Kerr in the Times

[Billsthoughts]

In fairness he never really commented til he got back involved with St Pats. He probably sees anything that boosts the profile of his club as a good thing.

[citizenerased]

Fair play to Kerr, the cheek of the players not wanting to visit a few kids...id say most of them are complete w$%kers

[tetsujin1979]

Thanks lads, it's not too far away from what he said. "Total shi!te, they had 2 decent players and 9 journeymen". Mentioned that he thought it would be a scappy game beforehand, and some throwaway comment about the ball needing to be sent to the hospital after some of the games under Jack's tenure. Said he thought it was fairly boring, and I resisted the urge to mentoin China at home, Poland away, Swiss at home, Cyprus away, etc, etc
My biggest issue with his comments now is that Mick didn't go to the press during Kerr's reign, so why is Kerr's opinion front and centre now?

[Dodge]

It doesn't feel quite right that Kerr is involved in analyzing the current team so soon after he was manager. McCarthy was over for the weekend and when interviewed he said he wasn't here to talk about the team just to cheer them on. Class.

Class me bollacks, he just wanted an easy time of it. IF he was doing commentary for the BBC he'd give his opinion.

[NeilMcD]

He has replace lawrenson at the times. I wonder why what happened with Lawrenson. Did not see him at Croker either before the game.

[Closed Account 2]

Is Kevin Hunt eligible? ;)

I think his brother Mike could do a job at the back, heard he plays a tight game. :eek:

[gustavo]

He has replace lawrenson at the times. I wonder why what happened with Lawrenson. Did not see him at Croker either before the game.

He was over in Israel commentating on the England game

[DmanDmythDledge]

Good articles from Kerr. Best manager we've had IMO.

[Bald Student]

Good articles from Kerr. Best manager we've had IMO.Are you a closet Pat's fan?

[Noelys Guitar]

Kerr got us to how many tourneys? What happened to the "mysterious" unnamed Champions league team that was looking for him? He is entitled to his opinion about the team but no mention ever of any mistakes he made? Gary Doherty! McCarthy has more class and is a miles better manager.

[Bald Student]

Kerr got us to how many tourneys? What happened to the "mysterious" unnamed Champions league team that was looking for him?They went bust and gave their Champions' League spot to Derry?

[Dodge]

Scurrilous accusation

[NeilMcD]

I read the Dunne interview in Hot Press today and it is not as bad as it reads in the tabloids.

On the issue of going to hospitals he does say that he has no problem going to hospitals to see the kids and enjoys giving something back to the community but feels that the timing of them was not great and that it should not have happened after training and with the media there.


He praises Kerr for his underage work and said he was the perfect person for the job but unfortunately it did not work out for Brian Kerr. He does say that Kerr got a little bit pre occupied with the press which is a bit harsh but there you go.

[tetsujin1979]

On the issue of going to hospitals he does say that he has no problem going to hospitals to see the kids and enjoys giving something back to the community but feels that the timing of them was not great and that it should not have happened after training and with the media there.
They said something similar on Off The Ball last night, that Dunne thought going to the hospitals was all done for the cameras

[Billsthoughts]

can someone post the latest Kerr column?

Cheers....

[NeilMcD]

Victory is ours if the right boxes are ticked

Brian Kerr Soccer analyst

The intense criticism of Steve Staunton may have contributed to him breaking my pitch side press conference record this week. Halved it! Fair play to Stan as it was something I thought I would take to the grave. In my defence I was rushing to catch a plane to Cyprus.

Despite the media scrutiny, public frustration will disintegrate tonight if a performance of substance yields three points; but without an improvement a mindless draw is a distinct possibility against this weakened Slovakian outfit.

A lot of the squad's public comments in the last few days have focused on the confidence generated by gaining 10 points out of a possible 12 and the possibility of four successive wins. But the overwhelming feeling within the camp would be relief.

It is always about winning.

The squad will attempt to cut themselves off from the media but it remains difficult even in the bubble of high security hotel life.

Inadvertently, Lee Carsley heaped more pressure on the manager this week. Lee is a great bloke who has the admiration of all the players and staff mainly because he makes the most of his talent through an insatiable dedication to his craft. A good guy within the group, which is something the public wouldn't have noticed.

