Robbie Keane

[JR89]

Maccabi Haifa are currently the team dominating in Israel winning the last three titles. Tel Aviv have finished 2nd, 3rd, and 3rd in the last three campaigns. Hopefully works out for him cause there's a serious lack of Irish managers in the professional game and even possibly coaches in general.

[Diggs246]

Robbie to train the lad who scores against Romania and sends us to the play off !

[JR89]

Robbie to train the lad who scores against Romania and sends us to the play off !

Let's hope he's there long enough till they play in November. He'll be their sixth manager in three years and they've had around 30 in the last 23 years.

[Razors left peg]

Boyhood dream etc etc etc

At least try to do better than the usual gobsh1te comments on social media.

Will most likely be short lived stint based on their recent history of managers, but fair play to him for giving it a shot. Hopefully it gets him on the managerial merry-go-round where he at least might get a shot at a more stable job. If the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are getting a chance at big jobs then Robbie is worth a look as a manager. Hope it goes well for him.

[Fixer82]

At least try to do better than the usual gobsh1te comments on social media.

Will most likely be short lived stint based on their recent history of managers, but fair play to him for giving it a shot. Hopefully it gets him on the managerial merry-go-round where he at least might get a shot at a more stable job. If the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are getting a chance at big jobs then Robbie is worth a look as a manager. Hope it goes well for him.

Wow! Are you triggered?? Just a silly joke. Sorry I offended you.
Personally I wouldn't take a gig in Israel but that's just me. Wish Robbie all the best

[Fixer82]

How about just wishing him luck. He deserves a shot at management as much as anyone else. You probably would be unfamiliar with the The Fields of Athenry if it wasn't for Robbie.

Jesus. What's going on here today? Is it a full moon?
And on the other point, I'm a full-time musician so ....yeah I was already familiar with the fine work of Pete St John before Robbie burst on the scene.
I love Robbie (not as much as you it seems) so I wish him all the best.

[Razors left peg]

Wow! Are you triggered?? Just a silly joke. Sorry I offended you.
Personally I wouldn't take a gig in Israel but that's just me. Wish Robbie all the best

It's just a tired joke that every muppet on social media has been rolling out all day. It wasn't even funny 10 years ago when it was slightly relevant.

As for not taking a job in Israel, we can all have our principals but career ambition has to take priority sometimes.

[Fixer82]

It's just a tired joke that every muppet on social media has been rolling out all day. It wasn't even funny 10 years ago when it was slightly relevant.

As for not taking a job in Israel, we can all have our principals but career ambition has to take priority sometimes.

A tired joke indeed but nice to get it out of the way.

No huge problem with Robbie going to Israel really but just not something I would do personally.
I’m sure he could’ve gotten a job elsewhere if he wanted to but at the same time, he’s a footballer, not a politician. And politics doesn’t belong in football anyway.
For the antics of their goalkeeper with Andy O’Brien alone though….. ?
I’m still angry about that one

[Razors left peg]

A tired joke indeed but nice to get it out of the way.

No huge problem with Robbie going to Israel really but just not something I would do personally.
I’m sure he could’ve gotten a job elsewhere if he wanted to but at the same time, he’s a footballer, not a politician. And politics doesn’t belong in football anyway.
For the antics of their goalkeeper with Andy O’Brien alone though….. ?
I’m still angry about that one

The only time I've ever wanted to get on a football pitch to have a go at a player was that keeper.

I think Robbie has wanted a manager job for a while so I think it's beggars can't be choosers. I hope it goes well enough for him to get s 2nd job.

[Stuttgart88]

yeah, Palestine, whatevs...

But Dudu Awat was beyond the pale!

[sbgawa]

A tired joke indeed but nice to get it out of the way.

No huge problem with Robbie going to Israel really but just not something I would do personally.
I’m sure he could’ve gotten a job elsewhere if he wanted to but at the same time, he’s a footballer, not a politician. And politics doesn’t belong in football anyway.
For the antics of their goalkeeper with Andy O’Brien alone though….. ?
I’m still angry about that one


Not sure he was exactly flooded with offers, being paid for years by the FAI as assistant Manager to the National team when the National manager dooesnt even want you around to pick up cones isnt exactly a badge of honour for your CV.

I hope he does well , he was brilient for Ireland as a player and i dont understand how he never gets the love that is thrown at some of hos international peers who achieved half what he did.

[SkStu]

I hope he does well , he was brilient for Ireland as a player and i dont understand how he never gets the love that is thrown at some of hos international peers who achieved half what he did.

