Hmm, think we might just have covered that about 100 times previously...
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The FAI went for high-profile/contentious in order to capture back the imagination of casual fans and general national interest. Keane will always be making headlines in the sports pages, so the distraction that comes with his stature and profile is an inevitable side-effect of his appointment. It's a necessary part of the deal for the FAI, I guess.Comment
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Not really, re.time 101.
And I hear you, but long-term planning doesn't seem to be an Irish sort of thing, as far more starkly illustrated elsewhere!Comment
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In fairness, he also said we need players in the Champions League. I actually think Bonner gets it. He sees the need to keep making progress and adapting the methods and structures rather than sitting smugly on some positive steps taken ages back. It's good people like him are in the FAI. Oh, wait...Comment
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Knock knock... how cynical sir.
Out of the available likely candidates I think we got the best out there. That there was a bonus aspect to it for the armchair fan, great. But as it stands we've done great and to be honest, Keane in the tent p!ssing out is better than him p!ssing in!Last edited by BonnieShels; 04/07/2014, 3:33 PM.DID YOU NOTICE A SIGN OUTSIDE MY HOUSE...?Comment
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I am not sure what that is supposed to mean, is he not just saying he might be seen to be"I just felt I didn’t want to have any compromise regarding my role in football with punditry.”
It wouldn’t be Roy without a slight dig at someone eh?
biased being involved in football whilst being a commentator?
Actually Gary is a coach to the English national team, so maybe it is a reference to that, I was
not away of that but it does seem odd to commentate on a team you coach.
"And that was a great effort from Rooney who has obviously benefited from some
top class coaching from someone..."
Or more likely "poor effort from Rooney, he must be injured because he has a world class coach"Comment
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Lads, I have noticed an ongoing negativity surrounding the national team at the moment. I think we need to put this into perspective. I feel we have had two lost years since Euro 12. Trap didn't change the team's style of play which was negative and defensive with an obsessive emphasis on not making mistakes which has lead to fear among the players. Their lack of confidence in the system is evident and our normal passion has disappeared. O'Neill and Roy have to get inside their heads and change this style and build confidence. The WC must help them. Our team on paper is comparable and probably better than many of the nations including the US, Australia, Bosnia, Greece and dare I say it Costa Rica!
When you look at these teams they are well coached and they play to their strengths. We have to stop this belief that unless our players are playing in the EPL, they are not good enough. We do have good technical players, maybe not as good as say Columbia or Holland, but they are not as bad as the Trap years would suggest. In terms of players, Samaras played quite well in a very limited Greek side, if Stokes was mentioned for Ireland many fans would nearly have a seizure. However, we do have better players than him!
What we have to do is play to our strengths and to start to build with the future in mind too. The last time I feel we played the way we can was against the French in Paris. I remember when McGeady went on the counter attack in that game, the French were worried. Has he really been given licence to do this on a regular basis in the last few years, I would suggest no. We need to place an emphasis on players who are technically competent and become more offensive in design. The players need to have a say in the style we develop. We need to think outside the box and take risks. I would love to see a defence of Coleman, Duffy, SSL and Wilson. Yes, I know some aren't getting regular football and lack experience, but this is a defence that will be around for a long time and can grow in stature. I think we need to move on from O'Shea and I will be shot for this, Dunne. Great servants, but now let's build for the future.
Midfield is where I feel we can really improve after Trap. If we played 4 in midfield, Gibson, McCarthy, McGeady and possibly Brady are technically good (Has Gibson said he will play for us again?) and are far more offensive than what we have experienced over the last six years. Upfront, I would start with Long and McGoldrick who are busy bees and again technically sound, with Robbie to come on after 60 minutes. I know I will be flayed alive for this team which I believe is technically sound, hopefully adventurous and one that will be around for a while. If we wanted to play a 451 formation, drop McGoldrick and bring in Hoolahan. I suppose what I am trying to say is the WC has hopefully given all of us reasons to believe and be optimistic going forward. We have two good coaches in Roy and MON, give them time to implement their ideas. COYBIG in Euro 16 qualifying!Comment
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Agree with the sentiment but not the selections.
And, eh, Gibson actually got injured playing for us!Comment
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Forde, for now at least
Coleman-OShea-CB2-Wilson
McCarthy Gibson
McGeady Hoolahan Brady
Long or Doyle
Maybe Wilson or Delaney at CB or Dunne if he's in good shape. I'd be tempted to go with Clark at LB if Wilson is CB.
I think McLean, Pilkington and Brady are all good players with some part to play. I still believe Andy Reid can do a job this campaign. I'm not sure which of Long or Doyle. Both need to step up performances at club level.
I'd give Stokes a chance somewhere along the line if I could.
Gibson must impress or run the risk of Meyler or Hendrick taking that spot. Maybe Hendrick has more bite.
It's such a shame that the summer tour, while possibly putting some people down the order, failed to elevate people other than Meyler and Hendock up the order. There are still an awful lot of open questions.Comment
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Which is why it'll be a miracle if they achieve anything with this group of players..Last edited by ArdeeBhoy; 07/07/2014, 12:31 PM.Comment
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