Category: 
“I believe that Britney’s marriage to Kevin Federline will herald an era of unprecedented success and stability for the wayward pop princess.” Me, July 2004
“I believe that Craig Bellamy’s signing for Liverpool will herald an era of unprecedented success and stability for the angry Welsh dwarf.” Me, June 2006
“I believe that Steve Staunton … Ah forget it.”
As some of the above predictions show, I rank somewhere below Nostradamus but thankfully above Mystic Meg on the list of “people who predict stuff good.” I enjoy a good gloat as much as the next person, but thanks to my uncanny ability to get things wrong, I rarely get the opportunity. A rare exception to this gloat-free lifestyle is regarding the Ireland Manager Job. When Stan got his marching orders, I put forward an outlandish theory that Didier Deschamps was the ideal candidate for the position. Naturally, as unrealistic targets such as Mourinho, Lippi, Capello and Martin O’Neill were bandied about, people looked at me with sympathy that suggested “Aw, the poor chap – we haven’t all evolved too far beyond the chimpanzee stage” before rubbing my hair and throwing me 50p to spend on sweets.
At the time he was a 150/1 shot and whenever you suggest backing a 150/1 shot, people tend to say “is it because you like the name?”
Deschamps is perfect for the job. He captained France to World Cup and Euro 2000 glory and knows international football. He spent a few years in the Premier League and has a thorough understanding of the English game – and let’s be honest, he doesn’t need to know too much about the Kildare County squad. But perhaps most impressive is his managerial record.
Living the high life in Monaco may sound like the easiest of managerial jobs, but in reality, it’s tough. They have a reputation that goes beyond the sum of their achievements. Over the years they have produced a number of outstanding young players, but their relatively small fan-base and the subsequent financial pressures mean that they will always be a selling club. Occasionally big names will stop by for a dose of the good life and some tax-free benefits, but mostly this is for just a single season and their presence does little in the way of building long term success. Getting Les Rouge et Blanc to the Champions League final was an astounding achievement.
His work at Juventus was also impressive. Although winning Serie B isn’t the brightest jewel on his sparkling CV, it was a commendable achievement. The Old Lady had been completely embarrassed by the Moggiopoli match-fixing scandal and were forced to sell the likes of Vieira, Zambrotta, Thuram, Cannavaro, Emerson, and Ibrahimovic to stay in business - a thoroughly devasting crop of talent to lose. The remaining players were low on morale, faced a 9 point penalty in a league where taking the man is considered more important than winning the ball yet still won the league with relative ease. The knock-on effect of Deschamps’ work has been a strong reappearance in Serie A with Juve currently 3rd in the table. Of course Claudio Ranieri is due some credit, but it was Deschamps’ work that facilitated an easy transition.
Now, taking a bunch of talented players that are low on morale after a series of bizarre events and decisions that were mainly out of their hands and returning them to a respectable position demanded by their fans – doesn’t that sound something like the task facing candidates for a certain international managerial vacancy?
One final plus point is that Deschamps speaks the language, something we could hardly accuse Stan of.
I may be wrong and Deschamps may not get the job, but I take some comfort in at least being remotely right, which is more than can be said for most of my other bets.
January 16th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
isn’t deschamps getting the newcastle job?
January 16th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Who in the right mind would want that Newcastle job? Your losing it Smurf or have you just punted him and are hoping for the best?
January 16th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Allardyce had a three year contract worth 9 million pounds so thats why people want the Newcastle job. It may be a tough job but its hard to turn down a wage like that!
January 16th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Unfortunately I have punted deschamps - looks like more beer money for paddy.
What do you think of this move for keegan?
Apparently when asked if he had anything to say to Mike Ashley he came out with:
“I’m I, I, I’ve kept really quiet, but I’ll tell you something: you can tell him now, he’ll be watching it - I’m still fighting for this job, and he’s got to go to Deschamps and get something, and… and I’ll tell you honestly, I will love it if I get it - LOVE IT!”
January 16th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
I still wouldnt look further then Liam Brady ( no i didnt back him) but if Deschamps can bring Monaco to a Champions League Final surely he could do a job with what resources he would have to work with here
January 17th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Its El Tel
January 18th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Give Big Ron one last swansong!