Some of it is pretty light hearted and harmless to be fair (in particular the boyhood dream stuff) but there has always been an undercurrent of begrudgery or something towards Robbie going way back. Totally undeserved. My peer-researched study concluded that most of it came from corkies or culchies therefore it was primarily because he was an exceptional Dub. The guy is a bona-fide Irish legend and, while not my favourite Irish player ever, probably objectively the GOAT.

[Razors left peg]

Some of it is pretty light hearted and harmless to be fair (in particular the boyhood dream stuff) but there has always been an undercurrent of begrudgery or something towards Robbie going way back. Totally undeserved. My peer-researched study concluded that most of it came from corkies or culchies therefore it was primarily because he was an exceptional Dub. The guy is a bona-fide Irish legend and, while not my favourite Irish player ever, probably objectively the GOAT.

I read one comment yesterday " I hope hes a better manager than he was a player". Just one clown on Facebook, but there has always been an undercurrent of that kind of nonsense with peoples attitudes to him

[pineapple stu]

The first post on this thread is wholly apt, all things considered...

[Razors left peg]

The first post on this thread is wholly apt, all things considered...

Jaysus, it sums it up alright

[CraftyToePoke]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2023/0627/1391462-keane-focused-on-football-as-he-takes-maccabi-reins/


Sinn Féin TD Chris Andrews today called Maccabi an "apartheid club" and suggested Keane should have turned down the job due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"I don't want to get into politics," the 42-year-old replied when asked about criticism that has come in Ireland around his decision to take on the role.

"This is the last time I will say it. I’m here as a football man and someone that loves the game. I will certainly just focus on that but thanks for your question."

Ireland's record caps holder and goalscorer played in Italy, the USA and India in an eclectic and highly successful career. He was keen to stress his openness to new experiences.

"I'm not frightened of a challenge," he said. "A lot of players that have played in England, they are frightened to try a different opportunity or a different culture but I’m certainly not. I am excited by this.

"I strive for pressure. I've been used it to since I was younger. It doesn’t affect me. I’m a very secure person. I know what I need to do and I’m confident in myself and the team that will be around me. I look forward to it."

When asked about his football philosophy and overall vision, the Dubliner said: "I'm a winner, I want to win all the time. I want people around me that have the same mentality as me. I want them to play in a certain way and all pulling in the same direction.

"Everywhere I've been in my career, I’ve always gone for the reason to win and it’s no different here.

"I want to play attractive football, something the fans can be very proud of, something that they want to come and watch. We want to dominate the ball as much as possible, but by being clever in the final third and making things happen a little quicker than usual rather than playing football for the sake of it."

Maccabi Tel Aviv are Israel's most successful club but they have not won a league title in three years.

"Everyone is always going to have an opinion, that’s football, that’s why we love it," Keane added when reflecting on the expectations he'll face.

"I’ve been in the game for a long time, at a high level for a long time, I’m used to criticism. Does it bother me? No. All I can do is the best I can do for the football club. It might take a little bit of time but I’m here to hit the ground running from day one."

[Fixer82]

Not sure he was exactly flooded with offers, being paid for years by the FAI as assistant Manager to the National team when the National manager dooesnt even want you around to pick up cones isnt exactly a badge of honour for your CV.

I hope he does well , he was brilient for Ireland as a player and i dont understand how he never gets the love that is thrown at some of hos international peers who achieved half what he did.

For sure, as a goal-scorer, Robbie was immense. But some of his antics on the pitch (trying to claim a goal from Jon Walters, claiming a goal from Noel Hunt, throwing a strop a couple of times when being subbed off) meant he’ll never get the love of one as humble as say Duffer or one as tigerish as Roy.

Also, the cartwheel celebration was pretty crap.
But he certainly deserves lots of love for his incredible contribution and record that will probably never be beaten

[Diggs246]

For sure, as a goal-scorer, Robbie was immense. But some of his antics on the pitch (trying to claim a goal from Jon Walters, claiming a goal from Noel Hunt, throwing a strop a couple of times when being subbed off) meant he’ll never get the love of one as humble as say Duffer or one as tigerish as Roy.

Also, the cartwheel celebration was pretty crap.
But he certainly deserves lots of love for his incredible contribution and record that will probably never be beaten

Sweet Jesus
The noel hunt "goal" V Italy
Was Robbie's
It was shown in slow mo and Robbie hit it not noel

[Razors left peg]

For sure, as a goal-scorer, Robbie was immense. But some of his antics on the pitch (trying to claim a goal from Jon Walters, claiming a goal from Noel Hunt, throwing a strop a couple of times when being subbed off) meant he’ll never get the love of one as humble as say Duffer or one as tigerish as Roy.

