He's been asked to do a column for a paper and you might have noticed but things aren't exactly going too great at the moment so he's hardly going to say its all rosy in the garden is he, he's calling it as he see's it. There's a few people that are far too sensitive to criticism of our national manager for some reason. I didn't think Kerr said anything too outlandish anyway. I actually don't even understand the jist of some of your responses either. Kerr could hardly have called the likes of Stokes, Doyle or Long into the team because they weren't around.Originally Posted by tetsujin1979
Last edited by Nailer77; 28/03/2007 at 3:46 PM.
I don't really see how that article is adding pressure on Stan though.
As for the striker issue. Stokes, Long and Keogh weren't around when Kerr was in charge. He brought Elliott in. Doyle was called up by Kerr after scoring 3 goals in the English Championship.
I like kerr he is simply telling as it is, he has every right to be better, delaney treated him like a piece of shiite...also stan is making him look like a genius
Kerr is usless an old school crap el manager/ If he was in the new el as manager he wudnt stand a chance. Doyle was bangin in the goals for city and was nt even picked/ he was an option ./ Stan is a useless bad man/
In a writing sense this one is better than the previous shocker (friendly's ?). The Irish Times must have actually employed an editor to look over this one, but someone still needs to have a word with Kerr about his cliche-itis and compulsion to use ten words where one will suffice.
And that's just a selection.
Still, it gave me a laugh.
Ramondo.
Last edited by ramondo; 28/03/2007 at 11:59 PM.
Herd-ild orr Pressss!
OK, now replace those words and phrases with non-cliche's and see how you get on.
Were you on the beer this evening, cause you're talking b0llocks? There's a cliché for you.
Here they come! It’s the charge of the “Thanks” Brigade!
This is how I would have done it.OK, now replace those words and phrases with non-cliche's and see how you get on.
Ramondo, ghost writer for Brian Kerr:
Recent criticism may have contributed to Steve Staunton breaking my pitch-side press conference record this week. Halved it, in fact, which is quite an achievement. Though in my defence, I did have a plane to catch.
Despite the media scrutiny, public frustration should ease somewhat if the team comes away from tonight's game with three points. But without an improvement in recent form, a draw against this weakened Slovakian team is still a possibility. (Despite recent performances, Brian never considered the possibility of a loss. I've no idea what a "mindless draw" is.)
Public comments from players recently have focused on increased confidence and the impressive ten points out of a possible twelve from their last four games, with the prospect of four successive wins should they win tonight. That said, the overwhelming feeling coming from the camp seems to be one of relief.
It's about winning.
The squad will attempt to distance themselves from the media, but even in the security of their hotel it will be difficult.
Lee Carsley's seemingly-critical comments about the manager and his subsequent backtracking haven't helped Steve Staunton's situation. Lee is a great bloke and has the admiration and respect of all the players and staff due to his dedication and commitment to his role as a team player, something the public may not be aware of.
I didn't know him when I took up the manager's job, but I soon discovered an honest, decent man. He realised I had a good selection of midfielders in Roy, Liam Miller, Colin Healy and Matty Holland and pulled out to concentrate on regaining a starting place at Everton. What really impressed me was his offer to come back immediately if needed.
He was loyal and a pleasure to work with, so I find it strange that he's now become involved in media hype about his dissatisfaction with how he was selected for the game with the Czech Republic and his suggestion that preparations for the Welsh game were less than adequate.
With two games so close together I would expect the staff to concentrate mainly on the first one, so it's hardly surprising the players didn't know so much about the opposition. (I'm only rewording here - have I missed something, because the original doesn't make much sense to me?)
In my experience of Slovakia, at under age level (U19 Euro Championship 3rd place playoff, they beat us 2-1, and my St Pat's team vs Slovan Bratislava in Europe), they are strong proud footballers with a sense of tradition, despite only becoming a national team in 1993. They are quick to remind visitors that nine of the Czechoslovakia side that won the 1976 European Championship were Slovaks. (All Brian's, that last line.)
They are a technically proficient side that usually adopts a 4-4-2 formation, though recent injuries and suspensions may lead to a more flexible approach tonight.
Staunton named his team early yesterday, ostensibly to allow players time to focus on their specific roles, though he has in effect handed the Slovakian manager Jan Kocian an opportunity to develop a tactical plan to deal with any Ireland players he's identified as a threat.
