Originally Posted by
Paulie Bleecker
Givens is a nice bloke, a lovely fella in fact.
BUT, his problem is he's too hard headed to be a top international manager. When you've got such a little squad, isolating players becomes a bigger deal. Givens hasn't copped that yet and continues to put players backs up.
I know of at least three lads who should be at that tournament but aren't because Don has had a row with them.
That in itself should call the guys involvement into question.
Also, he took up the job as caretaker boss of the national team while the 21's had a game. Obviously the FAI had asked him to do this but he really didn't seem arsed and that grated on me.
And, these are the qualifying results this campaign. FOUR points. Not good enough.
07/09/07: Republic of Ireland 0 – 2 Portugal, in Cork
16/10/07: Republic of Ireland 0 - 3 England, Turner’s Cross 8.00 pm
16/11/07: Montenegro 1-0 Republic of Ireland
20/11/07: Republic of Ireland 1 - 0 Bulgaria in Athlone
05/02/08: England 3 - 0 Republic of Ireland in Southampton
25/03/08: Republic of Ireland 1-1 Montenegro, Terryland Park, Galway