I didn't know him when I first came into the Irish job but I immediately discovered an honest, decent man. He pulled out - stating he wanted to concentrate on regaining a starting place at Everton. I was well fixed for midfielders at the time with Roy, Liam Miller, Colin Healy and Matty Holland so he had become a fringe player.

What really impressed me was he said "if you ever need me just call and I'll come back in straight away".

A pleasure to work with and loyal so it is so strange that he became embroiled in separate controversies through belated selection against the Czech Republic and now his suggestion that there was a lack of detail in match preparations before the Welsh game.

When there are two games so close together the coaching staff tends to concentrate primarily on the first game so it is not surprising the players have displayed very little knowledge of the opposition.

In my experience of Slovakia at underage (the under-19s' European Championship third place play-off in 2002. They beat us 2-1. My St Pat's team also met Slovan Bratislava in Europe), they are proud players with a strong football tradition despite only becoming a national team since 1993. They are quick to remind visitors that nine of the Czechoslovakia side that won the 1976 European Championship were Slovaks.

Technically proficient, they adopt a 4-4-2 formation but their current injury/suspension problems may lead to a more flexible approach.

Staunton named his team early yesterday to allow players time to focus on their specific roles.

On the other hand Jan Kocian can now devise a clear tactical plan to deal with the individuals he identifies as a threat.

In my opinion such an advantage need not be conceded, especially when the stakes are so high.

If you have a great team, and everyone already knows it, then early selection doesn't matter but this is not the case so why assist the opposition? It's so difficult to gain any edge at this level.

The enforced change of Robbie Keane makes Kevin Doyle's selection academic. The squad is devoid of another experienced striker like Alan Lee, Clinton Morrison and David Connolly.

Doyle is a better lone forward option than Keane - more aggressive, and a better aerial target for Kilbane, Duff and others to aim at.

Aiden McGeady, coming in for Jonathan Douglas, is hardly a surprise considering the midfield's lack of cohesiveness against Wales. Stephen Ireland's return to a central role should add an inventiveness that was patently absent on Saturday.

I think Staunton will position McGeady off the front in a similar role to Andy Reid against the Czech Republic. He shone in this demanding position in the Champions League against Milan at the San Siro.

McGeady can come of age tonight. He is someone we always felt had special potential, which is why we pursued his Irish possibilities from when he was a raw 15-year-old.

Not 21 until next week, he is maturing into a tactically astute performer this season. He also has plenty of experience playing off the front man from underage level.

Stephen Hunt can be disappointed by his exclusion. He appears to have become too valuable a commodity as an impact sub when Ireland need something different late on.

The back four remains the same but the fullbacks could, make that should, switch in order to reap the full benefit of Steve Finnan's crossing ability. When Finnan is at left back he is forced to check before crossing.

This means any movement inside the box can be marshalled by the defenders. It normally leads to a lethargic delivery, unlike what Finnan has consistently shown he is capable of for Liverpool.

Finnan and John O'Shea also need to improve their communication with the wingers Kilbane and Duff.

Slovakia are a far superior team to Wales and more importantly, they retain aspirations of qualification.

They have already emptied Wales and Cyprus away from home so the Croke Park factor will not intimidate them. Richard Dunne and Paul McShane will need to be switched on for 90 minutes.

An improved tempo with more accurate passing and control of possession is essential tonight.

Tick all those boxes and Ireland should be good enough to win. Otherwise, the chances of qualifying are pretty much over.

Then we'll have more serious issues to address.
© 2007 The Irish Times

[eirebhoy]

I really hope they don't line up as Kerr is suggesting. In fact, that's too predictable and Stan wouldn't have named the team early if the lineup was going to be predictable. :)

[czarner]

Does anyone else agree that these Kerr articles are rapidly getting bitchier and bitchier? It's almost as if he's pushing the envelope each time to see how many digs he can get away with without taking too much flak himself. Mind you, considering how he got completely rogered by the FAI, I can't say I blame him one little bit.

[Emmet]

It's very interesting reading all of that. Kerr is obviously unhappy about the (perceived) injustice of Staunton's results so far compared with his and the fact that Staunton appears to have the support of the FAI whereas he was sacked for a lot less. To an extent I agree with him - if he had lost 5-2 to Cyprus or barely scraped a win against San Marino I think the response from the FAI would have been very very different.