January 18th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Bob the Builder has just been announced as the Rep of Ireland manager.In an FAI statement he is said to be eager to lay the foundations for success early and build from there.He has enrolled lifetime friend Postman Pat as coach who he believes can deliver the goods with his training ideas.
January 19th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
if el tel gets the job,im going to throw my season ticket at delaney…liam brady for the job!!!
January 19th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
brady?? he already tried to ruin a team in green!
January 19th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
no to sanchez, tel, brady, we need martin o’neill! we deserve martin o’neill!
January 19th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
We wont get Martin O Neill We dont deserve Martin O Neill
January 20th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Alladyce is the man for the job. He has shown he is tactially smart at Bolton, he would also bring organisation, passion and determination to the job. He is also no respecter of reputations.
He got the shaft at Newcastle because that clown Ashley is treating the club like a popularity contest.
If he doesn’t get it then give it to Obama !
January 20th, 2008 at 9:47 am
good source liam bradys got the job be announced next week bet now before its too late
January 20th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
if el tel isnt gud ehuf to b england no.2 wat makes him gud enuf to b ireland manger..if he gets da job il give up!stevey coppell wud b a great choice
January 20th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Johnny Giles has a contract offer on the table. Backed him on friday at 14-1 and now he has dropped to 5-2!!!
January 20th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Liam Brady, Deschamps, Martin O Neill, Johnny Giles and Chris Coleman are the only ones that should be on the short list
January 20th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
any1 got any idea wen it will be announced?
January 20th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Next Irish Manager, A No Contest!!! It has to be…. Britney….
Britney is good at motivating (via a St Trinnian style outfit and dance excerise) Is good with the Media (currently on her side, back, doggy etc); Knows how to throw a wobbler in dressing rooms, bedrooms, courtrooms, etc;
So what overpaid overhyped underperformer would want to face Britney after a poor showing… But knowing FAI lace wisdom, common sense and everything else that separates us from primates…. maybe they can obtain some by going with Brady
January 20th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
nice of the bookies to be throwing out these FAKE tips like brady last week just to get the bets generating - EL TEL has the job - will be announced tuesday - take 7-2 quick ! all the rest are smokescreens - ps ghana to win african nations - certainty!!!
January 20th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
eamon…. why would martin o neill leave a perfectly good job at villa park to take over the irish team. he would have to be mad. personally speaking I would give it to souness just to upset the bigoted celtic fans
January 20th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
T.V. to be annouced on Tues. as new manager…unless he dies between now and then!!
January 20th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
liam brady has it,i got him at 22/1…he is 8/1 here on pp…make good use of your money and put it on him!!
January 20th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Liam B. wouldn’t be 8-1 ere if he’d got it…Think
January 20th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
oh..sorry that means he has not got it!! last thur he dropped from 22/1 to 2/1..someone is backing him big.
January 20th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Brady has it, have known since Thursday night.
January 20th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Dermot that comment about Souness is one of the most idiotic things I have seen on this blog to date - lifetime honourary membership of the Society of Eejits for you!!
January 20th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
its allerdyce
January 20th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
bdcuckoo i ave heard that since thur,from a reliable source!!i got him at 22/1
January 21st, 2008 at 12:39 pm
behave yourself KOP - even el tel would be better than stan.
what’s johnny giles doing so far up the betting? is that a wind-up?
January 21st, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Has to be EL Tel or Big Sam for me. It will be someone who can be a bit of a showman for the FAI like Jack Charlton. They will go for Venebles, and it will mbe done the end of this month so we can prepare to destroy Brazil with the long ball!!
January 21st, 2008 at 12:45 pm
johnny giles shouldn even be mentioned for the job he hasn’t worked since the mid 70’s… it would be a disgrace for all irish fans if he got the job… dider deschamps should be offered it
January 21st, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Lads inside information Glenn Hoddle has the job. 10/1
will be announced tomorrow
January 21st, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Well as i said and bet on back in november,Mr Houllier is the man of the moment.The FAI need to be overhauled and with what he did at liverpool is begining to show now The irish team could do with his sort of revamp,I got him at 11/1 in november and with a bit of luck i might get something back off paddy of the power at LAST !
January 21st, 2008 at 5:00 pm
joeboy - what exactly is beginning to show at liverpool? the cracks?
