New Irish manager

[Stuttgart88]

but what different 'credentials' would you have to represent a fans group no more than does Alan Hunter or anyone else on here or indeed not on here?I was kind of thinking of me :)

[paul_oshea]

id back ye stutts. good sensible and logical head on ye!!!

[OwlsFan]

So slightly facetiously I make the point but - anyone think Don Givens should be given a fair crack of the whip? ;) Notwithstanding his failure with the U-21s, it was odd listening to a manager who had his head screwed on right & vaguely knew what he was doing.

You're coming from a pretty low base of course comparison wise. "I am the boss. I am the gaffer. Alan O'Brien is the second Maradona ((no he didn't really say that))". Givens still made these stupid substitutions to try and run down the clock when we were leading, like taking off the one man who might be able to retain the ball, Andy Reid. Re-run of Slovakia.

Being articulate doesn't necessarily mean you're a good manager. Can anyone actually understand a word Alex Ferguson says? "Hey, winnna, dinnna, Ronaldo, herdy, ferdie, Rooney, keepa tightah, hootsmon, gameoftwo halves" but he does ok.

[amaccann]

You're coming from a pretty low base of course comparison wise. "I am the boss. I am the gaffer. Alan O'Brien is the second Maradona ((no he didn't really say that))". Givens still made these stupid substitutions to try and run down the clock when we were leading, like taking off the one man who might be able to retain the ball, Andy Reid. Re-run of Slovakia.

Being articulate doesn't necessarily mean you're a good manager. Can anyone actually understand a word Alex Ferguson says? "Hey, winnna, dinnna, Ronaldo, herdy, ferdie, Rooney, keepa tightah, hootsmon, gameoftwo halves" but he does ok.
Well like I said, I was being facetious; but if nothing else, I got a sense of better organisation & structure in the team, rather than the 11 man, headless-chicken act Staunton's teams showed. I'd love to know what a genuinely talented manager could bring to the table.

[DmanDmythDledge]

Irish Times:

The recruitment process took a small but significant step forward over the weekend when Delaney met senior members of the squad including Given, Kevin Kilbane and Robbie Keane to hear their views on the impending appointment.

"There was about half a dozen of us," said Given, "and it was good to speak to John about it. He wanted our thoughts on the manager situation and it was clear that he's desperate to get the right man in charge as well.
According to Saturday's indo the other players were John O'Shea, Steve Finnan and Lee Carsley.

[geysir]

Looks like the single most important factor in eliminating Venables from the running is if England qualify for the Euro Finals, every cloud has a silver lining.

[Stuttgart88]

I see Martin Jol has turned down Birmingham. I wonder would Giles see fit to have a word in his ear too.

I'd like Jol and think he'd be better than Jewell and has experience from an international perspective. I'd love to know if his name is (a) even on the FAI's minds and (b) if his name was mentioned by Robbie or any of the players in last week's meeting.

I read an interesting point on the prospective use of "headhunters": in business they're typically only used to take a guy out of an existing job, not to hire someone who is out of work. In fact that's what to "headhunt" actually means.

[Metrostars]

Interesting....

Finns try to put block on any Republic move for Hodgson


David Hytner
Tuesday November 20, 2007
The Guardian


The Finnish FA yesterday vowed to do all it could to stop its coach, Roy Hodgson, succeeding Steve Staunton in charge of Republic of Ireland. The former Blackburn manager has been a great success since he took over at the start of last year and has moved into the reckoning alongside Terry Venables and Paul Jewell.
Senior Ireland players are believed to want a manager who has international experience, which goes against the former Wigan manager, and the prospect of Venables being available is receding as England now need only a draw against Croatia tomorrow night to reach the Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.
...
Having taken charge of Finland at a low ebb, after a disappointing campaign for the last World Cup, Hodgson has transformed their fortunes. He has instilled discipline and a team ethic, only seven goals have been conceded in 13 Group A ties, and hopes of qualification remain alive prior to the showdown with Portugal in Porto tomorrow night. Win that and, provided Serbia do not win their final two fixtures, Finland would qualify for a major championship for the first time. They have never previously even been close.
But Portugal need only a draw to guarantee their own safe passage, which stacks the odds against the Finns and brings the end of Hodgson's tenure into sight. He is out of contract after this campaign and would prefer a new challenge to agreeing fresh terms.