His sniping at the players suggests that he feels they are partly to blame - refusing to visit hospitals, refusing to watch more than 20 mins of video, general "whinging" etc. However, this is where I think he has lost some objectivity. As the team manager it was his job to get the players to do what he wanted. Clearly, he failed to do that and he does not appear to have accepted that failure nevermind contemplating how he might have managed those players differently.

Compare that with Jack Charlton. Although he was technically vastly inferior as a coach and some of his methods left a lot to be desired there was never any doubt as to who was in charge. So-called top players at the time - David O'Leary, Liam Brady to name two - were not exempt from this rule and in that respect Jack Charlton's style of management was brilliant. Players knew exactly where they stood and knew exactly where the boundaries were. I think if Kerr had been a bit more like Jack Charlton and a little less like Roy Evans he would still be our manager.

[kingdom hoop]

I really hope they don't line up as Kerr is suggesting.

i share that sentiment. centre mid will be too exposed if kilbane plays on the left i feel, while its obvious that ireland should play centrally and, at least to begin with, mcgeady should play wide.

kerr's style is pretty forthright, he's much better than lawrenson i think. that last line is a bit needlessly bitchy alright, there's definitely a chip on one of his shoulders

[pineapple stu]

Does anyone else agree that these Kerr articles are rapidly getting bitchier and bitchier? It's almost as if he's pushing the envelope each time to see how many digs he can get away with without taking too much flak himself.
Don't agree really. I think he's largely calling it as it is. He's saying nothing that we haven't said ourselves here, and then he's adding his own personal experience to it. Makes a change from "Players on three hour bender after match" stories.

[Billsthoughts]

cheers!:)

[Nailer77]

I really hope they don't line up as Kerr is suggesting. In fact, that's too predictable and Stan wouldn't have named the team early if the lineup was going to be predictable. :)


With you there. And for the record the ultra conservative Kerr wouldn't have lined them up like that either, not a hope.

[gustavo]

With you there. And for the record the ultra conservative Kerr wouldn't have lined them up like that either, not a hope.

Did Kerr not prefer 4-4-2 with 2 strikers rather than one?

[Nailer77]

Did Kerr not prefer 4-4-2 with 2 strikers rather than one?

Yep and he often used big Gary Doherty as one of them. Kerr would never have lined up with such an open midfield. Two strikers is all well and good but strikers needs creative play to help them and Kerrs teams were often stagnant.

[tetsujin1979]

In my defence I was rushing to catch a plane to Cyprus.
You're not manager anymore. Get over it, and stop making excuses. Nobody referred to Mick's reign when you took over, do Stan the courtesy of the same.


I was well fixed for midfielders at the time with Roy, Liam Miller, Colin Healy and Matty Holland so he had become a fringe player.
Healy and Miller played a handful of games for you, it was 2 from Kilbane/Keane/Kavanagh/Holland


The enforced change of Robbie Keane makes Kevin Doyle's selection academic. The squad is devoid of another experienced striker like Alan Lee, Clinton Morrison and David Connolly.
Who's fault is that? Could it be the previous manager who persisted with Morrison and Keane up front, with the inevitable Gary Doherty substitution late on?


McGeady can come of age tonight. He is someone we always felt had special potential, which is why we pursued his Irish possibilities from when he was a raw 15-year-old.
not true, Packie Bonner was on the Celtic coaching staff, and alerted the FAI to his eligibility


The back four remains the same but the fullbacks could, make that should, switch in order to reap the full benefit of Steve Finnan's crossing ability. When Finnan is at left back he is forced to check before crossing.
Funny, I remember Stephen Carr getting the nod at right full quite a bit, and Finnan playing right wing or left full on more than one occasion


They have already emptied Wales and Cyprus away from home so the Croke Park factor will not intimidate them. Richard Dunne and Paul McShane will need to be switched on for 90 minutes.
10 man Cyprus, and the Cypriots were leading at 1-0 until having their keeper sent off, and they substituted a defender to bring on the sub keeper.

[Student Mullet]

Originally Posted by Brian Kerr, Soccer Analyst
The enforced change of Robbie Keane makes Kevin Doyle's selection academic. The squad is devoid of another experienced striker like Alan Lee, Clinton Morrison and David Connolly.

Who's fault is that? Could it be the previous manager who persisted with Morrison and Keane up front, with the inevitable Gary Doherty substitution late on?
I don't understand this one. You're saying Morrison wasn't selected because the previous manager selected him too often?

