Kerr Interview

[TheSeagullsNest]

New Ireland boss Brian Kerr described his new role as "the biggest job in the world" as he was unveiled as Mick McCarthy's successor.

And former youth team coach Kerr, who beat Bryan Robson and John Aldridge for the job, pledged to inspire the Irish players "with our passion."

Kerr believes that Ireland can qualify for Euro 2004, despite losing their first two qualifying games to Russia and Switzerland.

"It is achievable. We had a good team before those two games, so we've a good team now. We have six games left with 18 points to play for and we'll give it our best shot. We have difficult games ahead and it is no easy task, but what we will do as a team is do our utmost to achieve the results.

"It is achievable, if we do not get there automatically, then there is the play-off place."

Kerr was coy on the question of whether he would try and tempt Roy Keane out of international retirement.

"I don't think anyone here today would expect me to be foolish enough to tell you how I am going to handle the situation. I have a plan in mind how I'm going to deal with it.

But he suggested he will attempt to bring back the Manchester United midfielder, adding: "Of course, I want the best team available. I've got no agendas with any players from the past - I want the players to
show me they're good enough to play in our team."

But Kerr is determined to bring in Tottenham coach Chris Hughton to join Packie Bonner and Noel O'Reilly in his coaching team, saying "he will be an integral part of our team."

The former St Patrick's manager was delighted to be given the chance to manage his country and pledged his unstinting effort to improve Irish football.

"This is an amazing feeling, it's emotional for me to sit here as Irish team manager," said the 49-year-old Dubliner.

"It's fantastic for me, it's fantastic for me," the loquacious former lab technician added. "I'll be expecting a little bit more from everyone - if they've got a bit more to give I'll extract it from them. And there will be no half measures in my effort.

"I intend giving it a really good shot. Every job I've had the team has been better when I left than when I started - and we've usually done quite well."

And the previously low-profile Kerr hit back at critics of his undistinguished playing career.

"You know I've had a brilliant career as a player," he joked, "in the Leinster senior league."

[Shed End John]

This might just be the smartest move the FAI EVER made, if only because it's the ONLY smart move they've ever made. For once, though, the team won't be lacking real leadership, footballing brains and an ability to read the game as it's happening in the dug-out, or motivationally. Chris Hughton will see to that.