Hodgson's career highlight was guiding Switzerland to the 1994 World Cup and Euro 96. Getting his latest side through would top that and the Finns recognise his value to them. "It's natural that Roy has been talked about for the Ireland job because he is a top coach," said Timo Walden of the Finnish FA. "We are extremely happy and satisfied with his work and we will work as hard as possible to keep him."
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2213904,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=5

[Noelys Guitar]

I see Martin Jol has turned down Birmingham. I wonder would Giles see fit to have a word in his ear too.

I'd like Jol and think he'd be better than Jewell and has experience from an international perspective. I'd love to know if his name is (a) even on the FAI's minds and (b) if his name was mentioned by Robbie or any of the players in last week's meeting.

I read an interesting point on the prospective use of "headhunters": in business they're typically only used to take a guy out of an existing job, not to hire someone who is out of work. In fact that's what to "headhunt" actually means.

Do you get the feeling that there will be an announcment in the next few weeks on the RTE 6.01 news of our new manager and everyone will say "who the **** is this guy"! Or worse than that. "oh No". You can't rule anything out with the FAI.

[shakermaker1982]

I'd be very happy with Hodgson.

[Dr. Ogba]

the names of Hodgson and Hiddink being mentioned in the papers is a very very encouraging trend...would be absolutely delighted with either one of these guys...

[geysir]

"He is out of contract after this campaign and would prefer a new challenge to agreeing fresh terms."
I wonder how the Guardian journalist came to that conclusion about Hodgson.

[NeilMcD]

He has been my recommendation from the start and I still stand by it. I think he is the perfect coach for us at this moment in time. He ticks all the boxes in my view.

[paul_oshea]

"It's natural that Roy has been talked about for the Ireland job because he is a top coach,"

Wheres EG and the rest of them now ;)

[irishfan86]

Wheres EG and the rest of them now ;)

Probably on the plane to Finland! :D

[geysir]

There is the information that Birmingham received £3m compensation for a (average?) manager like Bruce. Someone who if reports are to be believed they would like to replace anyway and still they get £3m and have that to wave around and to say hello with to another manager.

[OwlsFan]

Bruce would have been much better but for the referees. They were all out to get him :rolleyes:

The FAI can't compete with Premiership money. Of that I have no doubt so forget any Premiership or potential Premiership manager. Hodgson, whose box Neill has ticked, had an average season with Blackburn so if he becomes available, there mightn't be any interest from Premiership clubs. Haven't looked at the tables recently but aren't Finland in with a chance of qualifying?

[NeilMcD]

Where have you been Owls Fan, they are playing Portugal this Wed and if they win they will qualify if Serbia dont win both their games. I dont think they will make it but considering that Finland have never qualified and I cant remember them even been close before its some achievment. They were starting from a much lower base than we were. He qualified Blackburn for Europe which is what Mark Hughes is doing with them now and is rightly gettting great praise. Add to that his record with Switzerlandand its not a bad record.

[geysir]

The FAI could compete with whatever contract Finland are going to offer.
We are always a good option for a manager previously shunned for the England job.

[Stuttgart88]

Hodgson would be able to live and work pretty much full time in England too. That's handy if you're English.

[OwlsFan]

Hodgson would be able to live and work pretty much full time in England too. That's handy if you're English.

Unless you have your home in Finland, Switzerland, Italy etc etc ;)

[eekers]

there seems to be 3 main contenters at the moment

jewell
hodgson
venables (out of date media choice)

and a reserve candidate if these all fail of o'leary (i know)

other contenters are in 3 categories
big name, possibly wouldnt take the job: houllier, hiddink, jol
crap old unemployed dated manager from the 80s: graham, big ron :D , sounness
played for ireland: alridge, sheridan


so do we want jewell or hodgson
and shall we send giles out to visit hiddink and jol

[OwlsFan]

Just as a matter of interest, why do people scoff at Big Ron? He was a big (literally) success at Wednesday, one of the few in my lifetime. Is it because of his social gaffs or because he's been out of the game for a while?

My preference would probably be Jol with Chris Hughton as his 2nd in command. I believe he would have turned it around at SPurs if given time.

[eirebhoy]

Just as a matter of interest, why do people scoff at Big Ron? He was a big (literally) success at Wednesday, one of the few in my lifetime. Is it because of his social gaffs or because he's been out of the game for a while?
I think he's just not suited to todays game.

http://foot.ie/showpost.php?p=800439&postcount=815

[eekers]

Just as a matter of interest, why do people scoff at Big Ron? He was a big (literally) success at Wednesday, one of the few in my lifetime. Is it because of his social gaffs or because he's been out of the game for a while?