[eirebhoy]

Jesus you're petty tets. :)

He has a new job now and if it was Lawro I'm sure he'd have mentioned the press conference too, it was the main news yesterday.

Carsley actually played a lot under Kerr at the start of his reign.

Who else was there instead of Morrison and the others you named? Keane and Morrison was a decent partnership in fairness.


not true, Packie Bonner was on the Celtic coaching staff, and alerted the FAI to his eligibility
Yes but they still pursued his Irish possibilities from when he was a raw 15-year-old. :D

[tetsujin1979]

I don't understand this one. You're saying Morrison wasn't selected because the previous manager selected him too often?
Probably should have highlighted this part:


The enforced change of Robbie Keane makes Kevin Doyle's selection academic. The squad is devoid of another experienced striker like Alan Lee, Clinton Morrison and David Connolly.
Who's fault is that? Could it be the previous manager who persisted with Morrison and Keane up front, with the inevitable Gary Doherty substitution late on?

The squad is devoid of experienced strikers, because there are so very few of them. Beyond those 3, what available strikers have more than 10 caps, i.e. what other strikers were capped by Kerr? And I'm not counting Doherty as a striker.

At least by bringing Keogh and Stokes into the squad, and trying out Ireland up front, Staunton is trying something different.

[tetsujin1979]

Jesus you're petty tets. :)

He has a new job now and if it was Lawro I'm sure he'd have mentioned the press conference too, it was the main news yesterday.


Just a bit, I'm fairly p!ssed at Kerr at the moment. I've made this point before, but noone went to Mick McCarthy after Kerr took over to get his opinion on the team, why is Kerr adding to the pressure already on Staunton so soon after he took over? If nothing else, you would think he would be sympathetic to Staunton's plight given the way the media turned on him in the last few months of his reign.

[Nailer77]

Just a bit, I'm fairly p!ssed at Kerr at the moment. I've made this point before, but noone went to Mick McCarthy after Kerr took over to get his opinion on the team, why is Kerr adding to the pressure already on Staunton so soon after he took over? If nothing else, you would think he would be sympathetic to Staunton's plight given the way the media turned on him in the last few months of his reign.

He's been asked to do a column for a paper and you might have noticed but things aren't exactly going too great at the moment so he's hardly going to say its all rosy in the garden is he, he's calling it as he see's it. There's a few people that are far too sensitive to criticism of our national manager for some reason. I didn't think Kerr said anything too outlandish anyway. I actually don't even understand the jist of some of your responses either. Kerr could hardly have called the likes of Stokes, Doyle or Long into the team because they weren't around.

[eirebhoy]

Just a bit, I'm fairly p!ssed at Kerr at the moment. I've made this point before, but noone went to Mick McCarthy after Kerr took over to get his opinion on the team, why is Kerr adding to the pressure already on Staunton so soon after he took over? If nothing else, you would think he would be sympathetic to Staunton's plight given the way the media turned on him in the last few months of his reign.
I don't really see how that article is adding pressure on Stan though.

As for the striker issue. Stokes, Long and Keogh weren't around when Kerr was in charge. He brought Elliott in. Doyle was called up by Kerr after scoring 3 goals in the English Championship.

[citizenerased]

I like kerr he is simply telling as it is, he has every right to be better, delaney treated him like a piece of shiite...also stan is making him look like a genius

[hudhastings]

Kerr is usless an old school crap el manager/ If he was in the new el as manager he wudnt stand a chance. Doyle was bangin in the goals for city and was nt even picked/ he was an option ./ Stan is a useless bad man/

[ramondo]

In a writing sense this one is better than the previous shocker (friendly's ?). The Irish Times must have actually employed an editor to look over this one, but someone still needs to have a word with Kerr about his cliche-itis and compulsion to use ten words where one will suffice.


Victory is ours if the right boxes are ticked

Brian Kerr Soccer analyst

The intense criticism of Steve Staunton may have contributed to him breaking my pitch side press conference record this week. Halved it! Fair play to Stan as it was something I thought I would take to the grave. In my defence I was rushing to catch a plane to Cyprus.

Despite the media scrutiny, public frustration will disintegrate tonight if a performance of substance yields three points; but without an improvement a mindless draw is a distinct possibility against this weakened Slovakian outfit.(An "outfit" being a lesser team, Brian?.)

