Really nice and charismatic man. He steadied the ship after Staunton and brought order where there was chaos. I have to say though that that's as good as it got for me, despite the qualification. Bulgaria and Slovakia's implosion opened up second places and we were able to take advantage despite beating neither. We played well against Italy twice, I accept. We got one tough playoff draw and one easier one.
Best away record of any Irish manager, but worst home record too. Too many misunderstandings with players, not enough tinkering with shape and tactics, and when he did he put square pegs in round holes (Keogh & Cox RHM, McClean advanced midfield in Serbia...). I think he's being cheeky claiming credit for "discovering" new players. Everyone on this forum knows who our better players are at all age groups, so a well-paid manager should do the same. He never trusted players with talent and favoured brawn over skill in an era where skill is allowed to thrive.
In an age when GAA and rugby are perceived as being more successful (I stand by my comments that the rugby golden generation vastly underperformed and that "club" rugby and club football are incomparable) Trap has contributed to the impression that football is a dull game and has deterred paying punters.
He's not without his positive points but on balance I'm very glad to see the back of him.
