John O'Shea

[JR89]

Doesn't sound like the FAI were willing to commit to anything long term given it's ended up being O'Shea. Tells its own story I think.

Well it might play out long term though. Any new manager that may end up coming in will want his own staff, but at the same time John O'Shea and Dean Kiely look like safe bets that could be kept on by a new manager and bring in his own assistant. Especially if the FAIs preferred choice to come in is Lee Carsley who'd know the two lads very well.


Would have been a hard sell to get someone external who is rated to come in in the circumstances I think, even if the FAI were willing to fund it.

Anyone that was proven would be looking at Kenny's job rather than helping Kenny, and then you gotta sell it to them that being the manager is good for their long term ambitions of being a manager. Plus after Eustace walking away after three months on the job the FAI don't want that situation happening again, especially in this year.

As mentioned above it wouldn't surprise me if the option of John O'Shea being promoted is long term planning by the FAI for the next manager. Can't see John O'Shea walking away mid campaign, either for a better job or if the manager is sacked. New managers will obviously have staff they've worked with but if Carsley is their man then could be hard for him to attract the coaches he's working with at the FA over to the FAI.

So makes sense somewhat that O'Shea was promoted from within to work with the seniors. I thought someone like Rory Delap could have been an outside option for similar reasons.

[Diggs246]

Moves from the U21s to the senior set up. FAI playing it safe perhaps and not looking towards an outside appointment who could walk in the summer or the fact Kenny could be out of a job in the summer.

Yes I think your right. this screams they want Kenny and Andrews gone and JOS is cheap and a household name.

[JR89]

Yes I think your right. this screams they want Kenny and Andrews gone and JOS is cheap and a household name.

How does this scream they want Kenny and Andrews gone, plus if they want them gone bad enough could have done it last year when they had the option.

For all we know outside options could have been looked at. Options that Kenny suggested but turned it down and they felt John O'Shea was the better option for them rather than appointing an outsider for the sake it for other reasons I mentioned above.

[Eirambler]

You'd wonder if things are very different at board level in the FAI now with Roy Barrett heading for the door. He would have pushed for whoever Kenny wanted on a long term contract. With him having less of a say it sounds more like a hold the fort option for a few months ahead of a potential shake up in the summer or early autumn.

[nigel-harps1954]

I personally think this is a fantastic appointment. Someone the players will really look up to, has been there and done it as a player, and has cut his teeth in coaching the right way, through the underage setup with FAI, and with Reading previously, now first team coach at Stoke.

Seemed to be a really bright spark in the under-21 setup too. Surely something Kenny would have been following closely too. Can't really see a downside to this.

[Razors left peg]

The reaction to this I've seen in most places mirrors his career in many ways.

If we had a player today that came through the youth ranks at United and went on to have the career that he did with them we'd be delighted, O'Shea got ridiculous abuse for years on end and I dont think he was ever really fully appreciated.

The reaction Ive seen to this appointment (admittedly on social media where the majority are always idiots), is the people are pretty underwhelmed by it. I think most would be happier to get someone they've never heard of but had links to a big club somewhere.

I think its brilliant. Firstly he is a big name with fantasic playing career behind him that the players will respect. But also more importantly it shows a pathway for our ex players to get involved at underage and there is a succession route to the senior team.

[ifk101]

Agree he has the playing merits, is a role model, and knows the players with his U21 involvement but I’d want more than he “seems” to be good. Is he a good coach and more importantly, the coach we need?

Hopefully he is a brilliant coach. But what we know is he isn’t Kenny first choice for the role because:

1. Kenny stated in August 2022 that he hoped to have a replacement for Eustace in place next month – i.e. September 2022. https://www.the42.ie/stephen-kenny-ireland-john-eustace-5831330-Aug2022/ (JoSH could have been taken from the U21 then)

2. In September 2022, there was no news regarding a new coach https://www.the42.ie/stephen-kenny-ireland-5867929-Sep2022/ (JoSH could have bee taken from the U21 then)

3. In November 2022 there was apparent immediate demands by the FAI to have a new coach in asap
https://extra.ie/2022/11/22/sport/soccernews/stephen-kenny-coach-fai-ultimatum (JoSH could have been taken from the U21 then)

4. It is stated here in January 2023 that Kenny had contacted Barry to get him back onboard https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41055644.html

5. In January 2023, again mention of getting this (appointment) "in place as quickly as possible" and the name Brian Barry-Murphy
https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/stephen-kenny-closing-coaching-appointment-29017971

All this background going on for six months until yesterday’s appointment of a current FAI employee in John O’Shea.