In my opinion such an advantage shouldn't be conceded, especially when the stakes are so high. If you have a good team and everyone already knows it, great, early selection doesn't matter. But that's not the case here, so why should our manager assist the opposition? Particulary when we're at a level of competition where gaining an edge is so difficult.
The enforced absence of Robbie Keane makes Kevin Doyle's selection academic. Unfortunately, the squad doesn't have another experienced striker of the calibre of Alan Lee, Clinton Morrison or David Connolly.
Doyle is, however, a better lone forward option than Keane. He's more aggressive, and a better aerial target for players like Kilbane and Duff to aim at.
Aiden McGeady, coming in for Jonathan Douglas, is hardly a surprise considering the midfield's lack of cohesiveness against Wales. Stephen Ireland's return to a central role should add an inventiveness that was absent on Saturday. (Only one useless adverb removed in that whole paragraph - good going Brian!.)
I think Staunton will put McGeady off the front, in a similar role to Andy Reid against the Czech Republic. He shone in this demanding position in the recent Champions League game against Milan at the San Siro.
McGeady is someone who's show potential since I first saw him as an inexperienced 15-year-old. Tonight could be his opportunity to shine. He turns 21 next week and is already maturing into a tactically aware player and has plenty of experience playing off the front man. (???)
Stephen Hunt will feel disappointed by his exclusion. His value as a super sub when something different is needed late on seems to have contributed to his undoing in getting into the starting lineup.
The back four remains the same, but the fullbacks could switch to get the benefit of Steve Finnan's crossing ability. But playing him at left back forces him to check before crossing, meaning any movement inside the box can be marshalled by the defenders leading to a lethargic delivery. He is capable of better, as shown at Liverpool.
Finnan and John O'Shea also need to improve their communication with the wingers Kilbane and Duff.
Slovakia are a far superior team to Wales and we need to be aware that they still have the potential to qualify.
They have already taken maximum points againt Wales and Cyprus away from home, so the Croke Park factor shouldn't intimidate them. Richard Dunne and Paul McShane will need to be switched on for the full 90 minutes.
An improved tempo with more accurate passing and control of possession is essential tonight.
Tick all of those boxes and Ireland should be good enough to win. Otherwise, the chances of qualifying are pretty much over.
Then we'll have more serious issues to address.
(You came good at the end there Brian.)
Herd-ild orr Pressss!
I think thats a good article. Very informative with no over the top critisim. Since when have phrases like "aerial target" and "central role" become cliches?
anyone post todays Kerrs Thoughts please...
here ya go bill, an unedited version, i'm not going to painstakingly remove cliches for no reason
Victory relieves pressure on Staunton
Brian Kerr, Soccer Analyst
The most important aspect to be reflected upon this morning is Ireland have gained six points from two very awkward fixtures. On reflection, one poor performance will be overshadowed by last night's display.
It also looks like we have found a shape and structure that fits this team's make-up. It was a performance that must satisfy supporters and media alike.
The pressure is off for now.
The Steve Staunton system worked. It was the most impressive, cohesive first half of the manager's time in charge. Possession was protected, while the passing and movement was of the standard expected from an international team that holds high aspirations. Most importantly, they played with a familiarity previously lacking until last night.
The use of Stephen Ireland off Kevin Doyle with McGeady and Duff wide was key, while Stephen Hunt, again, made an immediate impact. Hunt has the mark of a man determined to nail down a starting role in this team.
The Mexican wave did eventually spread around Croke Park but it didn't last; the supporters had a football match to keep them entertained.
This was a far superior performance and that is primarily down to the balance the team discovered by playing Damien Duff on the left supported by Kevin Kilbane inside. A left-footed central midfielder will always ensure more creativity down that flank. This was a key selection.
Equally, the close control of McGeady and Stephen Ireland brought a real edge to the Irish attack where Doyle was a real handful. The Reading striker looks the best option if Staunton continues with one man up front. Martin Skrtel failed to jump with him for the goal, but it was expertly dispatched. His aerial threat was effective throughout.
Once Doyle scored, the Slovaks adopted an all-or-nothing approach in a desperate attempt to save their qualifications hopes and problems did appear.