My preference would probably be Jol with Chris Hughton as his 2nd in command. I believe he would have turned it around at SPurs if given time.

he hasnt done anything of merit since 94
last game managing a team was getting forest relegated for good in '99

look at this match report when they faced united that season http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,22403,00.html

this dumb quote sums him up


As Atkinson said: "In a nutshell, we were murdered. They were quality all over the field. We said beforehand that we'd be bright and attractive, and there you are: a nine-goal thriller."


as for hughton - he was not well regarded at spurs
and didnt do much as a defense coach!

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2007/08/15/why-is-no-one-blaming-chris-hughton-for-tottenhams-plight/2642.html
http://www.spurs.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=501765
http://harryhotspur.blogspot.com/2007/10/silver-lining-hughton-gone.html

[geysir]

I wouldn't scoff at Jol but isn't Atkinson older than Giles? He must be near 70. I hear that the Japan coach had a heart attack at the weekend.

Atkinson did alright at West Brom, didn't he manage to spin the myth about him and the 3 Degrees when it was Giles who had brought Laurie Cunningham and Cyrille Regis into the team. It was our Johnny that challenged the established racism in English soccer.
Big Ron takes the credit.

[kriscommons]

I really hope the FAI go after Hodgson. He is - as another poster has said - exactly what this Irish team needs now. He would get the players organised and playing in position again and I think that everyone can agree he has a goo dpedigree getting the most from players who are one rung below world class, or 3 in mcshane's case (sorry!!).
I also think coppell would be an astute appointment. Jewell, for all his grift and scouse determination is unproven in any phere other than getting poor tems promoted and doggedly staying up. I accept he has plenty of ability but i dont think its the right time for us or him. He is drifting on Betfair too which would suggest that he's cooling off on the idea. I've just backed Hodgson at 17-1 on BetFair and after Finland are eliminated tomorrow eve i expect his price to collapse. GET ON NOW

[OwlsFan]

You wouldn't be a stalking horse for Betfair by any chance ;)?

Big Ron is 68. Hmmmm, perhaps not.

[shakermaker1982]

You wouldn't be a stalking horse for Betfair by any chance ;)?

Big Ron is 68. Hmmmm, perhaps not.


I'll always remember Big Ron walking to the away dugout at his first ever game as manager of Forest (at home!) and if I remember rightly I think it was against Arsenal.......too old and too out of touch. I know he's a Sheff Wed God for you OwlsFan but that was A LONG TIME AGO :D

[carloz]

We will be the laughing stock of football if we hire Big Ron. His career ended the second his football manager show was on TV. Im very worried after tonights English result that Venables name will creep up more so. Please dont let it be so

[Drumcondra 69er]

We will be the laughing stock of football if we hire Big Ron. His career ended the second his football manager show was on TV. Im very worried after tonights English result that Venables name will creep up more so. Please dont let it be so

100% agree. For the only time in my life I wasn't bothered if England qualified last night as it would rule Venables out. Short term pain for long term gain! I'll go spare if they go after him and the media (esp Paul Hyland and Dion Fanning) are really pushing him. I don't think that he can escape blame for England's absymal campaign much as the buck stops with McLaren, Venables is every bit as much yesterday's man as Big Ron.

[Stuttgart88]

Big Ron is just an absolute joke, I can't believe he's being written about. have you ever heard him on telly with his "lollipops" and the like. Let's just stop it here. No chance whatsoever.

Venables: last night was just another chapter in his downward spiralling career. Where was he when his man needed him? In the Royal Box. He kept his distance in the second half too.

[Dr. Ogba]

100% agree. For the only time in my life I wasn't bothered if England qualified last night as it would rule Venables out. Short term pain for long term gain! I'll go spare if they go after him and the media (esp Paul Hyland and Dion Fanning) are really pushing him. I don't think that he can escape blame for England's absymal campaign much as the buck stops with McLaren, Venables is every bit as much yesterday's man as Big Ron.

yeah i was actually shouting for England - if they had've qualified it would have meant that:

a) Venebles would still be in a job and out of the running
b) it would rule out any approach for Hodgson by England (could happen!!)
c) Hiddink would prob have been let go by Russia and available

now there's a real chance that we could be stuck with Venebles :mad:
Please Hodgson declare your interest in the job NOW!!

[Stuttgart88]

According to The Indo the FAI are still trying to finalise the panel of "kingmakers".