A lot of the squad's public comments in the last few days have focused on the confidence generated by gaining 10 points out of a possible 12 and the possibility of four successive wins. But the overwhelming feeling within the camp would be relief.

It is always about winning.

The squad will attempt to cut themselves off from the media but it remains difficult even in the bubble of high security hotel life.

Inadvertently, Lee Carsley heaped more pressure on the manager this week. Lee is a great bloke who has the admiration of all the players and staff mainly because he makes the most of his talent through an insatiable dedication to his craft. A good guy within the group, which is something the public wouldn't have noticed.

I didn't know him when I first came into the Irish job but I immediately discovered an honest, decent man. He pulled out - stating he wanted to concentrate on regaining a starting place at Everton. I was well fixed for midfielders at the time with Roy, Liam Miller, Colin Healy and Matty Holland so he had become a fringe player.

What really impressed me was he said "if you ever need me just call and I'll come back in straight away".

A pleasure to work with and loyal so it is so strange that he became embroiled in separate controversies through belated selection against the Czech Republic and now his suggestion that there was a lack of detail in match preparations before the Welsh game.

When there are two games so close together the coaching staff tends to concentrate primarily on the first game so it is not surprising the players have displayed very little knowledge of the opposition.

In my experience of Slovakia at underage (the under-19s' European Championship third place play-off in 2002. They beat us 2-1. My St Pat's team also met Slovan Bratislava in Europe), they are proud players with a strong football tradition despite only becoming a national team since 1993. They are quick to remind visitors that nine of the Czechoslovakia side that won the 1976 European Championship were Slovaks.

Technically proficient, they adopt a 4-4-2 formation but their current injury/suspension problems may lead to a more flexible approach.

Staunton named his team early yesterday to allow players time to focus on their specific roles.

On the other hand Jan Kocian can now devise a clear tactical plan to deal with the individuals he identifies as a threat.

In my opinion such an advantage need not be conceded, especially when the stakes are so high.

If you have a great team, and everyone already knows it, then early selection doesn't matter but this is not the case so why assist the opposition? It's so difficult to gain any edge at this level.

The enforced change of Robbie Keane makes Kevin Doyle's selection academic. The squad is devoid of another experienced striker like Alan Lee, Clinton Morrison and David Connolly.

Doyle is a better lone forward option than Keane - more aggressive, and a better aerial target for Kilbane, Duff and others to aim at.

Aiden McGeady, coming in for Jonathan Douglas, is hardly a surprise considering the midfield's lack of cohesiveness against Wales. Stephen Ireland's return to a central role should add an inventiveness that was patently absent on Saturday.

I think Staunton will position McGeady off the front in a similar role to Andy Reid against the Czech Republic. He shone in this demanding position in the Champions League against Milan at the San Siro.

McGeady can come of age tonight. He is someone we always felt had special potential, which is why we pursued his Irish possibilities from when he was a raw 15-year-old.

Not 21 until next week, he is maturing into a tactically astute performer this season. He also has plenty of experience playing off the front man from underage level.(WTF?)

Stephen Hunt can be disappointed by his exclusion. He appears to have become too valuable a commodity as an impact sub when Ireland need something different late on.

The back four remains the same but the fullbacks could, make that should (groan), switch in order to reap the full benefit of Steve Finnan's crossing ability. When Finnan is at left back he is forced to check before crossing.

This means any movement inside the box can be marshalled by the defenders. It normally leads to a lethargic delivery, unlike what Finnan has consistently shown he is capable of for Liverpool.

Finnan and John O'Shea also need to improve their communication with the wingers Kilbane and Duff.

Slovakia are a far superior team to Wales and more importantly, they retain aspirations of qualification.

They have already emptied Wales and Cyprus away from home so the Croke Park factor will not intimidate them. Richard Dunne and Paul McShane will need to be switched on for 90 minutes.

An improved tempo with more accurate passing and control of possession is essential tonight.

Tick all those boxes and Ireland should be good enough to win. Otherwise, the chances of qualifying are pretty much over.

Then we'll have more serious issues to address.(Like our writing skills, Brian.)
© 2007 The Irish Times

And that's just a selection.

Still, it gave me a laugh.

Ramondo.

