Kevin Doyle

[nigel-harps1954]

Match of the day has had a bit of a nightmare with this one.

http://foot.ie/attachment.php?attachmentid=2597&stc=1

[DannyInvincible]

I've been critical of O'Neill naming an ageing Doyle in recent provisional squads, as I'd have preferred to see someone with fresher legs and future potential being given a chance instead, but that isn't to devalue or negate Doyle's admirable contribution to the international cause over the years. This is an unfortunate end to the career of an able and dedicated servant, but, as has been said above, a wise decision; health is a priority. He had a great attitude and his statement is indeed touching. The memorable goal away in Slovakia was by far my favourite goal of his, most certainly.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vVu9Q2EgHc

We should have seen that game out and come home with a win. Three points would have complemented that goal very nicely.

Just on Doyle's inclusion in the latest provisional squad in light of today's announcement though; surely it's odd that he was named in a squad that was made public only two days ago. It'd give me the impression that there was no advance communication at all with Doyle from O'Neill or someone at the FAI in order to confirm Doyle's availability for selection, as the player surely didn't make a snap decision to retire within the last 48 hours. Given the nature of his health concerns, you'd imagine it's something that he's been seriously considering over for the past few weeks. Is it not a tad embarrassing that the FAI and O'Neill seemingly weren't aware of the possibility or likelihood of today's news before a squad-list was published with Doyle's name in it?

[DannyInvincible]

Match of the day has had a bit of a nightmare with this one.

http://foot.ie/attachment.php?attachmentid=2597&stc=1

No wonder he's been having headaches. That can be a symptom of swapping your head with the head of another person.

[DeLorean]

His goal V Slovakia was a screamer.

It was. My first Ireland away game I think, was behind the goals for it. Still haven't fully forgiven John O'Shea for turning his arse on the equaliser. Doyle's header at home to Slovakia in the same campaign was almost as good in a less spectacular way, don't know how he managed score it. Can't find a video of it, so this will have to do instead.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Esn3bjWqXRg

[DeLorean]

And remember when he came off the bench to save the day in Kazakhstan...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfmuOkls1pU

[DannyInvincible]

A US doctor who has dealt extensively with brain injuries in American football has suggested that football needs to adapt, possibly by removing heading from the game, and criticised Roy Keane's seemingly nonchalant comment (in response to Kevin Doyle's retirement) where Keane pretty much said that you have to accept physicality in football if you want to play it: http://www.goal.com/en/news/worlds-leading-concussion-expert-warns-football-must-change/17boliqwam6ls1rou69ikj5iev


"[Roy] Keane's claim ["If you're worried about the physical side of any sport, then play chess."] is a very irresponsible statement to make," [Dr Bennet] Omalu told Goal. "If you notice the industries and corporations that are doing very well in today's global economy are the information technology corporations. What is the denominator across these successful corporations? They are businesses that speak the truth, that elevate the truth, that provide human beings a platform to think and identify the truth.

"So when I see industries that intentionally deny or reject the truth, it's a very dangerous strategy. It's a dangerous strategy that could undermine the long-term sustainability of that industry. The soccer industry should stop denying the truth. They should say: soccer is not a high impact, high contact sport, but you could suffer brain injury in sports. You need to be aware of that. You need to play safe, like removing heading from play.

"We need to place the life of the player above the revenue streams. This boils down to money. It's all about money. We should not place money above the value of life — even the life of one single player. The life of one single soccer player is worth more than the billions of dollars the soccer industry makes. Life should come first. I have never vouched for the ban of soccer. We need to make soccer compatible with 21st century knowledge. The soccer industry should embrace the future and stop living in the past. If they fail to do that, soccer will not be as succesful as it is. People will develop healthier, more brain friendly types of sports. People may not want to believe that. We need to be progressive, we need to be intelligent. We cannot continue to play soccer the way we played it in 1970. If we continue to play soccer the way we did in 1970, then society will move ahead and leave soccer behind."

His thoughts are certainly interesting, but it's difficult to imagine football without heading altogether. Practically-speaking, how would heading be removed from the game? Would a foul be called if a player headed the ball, just as a foul is called if a player handles it under present rules?

Who knows? Maybe it could be a win-win, after all, or for the game in Ireland especially, in that players' health would be protected and it could also spell the deathknell for our traditional acceptance of and reliance upon the long-ball game, ha.

There is also a counter-argument that if players are informed of the potential long-term risks of what they're engaging in - education being key - but still wish to participate in the game as it is, then that's entirely their right. People are entitled to risk their safety and health for enjoyment, a buzz or a thrill, so long as they volunteer or consent. For example, UFC, boxing, smoking and drinking alcohol are all regulated but permissible pastimes.