Kilbane and Carsley found themselves under increasing pressure to hold the middle. Still, they survived with Kevin producing an energetic and inventive performance, technically superior to Jonathan Douglas last Saturday.
The pressure was heaped on the central midfielders by Duff and McGeady's lack of defensive responsibility but these two players cannot be criticised. It seemed like a tactical ploy for the wingers to keep alive the threat of a counter-attack.
Duff was back in the form last night that first endeared him to the Irish soccer public. The Slovaks were forced to push a second player over to cover his early inventive running.
McGeady, once the shackles were put on Duffer, upped his time on the ball considerably without quite producing the end product. It is clear to see how Slovakia have scored 15 goals in five games as they attacked in a kamikaze manner at times.
I counted six players in the Irish box for one cross before half-time. It is also apparent how the main group contenders, the Czechs and Germans, punished them so severely on the break.
Stephen Ireland faded out of the game in the second half as Duff and McGeady swapped wings, but still continued to support Doyle effectively.
The defence held well despite the Slovaks playing with four across the attack as they chased an equaliser. It became a backs-to-the-wall exercise for long periods in the second half but still posed questions in attack. A Paul McShane tackle on Martin Jakubko denied a certain goal (Mr Baskakov could have awarded a penalty). He continued to settle into international defending.
Richard Dunne put in a splendid performance, but he was outshone by McShane who just shaded the man of the match award in my book with several timely interventions.
What will be most pleasing will be the victory. But from a management perspective the manner in which the substitutions coincided with Ireland lifting the siege on Shay Given's goal was notable.
The energy Stephen Hunt and Shane Long brought to proceedings, along with McGeady inside, proved enough to avoid a late steal from the Slovaks. That would have been an injustice given the overall performances.
Hunt's persistence and a decent early cross to his club team-mate Shane Long really should have tied up the three points. It would have allowed Staunton to relax during a game for the first time. And that, I can assure, is a rare luxury in his job.
The crowd were magnificent last night, but they were led by they players' hunger and desire.
We go to Slovakia next where we hope they will not be as competitive as their chances of qualification now look over. Still, they remain a decent team. That is a double-edged sword though as we also need them to take points off their neighbours to get us back into the running.
We need Germany to run away with this group. The Czechs are the main rival now.
Overall, a good week for Stan.
Certainly not one he'll forget any time soon.
© 2007 The Irish Times
For no reason? Jesus, it's painful to read.
Right from the first sentence:
The most important aspect to be reflected upon this morning is Ireland have gained six points from two very awkward fixtures.
Ireland the team - singular. Ireland has gained six points...
Okay, I know how annoying nit-picking like this can be, but I would have expected better from the Irish Times.
Or have I been away too long?
Ramondo.
Herd-ild orr Pressss!
i'm a bit of a grammatical pedant myself so no worries, but i don't think people really notice(care?) about such matters when it comes to football analysis. the main thing is that you get your points across coherently, which i think kerr does reasonably well. ok there's no great logical flow to his pieces but he's doing his best and that's all one can ask for!! that first paragraph is pathetic alright though, way too much reflecting for my liking.
I agree with you but I think this argument is long lost.
Don't know how you "can expect better" than the usual treatment?
I'm quite happy with my theory that, back in the day before spectators and the likes, "we" were our team - because it was me and others, which is we - and by definition, the opposition become "they", because that's the opposite of "we". Referring to a team as "it" is in fact a historical grammatical non-sequitur. It mightn't fit our modern understanding of a team, but changing it now is just nonsensical revisionism.
I hope you don't be reading my posts then.
Nope, it's just plain wrong.
Anyway, that was one example of many. I've been doing my share of documentation/writing/editing at work lately (real boring stuff - hence the long posts here) and while I'm no expert, I have to laugh when people make comments about Kerr's articles being "well written".
The writing's just so lazy and sloppy and, well, amateur.
Go on, read it again.
Hunt has the mark of a man determined to nail down a starting role in this team.
Yay!
Ramondo.
Last edited by ramondo; 29/03/2007 at 1:56 PM.
Herd-ild orr Pressss!
Lads can we look at what he is saying rather than how he says it. This is a football forum after all. Look at the merits at what he says, as he is a football coach not an English teacher.
In Trap we trust
I know, it irks me, it's nice though that a win can allow us to focus on syntax.
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