It's an ArdeeBhoy post,
so what? why does he bother?
it's just going to be yet another utterly pointless post, expressing negativity or fatalism in varying degrees :)
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The d word hasn't been mentioned yet. That's diaspora by the way. Nearly half of the current squad are born outside of the FAI's jurisdiction. Sure the FAI needs to reform the whole system to improve technical abilities and depth of the player pool, but the reality is that going forward a lot of our national team players will be born outside of the FAI's club system and will continue to be raised in the British system with some more no doubt in the Australian, Canadian, and US systems among others.
Not to nit pick but Sven Rydell is seen as such an innovative player that he is probably considered the best player the Swedes ever produced. He had 49 Goals in 43 matches and was so good even in days before TV, where it would be hard to follow him, that Pele's father wanted to name Pele "Sven" instead of Edson, (true story) but Pele's mother would have none of it.
Also, in the current squad 6 out of 14 FAI players played in the LOI before moving.
Forde - Left at 21, back at 23 before leaving again at 26.
Coleman - Left at 20.
Hoolahan - Left at 24.
McClean - Left at 22.
Long - Left at 18.
Sammon - Left at 21.
The other 8 players left between the age of 15 and 19, mostly aged 16.
The truth??
Do you have a clue about 15. 16 or 17 year olds leaving home to live abroad?
The vast majority don't make it and have to come back 'home'.
Do you not think it's more desirable for young kids to be able to do their football education close to home and finish rudimentary secondary education, before leaving for the bright lights?
Should they not be the type to 'make it', would it not be more apparent at the age of 17 or 18 before they depart abroad? Another factor is that the local league benefits from having a young quality player in their team for a few seasons, as well as the considerable transfer fee that would come their way with selling on a player whose pedigree is more proven.
Instead of picking up crumbs for quality promising players, the league clubs would be able to command fees some 10 times bigger.
Thats just what I can think of offhand, I'm sure there are many more benefits to a league/country which holds onto its best players until they are 19, 20. 21 22 years old.
Does it benefit international football? who really thinks that's the reason why a local league should be stronger/richer, but I'm sure it doesn't harm the senior intl team.
You make very relevant points Geysir. Also, has anyone actually looked at the effect on players who leave home at 15 or 16 and then return 'not having made it'? I am sure that for many, this burden of having seemingly failed is one they have to face for a period of time, which can't be easy for many returned players. At the end of the day, these kids would be best served by remaining in Ireland in a familiar environment with their friends and family around them for support. If they do secure a transfer overseas at a later stage in their emotional development, they are in a better position to cope with the related demands.
He's gone. Just announced.
The more I think about O'Neill the less I fancy the idea though someone from the Sunday World is on RTE (so it must be true!) is saying he was approached last week.
Also O'Neill would the same age starting the job that Jack Charlton was when he was told they wouldn't be paying his retainer any more because he the game had outgrown him.
I've mentioned O'Leary before and I'm the only person I know who doesn't think it'd be a bad idea (unless anyone wants to pipe up) but he's a bit younger and I think he'd do just fine.
If O'Neill is a realistic possibility then I don't think we can look anywhere else tbh.
Farewell Trap.
I liked your personality and passion for the game but must admit your substitutions, obsession with playing Whelan, constant long ball tactics with 2 midgets up front and falling out with Andy Reid annoyed the hell out of me.
Now that he's gona I have this sickening feeling of who we might actually get. Eugh! :(
Me neither. Right age profile.
Getting a youthful manager is double edged. Does well, he'll only last a campaign at most and the cycle begins again
O'Neill might be more suited to international management than club management nowadays. I'd imagine motivational speeches wear thin hearing them week in week out but could ideal for the format of international football. We play better with heart and desire than any other style and it also appeals to the public more imo so he could be the best man for the job.
Don't mind so much who gets the job once its the end of playing for 10 minutes and then retreating for following 80 minutes.
Christ, bad mistake, was full sure he was at Sheffield United at the time. Must edited that
Speed with Wales?
Craig Bellamy comes to mind.
Anyone but O'Leary. He's not the worst manager, but he's not particularly good either, has been out of the game for about six years (apart from that woeful spell at Al Ahly) and could fall out with a bunch of flowers. He's never been popular with fans anywhere either. We want stability and inclusivity in the next regime? Then keep O'Leary away from it.
I'd favour O'Neill (if he was available) as some of his faults (particularly poor transfer dealings) would be void at international level. His strengths lie in motivation and unity, something we could dearly do with. However he's another who, like Trap, often has undroppable favourites. He might not be as bad as Gio, but I'd expect a continuation of some odd calls and maybe the odd blow-up.
Isnt Speed dead?