[JR89]

Brian Barry-Murphy being mentioned was just typical clickbait BS. No chance would he give up his job at City to be Kenny's no.3.

[Diggs246]

How does this scream they want Kenny and Andrews gone, plus if they want them gone bad enough could have done it last year when they had the option.

For all we know outside options could have been looked at. Options that Kenny suggested but turned it down and they felt John O'Shea was the better option for them rather than appointing an outsider for the sake it for other reasons I mentioned above.

Oh they should have fired him on numerous occasions
I just know the FAI are cheap skates and with Barrett gone I would say kenny is walking the green mile

[nigel-harps1954]

Agree he has the playing merits, is a role model, and knows the players with his U21 involvement but I’d want more than he “seems” to be good. Is he a good coach and more importantly, the coach we need?

Hopefully he is a brilliant coach. But what we know is he isn’t Kenny first choice for the role because:

1. Kenny stated in August 2022 that he hoped to have a replacement for Eustace in place next month – i.e. September 2022. https://www.the42.ie/stephen-kenny-ireland-john-eustace-5831330-Aug2022/ (JoSH could have been taken from the U21 then)

2. In September 2022, there was no news regarding a new coach https://www.the42.ie/stephen-kenny-ireland-5867929-Sep2022/ (JoSH could have bee taken from the U21 then)

3. In November 2022 there was apparent immediate demands by the FAI to have a new coach in asap
https://extra.ie/2022/11/22/sport/soccernews/stephen-kenny-coach-fai-ultimatum (JoSH could have been taken from the U21 then)

4. It is stated here in January 2023 that Kenny had contacted Barry to get him back onboard https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41055644.html

5. In January 2023, again mention of getting this (appointment) "in place as quickly as possible" and the name Brian Barry-Murphy
https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/stephen-kenny-closing-coaching-appointment-29017971

All this background going on for six months until yesterday’s appointment of a current FAI employee in John O’Shea.


It's entirely possible he wasn't first choice, but it's also plausible that he might not have been fully available until lately. He only completed his UEFA Pro Licence in December. He might not have felt he could give his full commitment previously.

[ifk101]

It's entirely possible he wasn't first choice, but it's also plausible that he might not have been fully available until lately. He only completed his UEFA Pro Licence in December. He might not have felt he could give his full commitment previously.

Sure, possible. But he extended his stay with the U21s in January.

There is an oddity about this, and for me feels more convenience than want. Obviously hope it works out regardless.

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

I hope it works out well for John O Shea. I think it might have been in his best interests to wait for the next regime to try and get involved but it doesn't always work out perfectly. I think the delay in this appointment is because of the importance of it. Usually hiring a number 2 or 3 is not that vital but looking at the last couple of years, the coach has been far more important than usual.

[Demesne Lad]

O'Shea "emerges as favourite to land first job in management at relegation-threatened Reading" according to Mail Online (18 April). Stephen Kenny must write a pretty good reference! :-)

[JR89]

Would be silly to take that job if they've any interest in him.

[nigel-harps1954]

John O'Shea has left his Stoke City position to concentrate on his role with the Ireland senior setup.

Almost backwards from what we're used to, but good to see someone committing the other direction for once!

[JR89]

Couple of bad results and could find himself being upgraded to caretaker manager.

[geysir]

Centre backs as managers have gotten us to the big tournaments.

[seanfhear]

Centre backs as managers have gotten us to the big tournaments.
One even won a World Cup for..... England.

[Snapshot]

Good move. He'll make a good interim manager when the nightmare ends.

[Razors left peg]

Good move. He'll make a good interim manager when the nightmare ends.

Still waiting for anyone to explain to me anything that any other manager could or would have done differently against France that would have have been better.

[Fixer82]

Would definitely have Ryan Manning in the squad anyway.
Other than that, so far, Kenny has done little wrong in this campaign

[nigel-harps1954]

Does every thread on here have to descend into some sort of Stephen Kenny nonsense? John O'Shea has put his focus onto his Ireland position, that's all.

Any wonder there's less and less traffic on this forum..

[Snapshot]

Does every thread on here have to descend into some sort of Stephen Kenny nonsense? John O'Shea has put his focus onto his Ireland position, that's all.