January 21st, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Looking at the comments on who is definitely getting the Managers Job this week (based on so called inside information).It looks like Irelands going to have more managers than players!
Maybe all the candidates will sit in a line and someone will shout out “ Will the real manager stand up” and it will be……….Simon Cowell
January 21st, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Maybe a Your A Star type selection process is the way to go as the current method is taking as long.We already have the 3 person panel and the gimp John Delaney could act as the gimp like Brian Ormond style presenter .A ratings winner in my eyes
January 21st, 2008 at 10:57 pm
venables is the biggest cowboy involved in football ever so it wouldnt surprise if he gets the job id prefer 2 see staunton back. hoddle is also a proven failure. why is everbody talking about brady he is 2 old and has no proper experiance - have people not noticed how slow he is on tv. houllier and deshamps are at least experienced succesfull managers - i hear that houllier doesnt fancy the job - can u blame him
January 21st, 2008 at 11:09 pm
“If history is going to repeat itself I should think we can expect the same thing again” - Terry Venables. He’ll probably say the same thing when he’s unveiled as the new Ireland manager!!
Brady please - or if we had the money - O’neil - but he’s a good manager so heres dreaming!
January 22nd, 2008 at 10:13 am
ITS El Tel venables for sure !
Find out later today….
January 22nd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
jean tigana 40/1 this morning now 8’s, my thinking is that fai wanted houllier and he turned it down and put jean forward????
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I think eamon dunphy 1500/1 has a chance!
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
The FAI has a conference in Dundalk this weekend to which I’m a delegate. The new manager is Craig Brown. He’ll be announced on Friday morning. Get your cash on now!
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
The FAI issued the following press statement 7 hours ago
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The committee appointed to find a new Ireland manager is due to give a progress report to the FAI board of management today.
Don Givens, Don Howe and Ray Houghton have been talking to potential candidates for several weeks.
However, it remains unclear if they will have recommended a new manager in time for the friendly game against Brazil on February 6th
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Did John Delaney not say from the outset that the new manager would have to have experience of managing at international level? It has to be Venables despite the big drift in the market today.
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:52 pm
King Kenny is the only man who could bring us into the world cup, he is class and will bring out the best in the many preiership young players we have. With his celtic and liverpool connections Dalglish can bring us Irish the buzz of summer football bonaza spirit, pay him what he wants, it will be worth it/
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
jean tigana passed through dublin airport this morning
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:42 pm
what a funny market.one should keep their money in their pockets
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
work with fai. liam brady will be confirmed ireland manager tomorrow
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
that would be a awful choice
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
The second last Irish manager was someone whose only meaningful coaching success was with kids. The last manager was a great player with no managerial record. His appointment tarnished his great rcord as a player. Lets not repeat those mistakes by appointing Brady. Someone with no management pedigree. Let him be remembered as the great player he was.
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:13 pm
John Giles was appointed straight from player to manager, Eoin Hand was appointed because of his success with Limerick. Jack Charlton was appointed after a mediocre club record. Mick McCarthy was appointed after a short and mixed managerial career. Brian Kerr was appointed after never managing senior professionals. Stan was appointed with no managerial experience. With that track record, I would take Venables, Houlier, Dalglish or Deschamps hand and all. Given the FAI’s record any of them would be a relief. I am a great admirer of Brady but his appointment would unfortunately follow the trend of appointing Irish regardless of their experience.
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Houlier will cost £1.6 Million. Tonights meeting of the FAI is another embarrasment for Irish football. What cost a half empty Croke Park for the visit of Brazil? Supporters will vote with their feet and there could be a lot more retirements to come following on from Steve Finnan today. Pathetic.
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Whats is Johnny Giles doing so high up? He hasnt since 1979!!! Cant see Houllier taking the job, apparently the FAI would have to buy out his contract at the french FA, which would cost a small fortune! Did Kenny Dalglish not say a couple of weeks ago that he wasnt interested?? As for Liam Brady, Would I be right in saying he has only managed one big team, celtic 15 years ago?? And that was a diaster?? By default that leaves El Tel…………
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:56 pm
The FAI have just released the following statement
It is clear from the statement that no decision has been taken yet
The Board of Management of the Football Association of Ireland tonight met with Don Givens, chairman of the selection panel set up to recruit the next manager of the Republic of Ireland senior team.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Don Howe and Ray Houghton, Don Givens gave the 10 Board members an outline of the process to date. This was the first report to the Board since the selection panel was appointed and mandated.
