No guts, no spine, no heart...

[drummerboy]

When Ireland were leading 1 0 in Tel Eve and pressing for a second goal, Keer instructed them to sit in. This they duly did, and they conceded. I think Kerr lost the confidence of his players in that instance. To compound it, leading 2 0 to Isreal at home, and he replaces an injured Keane with a midfielder. INEXCUSABLE. He has done a lot for Irish football, but he is no senior manager. What we need now is a manager who will immediately gain the respect of the players and play to a system that the players believe in. That man is Martin O Neill. However an organisation with a clown, like Delaney in charge, are capable of appointing a name manager, possibly someone who hasn't managed in years, like Dalglish

[Plastic Paddy]

"No guts, no spine, no heart... "

Absolute nonsense. The team showed plenty of guts, determination and commitment but simply aren't good enough.

Typical OTT reaction.

Yes, one written five minutes after getting home from the pub, so it should be viewed in that context.

In the cold light of day though I still don't think there was enough hunger about either last night's or Saturday's performances. I can accept the lack of quality but what I can't excuse is visible, energy-sapping, vein-popping desire. Apart from one shining example across the two games, I don't recall seeing it much in evidence at all. And that's what I find upsetting.

PP

[mchurl]

absolutely dreadful. Much as I dislike Kerr, there's no way he can be blamed for a performance like that- the players had no interest and no heart. Overpaid, overrated big time charlies living off undeserved reputations.

Too true and hopefully when the new manager comes in(kerr won't get a new contract) he will blood in soe of the younger lads who will show that they actually want to play for ireland.

[Macy]

It says everything about the "irish" set-up that you have to make that distinction- domestic. In most countries, they would speak of the whole set-up, here we have two different set-ups and they are absolutely worlds apart. The responsibility for that lies solely at the feet of the FAI. They've lived the high life on the crest of a lucky wave that Jack Charlatan and his engerland rejects XI created 17 years ago, and now they're getting what they deserve.

Totally agree, and it isn't a go at 2G's (everytime you dare criticise Saint Jack's mercenaries isn't a criticism of genuine 2G's - how many times does it have to be said )

Instead of putting the proper structures in place in this country we've relied on the English Set Up to produce our players for the international team. More so in the the 25 years or so. In just the same way there is a lack of English players coming through that system now, we're suffering as well, only with an already small pool it's effects are multiplied. Our best striker can't get a game at a mid table premiership team ffs.

Only way to solve this is a total restructuring of the game here, from the top down. Focus on the eL clubs and their youth structures. The coaching of young players, the fostering of them as well rounded individuals (unlike some of the tossers in that team last night who didn't look interested), a better league in this country giving european experience, central contracts if needs be (working for rugby). The cream of the crop will still go abroad, probably to england, but if from eL clubs there will be money due and fed back into the game.

[Éanna]

Yeah, Its all the 2gs fault

I have no idea what a "2g" is, and frankly I don't care all that much. BUT, the point I'm making is that when Charlton had that success several years ago, it was the ideal opportunity for the FAI to build on it and really create the conditions for an improvement in football at all levels in this country. They didn't, and you can only ride the crest of a wave for so long. Its the FAI's fault- if they're the "2gs" then yeah, otherwise no.

[Éanna]

Totally agree, and it isn't a go at 2G's (everytime you dare criticise Saint Jack's mercenaries isn't a criticism of genuine 2G's - how many times does it have to be said )

Instead of putting the proper structures in place in this country we've relied on the English Set Up to produce our players for the international team. More so in the the 25 years or so. In just the same way there is a lack of English players coming through that system now, we're suffering as well, only with an already small pool it's effects are multiplied. Our best striker can't get a game at a mid table premiership team ffs.

Only way to solve this is a total restructuring of the game here, from the top down. Focus on the eL clubs and their youth structures. The coaching of young players, the fostering of them as well rounded individuals (unlike some of the tossers in that team last night who didn't look interested), a better league in this country giving european experience, central contracts if needs be (working for rugby). The cream of the crop will still go abroad, probably to england, but if from eL clubs there will be money due and fed back into the game.

spot on. totally agree.