Any wonder there's less and less traffic on this forum..
Backroom appointments have played a controversial role in Kenny's tenure and, given his precarious situation (despite the brilliant defeat against France), the O'Shea development is pertinent. If Kenny is sacked mid-campaign it's hardly Andrews who'll take the reins.

You should verify your opportunistic comment about "less and less" forum traffic or withdraw it.

[John83]

The forum is definitely quieter over time, but that's mainly down to two factors: YBIG competes with foot for users and forums are mostly for old people.

[ontheotherhand]

The forum is definitely quieter over time, but that's mainly down to two factors: YBIG competes with foot for users and forums are mostly for old people.

Do people leave reasons when they leave or is that just your best guess?

[tetsujin1979]

There's also other options like WhatsApp or Facebook groups as well.
I think traffic on YBIG is down too, it's a lot of the same posters on every thread

[LurcherLover]

I'm more of a lurker on this forum but you get the anti-Kenny/pro-Kenny discussion across all platforms. To be expected really considering the nature of his tenure. There's no more or less of it on this forum. The main reason you don't see many new posters on forums nowadays, in my opinion anyway, is the 'cliqueness' of veteran posters who just interact between themselves and understandably drives new forum members away.

[pineapple stu]

The main reason you don't see many new posters on forums nowadays, in my opinion anyway, is the 'cliqueness' of veteran posters who just interact between themselves and understandably drives new forum members away.
Interesting idea. I don't think it's a main reason - I think other social media is definitely #1 - but it could well be a reason alright.

Yet in a way, if members know each other and get on, that's a positive. But I suppose like everything, you're right that it can be daunting for an outsider. Albeit there's relatively new posters like otoh, DCWA, Snapshot, JR89 and so on who have jumped in just fine. But that's not to say it'd be the same for everyone.

I wonder is there any way of alleviating what you mention? I think other forums have a thread for new members to introduce themselves - or is that a bit over the top?

[Yard of Pace]

The main reason you don't see many new posters on forums nowadays, in my opinion anyway, is the 'cliqueness' of veteran posters who just interact between themselves and understandably drives new forum members away.

I've never found that to be the case here.

Even the nonsense posted by Bielsa is (god knows how) tolerated and even sometimes enaged with!

The only time I ever felt foot.ie to be unfriendly is last week when I said Glenn Whelan was rubbish!! :-)
(It's a pet hate I've harboured for a long time and I didn't mind being castigated for it)

Finally, I'd rather a few posts of quality (player updates etc.) than an avalanche of all sorts of stuff. Also, when the season is in full swing I haven't noticed the place being a whole lot quieter....

[pineapple stu]

Also, when the season is in full swing I haven't noticed the place being a whole lot quieter....
I do think it's picked up since covid alright. Yeah, it's quieter now because the season is mostly finished but there's still a bit of life about during the season, particularly when we're slagging off players (as I too have found out :p )

[LurcherLover]

Interesting idea. I don't think it's a main reason - I think other social media is definitely #1 - but it could well be a reason alright.

Yet in a way, if members know each other and get on, that's a positive. But I suppose like everything, you're right that it can be daunting for an outsider. Albeit there's relatively new posters like otoh, DCWA, Snapshot, JR89 and so on who have jumped in just fine. But that's not to say it'd be the same for everyone.

I wonder is there any way of alleviating what you mention? I think other forums have a thread for new members to introduce themselves - or is that a bit over the top?

Fair enough, I'd retract the "main reason" but it's certainly a factor. In fairness, if you're posting good insight and good content thats relative to the thread, you do tend to get some sort of interaction with your posts. Not sure about a thread for new members, maybe a bit cringy but that's just my personal opinion and others may disagree.

I think this forum does stick to the football end of things better than other well known forums, which I like. Also, as you say, if members are familiar with each other and get on, then that's an incentive for coming back to the forum.

Anyway, just a thought..

[texidub]

I dunno. To me, a nightmare is being chased at full speed through a postapocalyptic urban landscape by 11 axe-wielding Jack Grealishes in full England kit, finding an escape tunnel their thighs are too big to fit through and crawling through it only to emerge in an underground bunker full of cackling Declan Rices that invite you to look at their World Cup Winners medals and you look at a calendar on the wall and see that the year is 2026... haven't experienced anything like that at Ireland games recently, but everyone's experience is different.

[SkStu]

I wonder is there any way of alleviating what you mention? I think other forums have a thread for new members to introduce themselves - or is that a bit over the top?