Also, the cartwheel celebration was pretty crap.
But he certainly deserves lots of love for his incredible contribution and record that will probably never be beaten

Ah man, talk about praise through gritted teeth. Show me any top level striker that doesnt claim every goal possible. Show me any of them that were ever happy being subbed off, the celebration was iconic... especially in the World Cup against Germany

[Eminence Grise]

It was a privilege to watch him play, and he deserves to be celebrated as one of our greatest players. But there's something about his personality I've never warmed to - I've always felt he's not a particularly likeable person. I'm sure as he's counting his well-earned millions and polishing his trophies that he'll be devasted to know that!

I heard a clip from his presser with an Israeli journalist earlier and articulate it wasn't. Full of awful cliches and avoidance... I wish him well, but I have a feeling he's not going to find managing as easy as scoring.

[ontheotherhand]

Strange choice for his first post but he must not have had many options. Strange one as he's obviously well liked and connected in various countries and clubs. Hasn't ever struck me as being particularly insightful on the game but who knows what he'll be like as a manager.

[Trequartista20]

'suggested Keane should have turned down the job due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.'

Not what he said. And typical of RTE to use those weasel words. It's not a 'conflict' at all.

This suggests moral equivalency between the Palestinian kids throwing stones, and the US-backed European colonialists with access to tanks, F-16 jets and nuclear weapons, engaged in the genocidal cultural, ethnic and physical destruction of those indigenous people.

An utterly dispicable suggestion.

[elatedscum]

there's something about his personality I've never warmed to - I've always felt he's not a particularly likeable person.

A friend of mine from Brazil waited tables in a restaurant he frequented quite a bit about ten years back. Said Robbie was exceptionally nice. Always a decent measure of a person, how they treat people they deal with who are serving them.

In this instance, I wouldn’t touch that job or that money in a million years. It’s disappointing but not surprising that he did. With the exception of a very limited number of players, footballers (and golfers and other sportspeople) seem to have very few qualms about where their money comes from and how much blood it’s soaked in…

[Razors left peg]

How can we complain about anyone taking a job in Israel when we dont complain about anyone working in England. England did as much to us as Israel have done to Palestine. The man took a job. I live and work in a country who dropped 2 nuclear bombs. Is there a time frame for how long we need to be moralistic about a country?

I dont like Israel, would prefer not to work there given a choice, I hate everything they are doing with Palestine... but its funny how we pick and choose countries who enough time has passed to be ok.

[John83]

Whatever timeframe one might agree on, I think the key phrase in your post there Razors is "are doing".

[Razors left peg]

Whatever timeframe one might agree on, I think the key phrase in your post there Razors is "are doing".

Yeah maybe, but Britain still ARE ruling part of our own country still. It's not a thing of the past but we are ok with Irish men and women making a living there.

It's not a simple topic, I just think we need to ease off on the morality thing a bit considering most nations of the world will do business with Israel but we expect a sports person to make a stand

[texidub]

I don't like broad sweeps about peoples - even the red coats. The world and people are just too complex. It's an atrocity that for centuries Jewish people had no safe place to call home. It's an atrocity that if one Israeli is killed a hundred Palestinians are killed in response. The settler behaviour in recent weeks is another atrocity.

But Israelis (like every other nation on earth) are not a monolith - there are plenty that despise their government's actions/approach. Broad generalizations about peoples and countries are cognitive enablers for grandiose moralizing though, so they are not going away anytime soon.

[JR89]

A friend of mine from Brazil waited tables in a restaurant he frequented quite a bit about ten years back. Said Robbie was exceptionally nice. Always a decent measure of a person, how they treat people they deal with who are serving them.

In this instance, I wouldn’t touch that job or that money in a million years. It’s disappointing but not surprising that he did. With the exception of a very limited number of players, footballers (and golfers and other sportspeople) seem to have very few qualms about where their money comes from and how much blood it’s soaked in…

Yeah one the lads met him and his missus at a concert in the 3 Arena and said he came across as bang on. Said Robbie was well up for chatting and cracked a couple of jokes. Said similar about Ryan Tubridy. Met him in a pub back when he had just started the Late Late gig. Said he came across sound and even bought my mate a pint.