The Board is satisfied that significant progress has been made but understands that more time is required before the panel return with a recommendation. The Board accepted that there had been positive engagement with a significant number of candidates.
The Board is confident that the search for a new manager for the Republic of Ireland senior team will be concluded in the near future.
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Jean Tigana….from a good source!
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:56 am
britney spears mom will be the next manager.
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:18 am
i think it is a disgrace that is taking this long to appoint a manager, we are the laughing stock in international football. just get on with appointing terry venables he is the only man qualified with international experience.
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:17 am
Tigana would be a great appointment, he was interviewed for the vacant managers job at Leicester City, but lost out to Ian Holloway.
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:45 am
Looks like anybody but Brady and Houllier as far as i’m concerned.
This is the greatest cash cow for PP since the Grand National
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:41 am
Jean Tigana, don’t know if it’s the same source as above but i got good word, he sent his cv into the fai 3 weeks ago
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:25 am
Glenn Hoddle will be the surprise appointment…
January 23rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Heinz and HP now thats what I call a good Sauce
January 23rd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
hope del boy venebles dosent get the job i think brady will get it but its a thankless task in my book.
January 23rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
any body would think it was a coronation or election of american president he or she will be in the white house first.it has to be lawrie s. because a third cousin of an aunt of of very good friend of mine sister once dated a felloe who walks john delaneys neighbours dog.
January 23rd, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Regardless of what happens now or who is appointed it just makes another mockery of Irish Football and the FAI……
The bookies havent got a clue no more than the FAI have a clue….
The betting market is false……..how do the bookies know if FAI dont????
Ive my money on El Tel @ 6/1 purely because his experience or lack of ha ha!!
Its actually a funny saga…..
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
hoddle has come from nowhere in to 9/2. smart money on him….if they were going to appoint any of the front-runners (tel, houllier, brady) it would have been done a long time ago. shocking appointment though.
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I really really cant see Hoddle getting the job……it would be a PR disaster for FAI…..
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:24 pm
The dream team…………..Johnny Giles with Brady as his No. 2, might as well thrown Dunphy as the Waterboy and Bill O’Herlihy as the Kit man…….
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Oh and Ray Houghton, Souness and Cunningham will be those stand up dummies for target practice …………….. cynical ain’t I ?!?!?!?!?
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I think Gerard Houllier will get the job and its about time they found the right man.He done well with Liverpool and had a remarkable spell with Lyon.Even though the odds on him getting the job aren’t great but I’d still say the smart money is on him.
January 24th, 2008 at 9:05 am
has to be enda kenny will be available in a few months great personality will put the press to sleep and fill the team with tough mayo men as none will be needed for all ireland.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:23 am
You’ll be surprised when Phillipe Trousier is announced soon!
January 24th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Iv got it ye langers!!!
January 24th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
dam i left out the e in my name
January 24th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
THE BOOKIES ARE CLEANING UP!!!!!!!!
January 24th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
El Tel has had it in the bag this long time… Its just PP squeezing out the last few bob from punters ! He’s been fav all the way until tuesday, drifted to 5-1 yesterday and back to fav 11-8 !
January 24th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
i heard the fai are to appoint terry phelan. legend!
January 24th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
podge and rodge.. perfect
January 24th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
El Tel will probably get it but would love to see
Didier Deschamps get the nod.
January 24th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Lawrie Sanchez now 5/2 2nd favorite, the bookies are havin a laugh right?
January 24th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
he will make us THECHAMPS……ROCK ON DIDIER
January 25th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Tigana just plummeted to 8 on betfair….whats going on?
January 25th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
bookies havin a laugh,thats all!! they dont ave a clue as much as we do… im stickin by my first instinct which is brady!! no matter how hi or lo the odds go!!
January 25th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
everyday the prices fluctuate.its a bookies benefit.numerous favourites.by the way will someone please burst thomas keenas terry venables buzz.its beginning to wreck my head now.