FFS, get the finger out and start talking to people. It's non-committal but at least gets people focused.

[CuanaD]

John Aldridge would be a good bet IMHO - he did a great job getting the best out of very average players at Tranmere (with motivation, training & diet) - we have very average players, so . . . .

[Rebel11]

John Aldridge would be a good bet IMHO - he did a great job getting the best out of very average players at Tranmere (with motivation, training & diet) - we have very average players, so . . . .

I hope you are joking, he has not been in management for years for a reason.

[onephillyhughes]

Who will negotiate our fixtures for the WC Qualifiers? Sir Bob is gone, so who, Don fnucking Givens? I support Engerland are in the same boat but something should have been done or arranged.

[onephillyhughes]

And I would never go near 'El Tel'. Last night summed him up to a tee. Engerlands most important qualifier in years and where does he spend the first half? Living it up in the royal box!

[citizenerased]

true of el tel,,his appetite is questionable at this stage of his career...im still a firm advocate of Houllier...

[tetsujin1979]

football365 pointed out something in their review of the game that I'd forgotten, in McClaren's first 6 games in charge, England had a settled back 4 and only conceded 2 goals to Brazil and Holland, both friendlies, and both games ending in a draw. In the 4 competitive game, England hadn't conceded at all.
McClaren's first real test was away to Croatia, and under Venables' influence changed to a 3-5-2 instead of his preferred (at that point) 4-4-2, and England lost 2-0. Venables' subsequently distanced himself from the change in formation, even though it was an open secret it was he who pressured McClaren to change.
If that's his idea of management - to change a winning team in their biggest challenge to date - then he's not someone I want as manager.

[paul_oshea]

Where does this leave us now, hiddink is gone with Russia, Hodgson available, beerhaker gone with russia, venables available ( unfortunately ). He didnt even seem to care when England scored, though he was nail biting at the end.

[OwlsFan]

Technically, English and Irish players are not as good as their continental counter-parts. From years of playing on muddy pitches imho. So 4-4-2 is the best formation. It's put the opposition under pressure and doesn't allow them time on the ball. How often 4-5-1 has been a disaster for teams from these islands? It's a joke and Venables, the assistant last night to McLaren, no doubt was the prime mover in that formation. Don't let him within an ass's roar of the Irish job.

[tetsujin1979]

From years of playing on muddy pitches imho.Didn't seem to help England last night ;)

[Stuttgart88]

I support Engerland Freudian typo?

[Dr. Ogba]

Technically, English and Irish players are not as good as their continental counter-parts. From years of playing on muddy pitches imho. So 4-4-2 is the best formation. It's put the opposition under pressure and doesn't allow them time on the ball. How often 4-5-1 has been a disaster for teams from these islands? It's a joke and Venables, the assistant last night to McLaren, no doubt was the prime mover in that formation. Don't let him within an ass's roar of the Irish job.

To be fair, our 2 most impressive games in this campaign (Czechs and Slovaks at home) were when we used an "attacking" 4-5-1...I actually think its our most suitable formation to be honest!

[paul_oshea]

Technically, English and Irish players are not as good as their continental counter-parts. From years of playing on muddy pitches imho. So 4-4-2 is the best formation. It's put the opposition under pressure and doesn't allow them time on the ball. How often 4-5-1 has been a disaster for teams from these islands? It's a joke and Venables, the assistant last night to McLaren, no doubt was the prime mover in that formation. Don't let him within an ass's roar of the Irish job.

Great post, ye know, it could well be that. We don't get time in muddy pitches to hold the ball up and pass it around as ye lose possession to easily, so told to "boot it up the field, get rid of that fcuken thing and stop messing round". Whereas our continental counterparts play about with it on the ground and hold it up, and are very good in tight areas.

[jbyrne]

it is beyond belief that venebles is even being mentioned. cant remember who but i heard him included on some sports writers shortlist of 3 managers for the Irish job. what has he ever done in management worth talking about?
id have stan back before i would accept venebles. he is nothing more than a smarmy smart ass, self serving failure who has destroyed some of the clubs he has been with. the fact that he has just been sacked and is available worries me greatly

[Stuttgart88]

As posted above, Independent newspapers are virtually acting as his agent.

James Lawton, Dion Fanning, Paul Hyland...

[shakermaker1982]

I'd rather have Big Ron than El Tel. That sunbed using fraud must have a lot of contacts in the print media for all these journalists to be getting so excited about him in their columns.

[paul_oshea]

i once met terry venables in oneills in leicester square