[eirebhoy]

OK, now replace those words and phrases with non-cliche's and see how you get on. :)

[Kingdom]

In a writing sense this one is blah blah blah

Were you on the beer this evening, cause you're talking b0llocks? There's a cliché for you.
:)

[ramondo]

OK, now replace those words and phrases with non-cliche's and see how you get on. :)

This is how I would have done it.

Ramondo, ghost writer for Brian Kerr:

Recent criticism may have contributed to Steve Staunton breaking my pitch-side press conference record this week. Halved it, in fact, which is quite an achievement. Though in my defence, I did have a plane to catch.

Despite the media scrutiny, public frustration should ease somewhat if the team comes away from tonight's game with three points. But without an improvement in recent form, a draw against this weakened Slovakian team is still a possibility. (Despite recent performances, Brian never considered the possibility of a loss. I've no idea what a "mindless draw" is.)

Public comments from players recently have focused on increased confidence and the impressive ten points out of a possible twelve from their last four games, with the prospect of four successive wins should they win tonight. That said, the overwhelming feeling coming from the camp seems to be one of relief.

It's about winning.

The squad will attempt to distance themselves from the media, but even in the security of their hotel it will be difficult.

Lee Carsley's seemingly-critical comments about the manager and his subsequent backtracking haven't helped Steve Staunton's situation. Lee is a great bloke and has the admiration and respect of all the players and staff due to his dedication and commitment to his role as a team player, something the public may not be aware of.

I didn't know him when I took up the manager's job, but I soon discovered an honest, decent man. He realised I had a good selection of midfielders in Roy, Liam Miller, Colin Healy and Matty Holland and pulled out to concentrate on regaining a starting place at Everton. What really impressed me was his offer to come back immediately if needed.

He was loyal and a pleasure to work with, so I find it strange that he's now become involved in media hype about his dissatisfaction with how he was selected for the game with the Czech Republic and his suggestion that preparations for the Welsh game were less than adequate.

With two games so close together I would expect the staff to concentrate mainly on the first one, so it's hardly surprising the players didn't know so much about the opposition. (I'm only rewording here - have I missed something, because the original doesn't make much sense to me?)

In my experience of Slovakia, at under age level (U19 Euro Championship 3rd place playoff, they beat us 2-1, and my St Pat's team vs Slovan Bratislava in Europe), they are strong proud footballers with a sense of tradition, despite only becoming a national team in 1993. They are quick to remind visitors that nine of the Czechoslovakia side that won the 1976 European Championship were Slovaks. (All Brian's, that last line.)

They are a technically proficient side that usually adopts a 4-4-2 formation, though recent injuries and suspensions may lead to a more flexible approach tonight.

Staunton named his team early yesterday, ostensibly to allow players time to focus on their specific roles, though he has in effect handed the Slovakian manager Jan Kocian an opportunity to develop a tactical plan to deal with any Ireland players he's identified as a threat.

In my opinion such an advantage shouldn't be conceded, especially when the stakes are so high. If you have a good team and everyone already knows it, great, early selection doesn't matter. But that's not the case here, so why should our manager assist the opposition? Particulary when we're at a level of competition where gaining an edge is so difficult.

The enforced absence of Robbie Keane makes Kevin Doyle's selection academic. Unfortunately, the squad doesn't have another experienced striker of the calibre of Alan Lee, Clinton Morrison or David Connolly.

Doyle is, however, a better lone forward option than Keane. He's more aggressive, and a better aerial target for players like Kilbane and Duff to aim at.

Aiden McGeady, coming in for Jonathan Douglas, is hardly a surprise considering the midfield's lack of cohesiveness against Wales. Stephen Ireland's return to a central role should add an inventiveness that was absent on Saturday. (Only one useless adverb removed in that whole paragraph - good going Brian!.)

I think Staunton will put McGeady off the front, in a similar role to Andy Reid against the Czech Republic. He shone in this demanding position in the recent Champions League game against Milan at the San Siro.

McGeady is someone who's show potential since I first saw him as an inexperienced 15-year-old. Tonight could be his opportunity to shine. He turns 21 next week and is already maturing into a tactically aware player and has plenty of experience playing off the front man. (???)

Stephen Hunt will feel disappointed by his exclusion. His value as a super sub when something different is needed late on seems to have contributed to his undoing in getting into the starting lineup.