January 25th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Look,
I have had a big tip off at the start of the week that if B.Davies is offered the job he will take it. He has an interview on the 1st of Feb so nante will be decided till then. He has a strong interest in youth development,has ambition and needless to say an allllllllllrite track record. I got him for 49/1, bet you are all fizzy now eh? Still, 4/1 is nb fo eh? Failling that, i have the change on kinzie law at 61/234.5
Peace
January 25th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
tigana is in da airport
January 25th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
i saw him as well.get ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
January 25th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
a press statement is going to be released,tigana will be named the manager.
January 25th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
The job belongs to Hou or Terry Vegtables…done deal….
January 25th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
put your muny don boy.its all happening.he is hardly over for holidays
January 25th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
houllier to be annonced as new gaffer on monday official, anyone else hear this
January 25th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
was 10-1 this morn now down to 3-1
January 25th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
there’s a lot being said by everyone you couldn’t believe one thing from the next…..knowing the fai aldrige or someone ridiculous will be announced
January 25th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
lawrie sanchez to be confirmed tomorrow,
January 25th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
terry phelan got the nod as far as i know…..
January 25th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Lads
Anyone who backs Brady has serious problems.
The one thing they are not gonna do is appoint another Stan.
That is a man that has NO EXPERIENCE
No experience is when you havent managed before
They also want a manager that has very relevant experience.
So thats Brady out.
Can someone please tell me their logic behind backing Brady.
Its the stupidest bet in history.
They have said this time and time again, but yet people back him.
Another thing, The Fai are holding interviews. That means possible managers must come to Dublin and that would be via the airport.
So if a man is in Dublin, it means he has an interview. Thats all. Not a job.
Some people saw Houllier or Tigana and almost knocked people over trying to bet on them.
Half of Scotland backed Dalglish because he had an interview in Dublin.
Only a person with severe amnesia could back Brady
January 25th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
they wanted houllier he has said no and he put tigana forward for the post. He was interviewed today, if you ask me i don’t think he would be a bad choice, his record is good where ever he has managed. record below………..
For his first managerial role, Tigana returned to Lyon, coaching them form 1993-1995, before moving on to AS Monaco, where he remained until 1999.
He took over as manager of English club Fulham F.C. in 2000 and helped them to promotion from the Football League First Division to the Premiership, and later the UEFA Cup (via the Intertoto Cup), but was sacked in April 2003.[1] The club later took him to court, claiming he had wrongly overpaid for certain players such as Steve Marlet, but the charges were dropped. Tigana then took Fulham to court for wrongful dismissal and won, winning a payout of over £2 million.[2]
In October 2005, he signed a two and a half year contract with Turkish side Beşiktaş. During that same season, Beşiktaş won their first Turkish Cup in eight years.
Immediately after winning the 2007 Turkish Cup, Tigana announced that he was to leave Beşiktaş at the end of the season. He left Beşiktaş with two games to play, after a contract termination agreement with club board. After a short period out of the game, he was interviewed for the vacant managers job at Leicester City, but lost out to Ian Holloway.Tigana has recently been heavily backed to become the next Ireland manager and can be had at 14s after a reliable tip from a police man nobody knows.Racing Post pundit Simon Lawlor was quoted as saying “take every last penny of it
January 25th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
vote now for next ireland manager, el tel, houllier, tigana, brady etc
January 25th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
tigana for me!
January 25th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Tigana would be the inteligent choice, but does that matter, surely everyone knows by now that it’s whatever mood John delany is in at any given time that will determine the manager….sad!
January 26th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Seemingly Tigana has interviewed for the job, but word is that Deschamps might still be who the panel want…why has no one gone for Leo Beenhakker…he should be available after the Summer, great record, wouldn’t cost the Earth…
January 26th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
eh,,,,,jack!!brady did infact manage celtic,and brady is head of the youth academy at arsenal,considering what he brought thru at arsenal,he does have great knowledge. brady would be a fair choice!!
January 26th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
my apologies,previous message for gavo…sorry jack!!
January 26th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
does any body know wats going on?is tigana in????????????????????????????