I don't know. I think we could step it up a little bit and run an orientation/onboarding day for new members. Bring in coffee and muffins. Have DaHamsta kick off the day with a few words of welcome, who we are, where we're going, that sort of thing. Then an intro to the forum heads Tets and John can give an overview of the rules, have new members sign the code of conduct and respectful forum policy. Then meet their mentor/trainer that they signed up with for a bit - Stutts, OwlsFan, yourself probably - tell them who they need to contact if they need something. A quick tour of the place - a walk through the hall of fame (eirebhoy) and hall of shame (paul, boomers) before wrapping up the day with some door prizes (first one to get a thanks, first one to post totty, first one to venture into the intermediate and junior leagues, first one to **** off DaHamsta).

I dont know, might be a bit much.

[pineapple stu]

Well if we take it there's 50-100 of us here, and if as a rule of thumb there's 9 lurkers for each poster (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1%25_rule#:~:text=In%20Internet%20culture%2C%20the %201,of%20the%20participants%20only%20lurk.), that'd make 450-900 lurkers reading your suggestion. So let's pretend we'll go ahead with it and see how many of them take us up on it :p

(As an aside - welcome, LurcherLover!)

[CraftyToePoke]

Welcome Lurcher Lover, you did encounter an A hole of this place on your first visit or two, I remember and its nice you are back.

There are a number ( of badly needed ) relatively new posters here, if you consider the mentioned core are 2003 to 2009 era joiners. elatedscum / OTOH / 2 Year Contract, are fairly new ones as well as the ones already mentioned. I don't think its a difficult group dynamic to join into either for the most part, its decent people, albeit several know each other beyond here at this stage so there is a familiarity maybe. Kenny brought out the very worst in those who didn't want him for some bizarre reason but that too will pass.

I really think it is generational and online generation spans are much shorter, I was talking to the best man at my brothers wedding, ST at a LOI club, goes to Ireland games, mad for it and did not know of the existence of this forum, he is 21. Also, when I took up my current role I had to know and be on good terms with regional newspaper editors and entertainment journos, in 2007 it was vital, then Facebook came and within two years I didn't need to know their names even. Now I am dealing with an emerging group who view Facebook as something their parents had, they don't use email addresses either in several instances. So a place like this, they are unlikely to end up I guess.

It is what it is, some new quality opinions are always welcome but when I look around its still better than the options in terms of interesting dialogue even if with certain posters you know before they post which way they are likely to see a thing.

[Snapshot]

Let's all form a virtual circle, hold hands and sing kumbaya. Feel the love, share the compassion, heed the call, sack the manager (Ok, I made that last bit up).

[Yard of Pace]

I don't know. I think we could step it up a little bit and run an orientation/onboarding day for new members. Bring in coffee and muffins. Have DaHamsta kick off the day with a few words of welcome, who we are, where we're going, that sort of thing.
I dont know, might be a bit much.

Some of us are getting so old we'd need day passes from the nursing home to attend.

But for the kids who are going to replace us, we should introduce this sort of thing for every September.

Maybe we could nominate someone to be a representative at the next home game.....signing people up, handing out badges and foot.ie clackers and that kind of thing.....

[Razors left peg]

The forum is definitely quieter over time, but that's mainly down to two factors: YBIG competes with foot for users and forums are mostly for old people.

Theres also a lot more traffic around games. Theres very little going on at the moment to talk about to be fair.

[nigel-harps1954]

Confirmed as assistant to Wayne Rooney at Birmingham. Will continue in his role with Ireland too (or as England under-21 assistant, according to Sky Sports News reporter).

[tetsujin1979]

Stepping down from his coaching role at Birmingham
https://www.bcfc.com/news/all/john-oshea-departs-blues

[Jolly Red Giant]

Stepping down from his coaching role at Birmingham
https://www.bcfc.com/news/all/john-oshea-departs-blues
I thought that John O'Shea was a smart guy - hooking his star to Rooney was always going to end badly.

He will have to start from scratch to rebuild his reputation if he wants to have a coaching career (things have not gone well so far).

[seanfhear]

Interesting to see where John O'Shea goes from here ?

[Eirambler]

Missed out on a tour card in the darts today as well so that's another option off the table.

[Diggs246]

Interesting to see where John O'Shea goes from here ?

I wouldn't rule out the rep of Ireland

certainly a poor choice, but its the FAI