The back four remains the same, but the fullbacks could switch to get the benefit of Steve Finnan's crossing ability. But playing him at left back forces him to check before crossing, meaning any movement inside the box can be marshalled by the defenders leading to a lethargic delivery. He is capable of better, as shown at Liverpool.

Finnan and John O'Shea also need to improve their communication with the wingers Kilbane and Duff.

Slovakia are a far superior team to Wales and we need to be aware that they still have the potential to qualify.

They have already taken maximum points againt Wales and Cyprus away from home, so the Croke Park factor shouldn't intimidate them. Richard Dunne and Paul McShane will need to be switched on for the full 90 minutes.

An improved tempo with more accurate passing and control of possession is essential tonight.

Tick all of those boxes and Ireland should be good enough to win. Otherwise, the chances of qualifying are pretty much over.

Then we'll have more serious issues to address.

(You came good at the end there Brian.)

[Ceirtlis]

I think thats a good article. Very informative with no over the top critisim. Since when have phrases like "aerial target" and "central role" become cliches?

[Billsthoughts]

anyone post todays Kerrs Thoughts please...

[kingdom hoop]

here ya go bill, an unedited version, i'm not going to painstakingly remove cliches for no reason

Victory relieves pressure on Staunton

Brian Kerr, Soccer Analyst

The most important aspect to be reflected upon this morning is Ireland have gained six points from two very awkward fixtures. On reflection, one poor performance will be overshadowed by last night's display.

It also looks like we have found a shape and structure that fits this team's make-up. It was a performance that must satisfy supporters and media alike.

The pressure is off for now.

The Steve Staunton system worked. It was the most impressive, cohesive first half of the manager's time in charge. Possession was protected, while the passing and movement was of the standard expected from an international team that holds high aspirations. Most importantly, they played with a familiarity previously lacking until last night.

The use of Stephen Ireland off Kevin Doyle with McGeady and Duff wide was key, while Stephen Hunt, again, made an immediate impact. Hunt has the mark of a man determined to nail down a starting role in this team.

The Mexican wave did eventually spread around Croke Park but it didn't last; the supporters had a football match to keep them entertained.

This was a far superior performance and that is primarily down to the balance the team discovered by playing Damien Duff on the left supported by Kevin Kilbane inside. A left-footed central midfielder will always ensure more creativity down that flank. This was a key selection.

Equally, the close control of McGeady and Stephen Ireland brought a real edge to the Irish attack where Doyle was a real handful. The Reading striker looks the best option if Staunton continues with one man up front. Martin Skrtel failed to jump with him for the goal, but it was expertly dispatched. His aerial threat was effective throughout.

Once Doyle scored, the Slovaks adopted an all-or-nothing approach in a desperate attempt to save their qualifications hopes and problems did appear.

Kilbane and Carsley found themselves under increasing pressure to hold the middle. Still, they survived with Kevin producing an energetic and inventive performance, technically superior to Jonathan Douglas last Saturday.

The pressure was heaped on the central midfielders by Duff and McGeady's lack of defensive responsibility but these two players cannot be criticised. It seemed like a tactical ploy for the wingers to keep alive the threat of a counter-attack.

Duff was back in the form last night that first endeared him to the Irish soccer public. The Slovaks were forced to push a second player over to cover his early inventive running.

McGeady, once the shackles were put on Duffer, upped his time on the ball considerably without quite producing the end product. It is clear to see how Slovakia have scored 15 goals in five games as they attacked in a kamikaze manner at times.

I counted six players in the Irish box for one cross before half-time. It is also apparent how the main group contenders, the Czechs and Germans, punished them so severely on the break.

Stephen Ireland faded out of the game in the second half as Duff and McGeady swapped wings, but still continued to support Doyle effectively.

The defence held well despite the Slovaks playing with four across the attack as they chased an equaliser. It became a backs-to-the-wall exercise for long periods in the second half but still posed questions in attack. A Paul McShane tackle on Martin Jakubko denied a certain goal (Mr Baskakov could have awarded a penalty). He continued to settle into international defending.

Richard Dunne put in a splendid performance, but he was outshone by McShane who just shaded the man of the match award in my book with several timely interventions.

What will be most pleasing will be the victory. But from a management perspective the manner in which the substitutions coincided with Ireland lifting the siege on Shay Given's goal was notable.