January 26th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
lads we shud get delaney out;he is brutal.pick a mager and get on with it.delaney is a moron
January 26th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
wat is happening
January 26th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Delaney will have no say - from now on - on what name is recommended by The Three Wise Men. When I say “from now on” - his preference for Venables from way back was reflected in the choice of Givens and Howe for the panel. These are old friends of Terry Vegtables and more likely to pick him. Plus Delaney gave the panel some criteria for the appointment - experience of management in European/ International football being one of them - so - who have we left
Venables - Probably
Houllier - Possibly
Brady - No chance at all - silly bet - Not enough management experience.
Tigana - Maybe - But a bit of a gamble
Sanchez - Good CV with NI where he worked miracles - but probaly too “long ballish” for Howe
Allardyce - See todays Daily Mail - Wouldnt be surprised as his England interview was supposed to be brilliant - but Panorama “bung” allegations would be held against him
Dalglish - Why would Ireland want a man who couldnt even get on the final 4 for an interview for the Scotland job …….think they know more about it than us!!!??
January 26th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
if el tel wanted it he wud ave had it by now.i think tigana is the man.????comments pls
January 26th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
very well put hiddink,i backed brady,it would be pure luck if he gets it!! i would hate to see el tel get it,but he prob will!!
January 26th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
I have it on good authority that Glenn Hoddle has been offered the job…..watch this space!
January 27th, 2008 at 9:26 am
who cares.
January 27th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
hoddle is the new manager, my cousins wifes brothers ma is his masseuse and he was offered job
January 27th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Big Sam, If They Appointed Venables They Are Going Backwards, Look What He Did At Leeds And Boro, Pity Dave O’ Leary Turned It Down, With What He Did In Italia 90′ He Might Bring Back Some Pride, And Robbie Keane Just Doesn’t Want To Play For Ireland Anymore, He Needs To Get His Act Together!!!!!!
January 27th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Tigana to be confirmed as manager tomorrow. From a source who works in the Star as a sports reporter. Ive just put 100 on at 8-1 , his odds are shortening already.. GET ON!
January 27th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
dont believe ya there seamus. theres a max bet on this market
January 27th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
How can you say that Robbie Keane doesnt want to play for Ireland anymore?
Thats absolutely ridiculous. People are giving him loads of abuse and if yer not careful he will start thinking of doing a Finnan.
The fact of the matter is that Robbie Keane is one of the best strikers in the premier league and has been for some time.
The difference between him playing for Spurs and for Ireland is that for Spurs he is surrounded by high quality players who create chances for him. He can play as a striker and get on the end of the many chances that he gets.
For Ireland, especially under Staunton, there was no shape and as a result Robbie Keane found himself coming back trying to get the ball from Dunne and then having to turn around in his own half.
This never happens at Spurs.
He is absolute quality, he played out of his skin for us in Korea/Japan and is a massive threat.
Put him up with Doyle and with Reid, Ireland(hopefully) McGeady (Celtics player of the year so far) and Duff , there should be plenty of chances for Keane to finish off.
Anyone who says Robbie Keane doesnt want to play for Ireland is a disgrace
El Tel for Ireland.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:58 am
i’ve never read so much dung in my life!!!! i just wasted the past 20mins reading all this manure about your inside sources!!! so we’re going to have brady, venables, tigana, houllier and hoddle!!! brilliant!! we can afford all of these yet all we could afford last time was stan!!! chuck norris for manager!!!
January 28th, 2008 at 3:59 am
and david hasslehoff as no.2!! the dream team!! mitch buchanen and dont f*** with me chuck!!
January 28th, 2008 at 10:22 am
my sources tell me carlton palmer has the job. he’s bringing in his own backroom staff - former middlesbrough midfielder emerson is going to be the assistant, the former man city midfield paul lake coming in as coach.
with emerson lake and palmer in charge - ireland can hardly go wrong.
January 28th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
If Robbie Keane is such a great striker how come hes never interested Wenger Fergie Benitez Grant ie the big four teams.With the service provided by Ronaldo or Fabregas or Lampard or Gerrard surely hed be a success.The answer is the top clubs dont think hes good enough.Duff was our best player in Korea/Japan.Keane is more interested in seeing his name in history books rather then actually winning trophys and medals.Iv never liked the guy i admit but he just dosent cut it for me.Anyone else have this opinion or is the media bullshit about him that blinding in peoples judgement
January 28th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
ONLY CLOWNS WUD BET ON THIS MARKET I SHOULD KNOW COS I LUMPED ON BRADY AT 10S. But in high and sight the only clown would be the person who takes the job. The fai and irish football is a shambles. Bring back JACK
January 28th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
It is believed that Gerard Houllier, who was hot favourite for the post last week, has tipped Jean Tigana as the man to manage Ireland to the country’s Football Association.