[Stuttgart88]

I don't like broad sweeps about peoples - even the red coats. The world and people are just too complex. It's an atrocity that for centuries Jewish people had no safe place to call home. It's an atrocity that if one Israeli is killed a hundred Palestinians are killed in response. The settler behaviour in recent weeks is another atrocity.

But Israelis (like every other nation on earth) are not a monolith - there are plenty that despise their government's actions/approach. Broad generalizations about peoples and countries are cognitive enablers for grandiose moralizing though, so they are not going away anytime soon.A higher portion than is perceived too I think. Moral equivalence is a difficult thing. Footballers and managers work in Saudi and UAE. Ireland systematically abused women and children for decades. USA dropped two nuclear bombs. Did cyclist Dan Martin get abuse for riding for the Israel Start-Up Nation team? That was a team owned by the actual state (I assume), not a private club. I work in a country that Ireland has been at war of various kinds with over the centuries, and which supplies weapons to Yemen's oppressors.

I have no truck with Israel policy towards settlement and the associated crimes, and I'd probably have some conscientious issues working there myself but I think Robbie is within his rights to take up this job without Daniel Lambert (pandering to his support base?) and others piling on him.

[EalingGreen]

How can we complain about anyone taking a job in Israel when we dont complain about anyone working in England. England did as much to us as Israel have done to Palestine. The man took a job. I live and work in a country who dropped 2 nuclear bombs. Is there a time frame for how long we need to be moralistic about a country?

I dont like Israel, would prefer not to work there given a choice, I hate everything they are doing with Palestine... but its funny how we pick and choose countries who enough time has passed to be ok.
I suspect our views on the individual countries concerned may differ (understatement!), but when it comes to the general principle, I agree with your take on Robbie K, the point being that he's not going to work for Israel, he's going to work in Israel, a country with which the ROI government enjoys full diplomatic relations.

On which point, would anyone object if an ROI player signed to play eg for Newcastle United? Were there protests when Irish golfer Graeme McDowell joined the Saudi LIV Tour last year? Irish racing trainers and jockeys working for various Gulf despots?

Still, so long as he doesn't end up joining the Israeli Defence Forces, it'll probably blow over :)
From the Obituary for "Gentleman John Carey":
"But just as his career [with Manchester United] was gathering momentum, the Second World War intervened and he was faced with an agonising decision. Hailing from neutral Ireland, he had the right to go home if he wished, but the highly principled youngster reckoned that "a country that gives me my living is worth fighting for" and he joined the British Army. His service took him to North Africa and Italy, where he guested for several clubs"

On a separate note (see opening post on this thread), as someone who was fortunate to have seen Robbie play many times for Spurs, I cannot understand the ambivalence towards him amongst some supporters of the ROI team - if he'd been Northern Irish, we'd have been building a statue of him!

And it's not just for his goals and general ability etc, but for his whole attitude towards representing his country, where he always turned up when called, over many, many years. Someone compared him with "the tigerish Roy Keane", who managed a grand total of 76 caps over 14 years. Of course he was sometimes unlucky with injuries (Ryan Giggs Hamstring?), but Tiger Roy hardly helped his tally eg by Saipan, or declining to travel to Iran for a vital play-ff second leg. While in case anyone needs reminding, Zionist Robbie gained a phenomenal 146 caps over 19 years, the most of any player from these islands, and all the more impressive when you consider that ROI didn't always qualify for tournament finals like some other countries.

[ontheotherhand]

Yeah one the lads met him and his missus at a concert in the 3 Arena and said he came across as bang on. Said Robbie was well up for chatting and cracked a couple of jokes. Said similar about Ryan Tubridy. Met him in a pub back when he had just started the Late Late gig. Said he came across sound and even bought my mate a pint.
I heard similar stories about John Delaney JR. Psychopaths are fairly good at coming across well on the surface. Not saying Keane is a psychopath now......

[Yard of Pace]

It was a privilege to watch him play, and he deserves to be celebrated as one of our greatest players. But there's something about his personality I've never warmed to - I've always felt he's not a particularly likeable person. I'm sure as he's counting his well-earned millions and polishing his trophies that he'll be devasted to know that!

I heard a clip from his presser with an Israeli journalist earlier and articulate it wasn't. Full of awful cliches and avoidance... I wish him well, but I have a feeling he's not going to find managing as easy as scoring.

A friend of mine was a volunteer for the U-17 Euros doing the VIP stuff and said Robbie was absolutely lovely, very friendly, genuine and polite in their dealings with him.