The energy Stephen Hunt and Shane Long brought to proceedings, along with McGeady inside, proved enough to avoid a late steal from the Slovaks. That would have been an injustice given the overall performances.

Hunt's persistence and a decent early cross to his club team-mate Shane Long really should have tied up the three points. It would have allowed Staunton to relax during a game for the first time. And that, I can assure, is a rare luxury in his job.

The crowd were magnificent last night, but they were led by they players' hunger and desire.

We go to Slovakia next where we hope they will not be as competitive as their chances of qualification now look over. Still, they remain a decent team. That is a double-edged sword though as we also need them to take points off their neighbours to get us back into the running.

We need Germany to run away with this group. The Czechs are the main rival now.

Overall, a good week for Stan.

Certainly not one he'll forget any time soon.
© 2007 The Irish Times

[ramondo]

here ya go bill, an unedited version, i'm not going to painstakingly remove cliches for no reason


For no reason? Jesus, it's painful to read.

Right from the first sentence:

The most important aspect to be reflected upon this morning is Ireland have gained six points from two very awkward fixtures.

Ireland the team - singular. Ireland has gained six points...

Okay, I know how annoying nit-picking like this can be, but I would have expected better from the Irish Times.

Or have I been away too long?

Ramondo.

[kingdom hoop]

Okay, I know how annoying nit-picking like this can be, but I would have expected better from the Irish Times.



i'm a bit of a grammatical pedant myself so no worries, but i don't think people really notice(care?) about such matters when it comes to football analysis. the main thing is that you get your points across coherently, which i think kerr does reasonably well. ok there's no great logical flow to his pieces but he's doing his best and that's all one can ask for!! that first paragraph is pathetic alright though, way too much reflecting for my liking.

[Billsthoughts]

cheers

[Student Mullet]

Ireland the team - singular. Ireland has gained six points...I agree with you but I think this argument is long lost.

[pineapple stu]

Ireland the team - singular. Ireland has gained six points...

Okay, I know how annoying nit-picking like this can be, but I would have expected better from the Irish Times.

Don't know how you "can expect better" than the usual treatment?

I'm quite happy with my theory that, back in the day before spectators and the likes, "we" were our team - because it was me and others, which is we - and by definition, the opposition become "they", because that's the opposite of "we". Referring to a team as "it" is in fact a historical grammatical non-sequitur. It mightn't fit our modern understanding of a team, but changing it now is just nonsensical revisionism.

[eirebhoy]

For no reason? Jesus, it's painful to read.

Right from the first sentence:

The most important aspect to be reflected upon this morning is Ireland have gained six points from two very awkward fixtures.

Ireland the team - singular. Ireland has gained six points...

Okay, I know how annoying nit-picking like this can be, but I would have expected better from the Irish Times.

Or have I been away too long?

Ramondo.
I hope you don't be reading my posts then. :D

[ramondo]

Don't know how you "can expect better" than the usual treatment?

I'm quite happy with my theory that, back in the day before spectators and the likes, "we" were our team - because it was me and others, which is we - and by definition, the opposition become "they", because that's the opposite of "we". Referring to a team as "it" is in fact a historical grammatical non-sequitur. It mightn't fit our modern understanding of a team, but changing it now is just nonsensical revisionism.

Nope, it's just plain wrong.

Anyway, that was one example of many. I've been doing my share of documentation/writing/editing at work lately (real boring stuff - hence the long posts here) and while I'm no expert, I have to laugh when people make comments about Kerr's articles being "well written".

The writing's just so lazy and sloppy and, well, amateur.

Go on, read it again.

Hunt has the mark of a man determined to nail down a starting role in this team.

Yay!

Ramondo.

[NeilMcD]

Lads can we look at what he is saying rather than how he says it. This is a football forum after all. Look at the merits at what he says, as he is a football coach not an English teacher.

[Qwerty]

For no reason? Jesus, it's painful to read.

Right from the first sentence:

The most important aspect to be reflected upon this morning is Ireland have gained six points from two very awkward fixtures.

Ireland the team - singular. Ireland has gained six points...

Okay, I know how annoying nit-picking like this can be, but I would have expected better from the Irish Times.

Or have I been away too long?

Ramondo.


I know, it irks me, it's nice though that a win can allow us to focus on syntax. :D