What?
Will you quit with your Trap apologism? The man dug his own grave with a gradually increasing litany of mindbogglingly asinine tactical decisions, stagnancy, stubbornness, antagonism towards the media and lack of respect towards his own players. He didn't need anybody to dig his grave for him.
Take things on their merits. Staunton and Trapattoni had to go, things weren't working out with McCarthy and Kerr - maybe - deserved more time.
What?
Funny, I didn't see the doc in this thread.
Author of Never Felt Better (History, Film Reviews).
Have to say impressed with Glen Hoddle on ITV, very good viewing, while Kilbane with BBC was dour
Brad Friedel was a fantastic addition to the panel this evening. He makes some very interesting points which others aren't capable of making and is clearly a deep thinker. Makes his points in a simple and under-stated manner. He does sound a tad monotonous after a while but still enjoyed him overall.
He seemed very perceptive and insightful any time I saw him on the BBC. Was impressed by him. I thought the others (Hansen and gang) appeared out of their depth exchanging points next to him.
Brian really hasn't gotten over his treatment from the FAI, which is a real shame because he has so much to give and it's clear from his commentary just what an excellent student of the game he is. Unfortunately I can't see him working with the FAI unless a lot of the current members move out of the game. I'd love to see him become involved in LOI football again, but obviously having managed international teams he'd be looking for a job that can meet his ability.
Hand (1980–85) Charlton (1986–95) McCarthy (1996–2002), Kerr (2003–05), Staunton (2006–07),Trapattoni (2008–13) and King (2013**)
Everyone one of those has got it in the neck from Messrs O'H, Giles and Dunphy. Some deserved it more than others but the fact is (change the broken record some say) until Brady appeared defending Trap, there was no dissenting voice on the Panel. THAT is the issue I have always had with the RTE Panel. Whenever RTE had a debate on any other issue, politics, social matters etc, there were always people who represented both sides. The football Panel never followed that. The only serious divergence of opinion came in the Saipan affair but they kissed and made up shortly afterwards.
Forget about the performance or entertainment. It's only the result that matters.
DID YOU NOTICE A SIGN OUTSIDE MY HOUSE...?
I think RTE deserve a bit of credit for the younger panellists they've brought in. I know Sadlier has been around a long time, but Cunningham has been a real find and Irwin was always good when he was on, plus obviously Didi. Darragh Maloney has really grown into the role of presenter too and has resisted the temptation to become a Billo clone.
Cunningham has been floating about a while.
I love him on LOI stuff because it just shows how into football EVERYWHERE he is.
DID YOU NOTICE A SIGN OUTSIDE MY HOUSE...?
Oh I didn't mean he was a greenhorn, I just meant it was good succession planning by RTE to bring through somebody who wouldn't have been an obvious candidate for punditry work but has been brilliant. I think Stuey Byrne has improved an awful lot in the past year too on the LOI side.
Bang on about Cunningham on LOI stuff though. It's obviously not his #1 love, but when he's on the LOI shows he makes it his business to do his research and know what he's talking about, which is in marked contrast to some of his peers.
You've been in America too long. You're even talking like them now.
Bookmarks