Poor Student
How difficult do you think it will be to combine your full time job, being a player (not to mention club captain) and being PFAI chairman?
I don’t think it will be difficult at all. I’ve managed work commitments all my life so don’t know any better and don’t see that interfering with my club commitments. The manager and lads are quick to get me in the fine book if I’m a second late for training, so that’s my only grievance! My priority is playing for the club and had I have thought the PFAI position would jeopardise my performances, I wouldn’t have taken the job. As to the captaincy, that’s an honour that I’m proud of but have no doubt that the manager would be the first to tell me if I was slacking on the pitch – and that’s the way it should be.
During one injury laden season you assisted coaching the UCD reserve team. Do you see yourself getting into coaching after you finish playing?
You must be referring to the time I carried the water bottles for the U-21’s for half a season about seven years ago?! In fairness, I only did it to continue to be involved in any way at all. Anyone who has been out for a long time with injury will tell you that the worst thing is being out in the cold, and not feeling part of things.
I reckon I will give management a go some day but it won’t be for a while yet. I haven’t started my coaching badges and that will take time in itself.
Do you intend to see out your career at UCD and for how long more do you envisage playing?
I don’t think I have the right to say I’ll see out my career at UCD, no matter how long I’ve been at the club. Like every other player I will sit down with the management at the end of season and take it from there. My affection for the club is hardly the best kept secret so I think it’s a safe bet to say that I’ll be there next season as long as I’m wanted. That said, I’m only 30 and while I recognise I can’t go on forever, I do think I’ve a few years left yet !!
Do you regret having not played elsewhere for the prime of your career and perhaps won a trophy?
I don’t regret not having moved, as you have to weigh up important at the time. I received an interesting offer a couple of years back when we were relegated but to be honest, I couldn’t bring myself to seriously consider the proposal – we never even got to discuss financial terms. Captaining a side that is relegated has to be one of the lowest points in my career and I wanted to put that right the following season. Not winning the first division title still pi$$es me off every time I think about it.
I do regret not winning one of the tree big domestic trophies on offer. Our best chances have come in the cups and while two league cup final defeats have been difficult to take, it’s our failure to get past the quarters of the FAI cup on a couple of occasions where I felt we should have, that rankles the most.
Bald Student
Does anyone in the UCD midfield wear fake tan and/or sailor suits?
Yes, Gary Dicker. On both counts.
Finnpark
Is there really a need for the PFAI since the eircom league is not professional?
Anyone who accepts a salary for playing ball is a professional – and as such they sign professional contracts. The vast majority of players in the league are now professional with a large number being full time. The need for an association such as the PFAI is greater than ever.
How long have you been professional yourself?
Just approaching the end of my 14th season as a professional.
Peadar
With the FAI to take control of the league next season and further implementation of the Genesis Report, what new challenges do you see for the PFAI going forward?
I think the challenges will remain the same as ever (providing educational assistance, coaching course, dispute resolution etc) but the PFAI’s role will be increasingly tailored to meet the demands of the full time player. Getting a Standard Players Contract implemented is critical and if we can achieve this for next season, we really believe that many of the issues experienced by players will be eradicated.
WWS
The revenue needed to sustain clubs is clearly not being generated via the turnstiles in terms of customers wanting to pay to see Irish players in Ireland. Do you not believe that the PFAI and its members are contributing to the woeful economics of the league by allowing a situation to develop where Irish pros and semi pros are paid inflated amounts that bear no connection to their revenue generating capacity on the pitch? Is their no responsibility for the PFAI in this situation?
Simple mathematics defies the logic of the budgets built by some of the clubs in the league. However where I disagree is where the responsibility lies. The PFAI doesn’t drive up the price for its members. Likewise, surely you can’t condemn a guy who chooses one club over another because they offer him a higher salary? That’s the way of the world. However what can be condemned is the inability of clubs to honour contracts entered into only a matter of months earlier, simply because results have not gone according to plan. The solution has got to be tighter regulation on the budgetary process including a close examination of projected income based on historic cash flows. I think you’ll find that this would level the playing field for a number of clubs and help avoid situations where budgets are built on good intentions and optimism alone.
BohsPartisan
Have you ever had to deal directly with Ollie Byrne? How disagreeable was he?
No, not personally. Sounds like you have though?! From what I hear he is a very well informed and strongly opinionated guy. In fairness to him, I don’t think his he ever has anything but the interests of Shelbourne at heart and you can’t slate him for that.
Poor Student
What do you make of UCD's move from Belfield Park to the Belfield Bowl? Do you think the Bowl will be significantly improved or will it be improved to just scrape minimum requirements?
It’ll be a sad day leaving Belfield Park purely for the memories and what it represents. However it was always the Doc’s dream to move to a purpose built stadium and the Bowl is the nearest thing we have to that. The dressing room area is fantastic and would be the best in the league, however there would need to be many improvements to the common areas for supporters whilst I would have concerns about the quality of the pitch what with it being shared with the rugby team. If we can overcome those problems I do think it has the potential to be a top stadium. Being situated so close to the bar might even help attract support!
Ilovejam
Why do you always shake your head and why are you always angry?? Don’t you think sexy football should be played with a smile?!
I play better when I’m angry so like to get agitated regularly – I find shaking my head helps. You try smiling with Quigo in nets behind you ;-)
Why do you run like you’re towing a caravan??
I’m usually just dizzy from shaking my head constantly…..
If/WHEN you become new manager of UCD, will you be making many personnel changes?
Yeah, I’ll sell Quigley, McNally and Paul Byrne for their part in .fixing the player of the year contest on Foot.
Sligoman
Which name did you prefer better, UCD or UCDD?
Just as confused as you are Sligoman. I guarantee you some punter us sitting in the college is delighted with himself for thinking of that….
Bookmarks