The former Fulham boss was trading as second-favourite with the bookmakers on Sunday evening, with compatriot Houllier having eased out considerably in the betting.
Last week, Don Givens admitted that the team tasked with suggesting a new boss still had “three or four” candidates to meet. Though Houllier and Terry Venables had been leading the race, the interviewers were also to meet Lawrie Sanchez, Billy Davies and Sam Allardyce - all three of whom were sacked as Premiership bosses this season.
Now Tigana may also get the chance to meet Givens, Don Howe and Ray Houghton, after Houllier reportedly recommended him to the FAI.
It is understood that Houllier, 60, is happy to continue working for the French Football Federation, which pays him a higher salary than what he would earn as Irisih boss.
Venables remains firm favourite for the post, despite some opposition on the FAI’s board of management.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Phillipe Trousier all the way hes the most accomplished by a country mile
January 28th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
To answers Scullys idiotic question.
If Keane is such a great striker how come he has never attracted the big 4 Fergie, Wenger, Benitez, Grant.
Lets see: Maybe its because they have millions and can buy Anelka, Torres, Drogba, Shevcenko , Rooney, ……..all for big money.
Just because they bought Anelka and Torres and not keane is totally irrelevant.
Maybe for you, unless you play at the top club then your not a good player.
Thank god I dont look at football with such an idiotic opinion.
Everton full back : Lescott , 5 goals this season, Evertons player of the year…….but hes not good because he doesnt play at the big 4
Arteta for Everton: The best midfield passer in Liverpool……..but hes not as good as Alonso or Carrick or Fletcher because they all play for the big 4
and finally the most important thing
Your comparing Keane to players from OTHER countries, they cant play for Ireland
So If you can tell me a better striker to play alongside Doyle then im all ears
you clown
January 28th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
You had a sound argument there Thomas until you started talking about Everton and all logic went out the window - Lescott was found out as nothing more than ordinary when given his England bow and Areta may be better than Carrick and Fletcher (who are massively over-rated) but to say he is the best in Liverpool is laughable.
Keane runs about like a headless chicken in an Ireland shirt and has such a high opinion of himself that he never passes the ball when within 40 yards of goal.
January 28th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
How can you go around announcing what Keane thinks?
How do you know that he’s only interested in record books?
Look at Irelands World cup games in Croke Park and see who set up some of the goals.
Youll find that it was Robbie Keane, and in doing so he had to pass within 40 yards of his own goal.
Dont make up silly comments as such when they are so easily shot down.
Those Everton boys were just 2 examples. Arteta is pure quality.
Heres some more players who in your opinion are not good enough because they dont play with the big 4
Richard Dunne, Micah Richards, Shay Given, Berbatov…………
Also past players that fell into this catagorie are David Ginola, Alan Shearer, Stuart Pearce
As for the headless chicken, I dont know where to start.
Maybe it was because he couldnt play as a number 9 in the box that he had to run back and looklike a headless chicken.
If my back 4 were conceding 5 goals against Cyprus, and being captain and striker, I wouldnt stand around either id run back (even if I did look like a headless chicken and try to sort it out)
January 28th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
“How do you know that he’s only interested in record books?” - your words not mine!
January 28th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Does anyone know when a manager of any type is going to be announced to the press?
Apparently Don Givens said that there’d be something announecd tomorrow. I heard that last week at least, I don’t know what to believe on here though!
January 28th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
ronaldo overated ! .. Was he not runner up to Kaka for best player ?
January 28th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
How can you refer to Ronaldo as over-rated?
Is he on 25 goals now this season for 27 games? Thats an unbelievable statistic.
He’s been dominating in nearly every match.
As for the Irish Manager… The bookies must be loving this! It’s hilarious stuff. All the rumours, meetings, theories etc
January 28th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Lads, like tis fair sim pill. Glenn Hoddle is a cert. Dat hero mightn’t be a ledge but he’s definetly a sledge. At 20/1 go & put a score on him!
