock, Antonio and a few others declared in 2021...

If he's a man for 4-4-2 or something similar, he's probably looking at our squad and thinking that he has good options in the back 5, different choices and combinations up top (Ferguson and Szmodics?), a few lads who can play on the wings (Ogbene for sure, Johnston maybe) but is shy in midfield. He might prioritize that as somewhere to go after in the eligible player pool.

[Fixer82]

Sounds like his style of play isn't the most attractive. That means he will need results to keep the media and supporters off his back. Might well be a better version of Michael O'Neill in some regards and I think that we have all seen what he has extracted from incredibly limited resources.

He's already had some of the Twitterati going after him for saying he'd love to get Mason Greenwood to declare for Jamaica

[brine3]

A dentist becomes Ireland manager you can't make that up!!

Makes sense, sure watching Ireland is like going to the dentist anyway.