We've loads of anecdotal evidence of him being sound. Has anyone anecdotal evidence or any evidence of him being not sound except for trying to nick a goal from Jon Walters????!

(Doubt he'll be long in this job, mind, reminds me of Ronnie Whelan going to Cyprus)

[ontheotherhand]

Well wrapchap on Reddit says he's an arsehole so there's that! (https://www.reddit.com/r/coybig/comments/tn3hvy/robbie_keanes_250k_fai_salary_is_not_taxpayers/) It's the anecdotal evidence of him being a ****e coach that is probably more worrying though to be fair.

Not a huge fan of how he handled his salary situation with the FAI to be honest. It clouds my opinion of him. He could have done something to earn the money or he could have walked and freed up some funds while other people actually working in the game weren't being paid or were being paid less than they were promised. I know he was within his rights but some things are bigger than money.

Still hope it works out for him. If he does turn about to be a good a manager we could use him.

[tetsujin1979]

Graham Kavanagh talked a bit about his son Calum working with Robbie at Middlesbrough here: https://www.buzz.ie/sport/graham-kavanagh-says-son-calum-26010767
Seems to have good things to say about his coaching sessions

[ontheotherhand]

The section below is encouraging alright.

He does some work in the Rovers academy but I'll be honest, I haven't heard anything good or bad. His son plays there.

Kavanagh added: “Robbie’s detail is very good and his sessions are very good.
“When he was here he did a session with Middlesbrough’s first-team. All the sessions are videoed.
“He took the lads who hadn’t been playing and he was involved in the session himself.
“He sent me on the video and I swear to God he must have scored about 12 goals himself.
“You are looking at him thinking, if you are training with him every day that can be really beneficial.
“He’s not here anymore but he was a different class and the lads loved him. He’s a good coach and his detail and information are very good.”

[geysir]

A friend of mine was a volunteer for the U-17 Euros doing the VIP stuff and said Robbie was absolutely lovely, very friendly, genuine and polite in their dealings with him.

We've loads of anecdotal evidence of him being sound. Has anyone anecdotal evidence or any evidence of him being not sound except for trying to nick a goal from Jon Walters????!

(Doubt he'll be long in this job, mind, reminds me of Ronnie Whelan going to Cyprus)
Noel Hunt Irl v Italy in Parma?

[DCWA]

A Has anyone anecdotal evidence or any evidence of him being not sound

Taking a job in Israel is pretty solid evidence of it in my book.

[tommy_c12000]

Robbie has to start somewhere. Reasonable option. Hopefully him and Delap will do well and topple Haifa. Tel Aviv is a wonderful city and he will enjoy his time there relaxing next to the Mediterranean. Best of luck to him and his family!

[texidub]

Off The Ball had a hit piece on Robbie yesterday via an interview with Chris Andrews, Sinn Fein. Andrews pulled no punches.. and drew 'what if?' comaprisons with Spartak Moscow and Russia.

This was cyncial, opportunist hypocrisy of the highest order. Last year, SF deleted thousands of statements from its website, including statements related to Russia (https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/sinn-fein-deletes-thousands-of-statements-from-its-website-due-to-outdated-content/41443385.html) due to their long-standing appreciation of the Putin regime. And who is this Andrews to tell an Irish person where they should work?

[EalingGreen]

Off The Ball had a hit piece on Robbie yesterday via an interview with Chris Andrews, Sinn Fein. Andrews pulled no punches.. and drew 'what if?' comaprisons with Spartak Moscow and Russia.

This was cyncial, opportunist hypocrisy of the highest order. Last year, SF deleted thousands of statements from its website, including statements related to Russia (https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/sinn-fein-deletes-thousands-of-statements-from-its-website-due-to-outdated-content/41443385.html) due to their long-standing appreciation of the Putin regime. And who is this Andrews to tell an Irish person where they should work?This Chris Andrews?

[A] 200-page dossier on antisemitism in Irish public life reveals how Chris Andrews, a Sinn Fein TD (member of the Irish parliament), liked a comment on his Facebook page in 2018 that called Israelis “murdering Zionist *******s” and seemed to suggest that Hitler may “not have been too far wrong”.
https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/israel-was-behind-9-11-shock-report-exposes-dark-side-of-irish-politics-1.521452

[Razors left peg]

Taking a job in Israel is pretty solid evidence of it in my book.

Do you feel the same about everyone that has ever taken a job in England?

[weldoninhio]

How can we complain about anyone taking a job in Israel when we dont complain about anyone working in England. England did as much to us as Israel have done to Palestine. The man took a job. I live and work in a country who dropped 2 nuclear bombs. Is there a time frame for how long we need to be moralistic about a country?

I dont like Israel, would prefer not to work there given a choice, I hate everything they are doing with Palestine... but its funny how we pick and choose countries who enough time has passed to be ok.

Israel is still doing it on a daily basis. Murdering Palestinian children on an almost daily basis.

[Diggs246]

Israel is still doing it on a daily basis. Murdering Palestinian children on an almost daily basis.

Lots of countries foreign and domestic policies are revolting to most Irish people
The states: Iraq and Afghanistan? That was mass murderer. At home death penalty and everyone is allowed own a gun!

But that doesn't mean Irish people shouldn't live and work there?

[Razors left peg]

Israel is still doing it on a daily basis. Murdering Palestinian children on an almost daily basis.

And as Ive said I hate what they are doing there, however if our own country and pretty much all countries in the world continue to have diplomatic and commercial relationships with Israel why should a man taking a job there be the one expected to take the stand? The same nonsense happened with LIV golf, the players were hammered for working for the Saudis while nations continue to do business with them.

Sports people are role models yes, but they also have jobs to do. If an opportunity arises that helps their career why should they be the ones that have to be the moral compass when governments dont.

[EalingGreen]

Hmmm, Chris Andrews criticising Robbie Keane for working in a country whose government (people?) he characterises as "murdering *******s".

Any relation to the Chris Andrews who, when working for Fianna Fail in 2012, had this to say about Sinn Fein:

In this latest embarrassment [Andrew] engaged with other Twitter account users saying “… given what SF has done to innocent people it’s a bit much listening to you pontificate”.

He mocks one Twitter user for “believing everything Mahon report says but doesn’t belive (sic) that Gerry Adams was in the IRA!”.

Referring to the brutal 1972 murder of Belfast mother of 10 Jean McConville who was abducted from her Belfast home, shot in the back of the head, and her body buried in a Co Louth beach, he tweeted, “Was it not corrupt to bury mother of 10 Jean Mc Conville. Is that acceptable to you. Selective outrage I thinks.”

Other tweets referred to “workers on their way to bank raids” and “so Ira never done bank robberies”. In 2004, £26.5m was robbed from the Northern Bank in Belfast. Both the British and Irish governments blamed the IRA for carrying out one of the biggest bank raids in UK history. Sinn Féin has denied the IRA was responsible.
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20242274.html

Still, at least Andrews never went to work for Sinn Fe.... oh, wait :rolleyes:

[Yard of Pace]

Taking a job in Israel is pretty solid evidence of it in my book.

I absolutely hate what Israel do (and especially Dudu Awat, who I'd like to remind everyone had his nose broken by a team-mate in La Liga for being a ********) but the club exist, the various federations allow them to compete and they offered him a job.

Whilst I probably think Israel should be treated like apartheid SA, they arent't so Robbie is ok to take this job.

Who knows, maybe he'll bring peace to the region. Optimism, chaps.

[Razors left peg]

I absolutely hate what Israel do (and especially Dudu Awat, who I'd like to remind everyone had his nose broken by a team-mate in La Liga for being a ********) but the club exist, the various federations allow them to compete and they offered him a job.

Whilst I probably think Israel should be treated like apartheid SA, they arent't so Robbie is ok to take this job.

Who knows, maybe he'll bring peace to the region. Optimism, chaps.

If Niall Quinn was Mother Theresa maybe Robbie can be Mandela!

[EalingGreen]

If Niall Quinn was Mother Theresa maybe Robbie can be Mandela!Er, I think you mean Niall Quinn MBE?

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/niall-quinn-to-receive-honourary-mbe-1.492591

[Razors left peg]

Er, I think you mean Niall Quinn MBE?

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/niall-quinn-to-receive-honourary-mbe-1.492591

Deserved it for his work with the poor in Calcutta

[EalingGreen]

Deserved it for his work with the poor in CalcuttaHa ha. ;)

Anyhow, at the risk of the Mods moving this to "Current Affairs", "Rubbish" or even deleting it entirely (understandable, I admit), I've never read Quinn's autobiography, but I have read Christopher Hitchens' biographical pieces on Mother Theresa and I cannot recommend them highly enough:
https://christopherhitchens.net/mother-teresa

Iconoclasm in the very best sense of the term!