P.S. Tipp won the waterford crystal cup & will win the All-Ireland.
January 28th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Dont bet on any of the “certs”. The only cert to back out of this farce is to borrow a few grand from AIB and invest in Paddy Power shares. Also a friend of mine in the fai said John Delaney got a flash new car & Don Givens was sporting a new rolex the other day. They’re going to drag this out until 2010. Then they’ll appoint what will be the 247th different favourite for the job which will be “a more experienced” Stan.
January 28th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
how can you call a winger with 17 goals in the league over-rated!! nonsense! im a liverpool fan, i can see how good he is!! brady for ireland manager
.
January 28th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Spud
I was talkin to Scully , not you.
appropriate name that!
January 28th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Whispered Promises at 16/1 for the Totesport Gold Trophy - oh sorry!
this is the New Ireland Manager blog
January 28th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I GOT WORD FOR BOTH G HODDLE THEN FRI GOT WORD FOR L SANCHEZ ALL LIES .
THE FA CANT AFFORD TELL BOY OR ANY OF THE BIG NAMES , WOULDNT BE SURPRISED IF THERE IN ON THIS BETTING WITH PADDY POWE TO GET THE MONEY TOGETHER FOR ONE OF THE BIG 3 . LOVE TO SEE DUNPHY GET NO 2 JUST TO SHUT HIM UP WITH ALL HIS MOUTHING . STAND UP FOR THE BOYS IN GREEN !
January 28th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
got word last week for g hoddle , then fri got word about l sanchez personally i think the fai are in on this with paddy power just to get the money together to try get one of the 3 big names for the job all big scam . when the last 2 managers were appointed the book closed within days this is going on too long big scam .
only important thing here is the tri colour and there making it out to be a lucky dip job ,
hurry up and sort it out need it sorted asap .
January 28th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
my tips say tigana has it! when can we expect to hear?
January 28th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
who cares????????????????
January 28th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Tigana from an insider, i knew since Wednesday
January 28th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
when can we expect to hear lord hinkel?
January 28th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
insider from where, he still has not been interviewed.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
i heard.. blah blah.. insider… friend of a friend ..blah blah blah.. its a cert… ye are all full of shit…….. if ye did know ,why would you go around mouthing off??
January 28th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I have also heard from a person with “connections” that Tigana is currently negotiating a contract with the FAI. I’m not naive enough to wholly believe this, but i reckon he’d get us playing some decent football. I’d take him anyday ahead of the Journeyman Venables
January 28th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
no messing i heard it last tuesday, i don’t how true it is but my information is from a very reliable source, the story is, tigana to get the job with an irish number 2, the delay is because he was head hunted by the fai because he was put forward by houllier, so get on now while you still can he’s still 8/1 on betfair, ps get on roman villa fro the county hurdle.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Venables stay away please!
January 28th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
tigana has it!
January 28th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
DON’T KNOW WHEN BUT HE WAS IN THE BOARD MEETING, ITS GONNA HAPPEN, I PUT MONEY IN IT
January 28th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
its looking like it is tigana alright. there’s been a flurry of bets on him on betfair in the last half hour. 1000 euro queueing up to back him at 8’s. i have him @ 24’s. Gettin a bit excited now
January 28th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
It is not me
I am being investigated by french police
what colour do Ireland play in the tigana tipster world
January 28th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
i have a couple of grand on el tel
lol
January 28th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
father ted is the man for the job
January 28th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Alot of comedians on here
January 28th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
no father jack
January 28th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I think you answered your own question there mate.Your saying that because the big four can afford to buy Rooney Torres et al they dont need to buy players like Keane.What your saying is that Keane is a great striker but not of the class of the level of Rooney Torres et al.Which just proves my point that he is not a world class player.If hes as good as u say he is why arent the big clubs fighting over him to sign him.He shouldnt be Ireland captain.As for Arteta Lescott Richards Dunne well they could well end up in the Prem big 4 or Seria A or La Liga.But I dont see Mr Keane ever linked to them .Coventry Wolves Inter Milan (FLOP) Leeds Spurs.If finishing 5th and Carling Cup Finals and scoring hatricks against San Marino and Liechtenstein is ur barometer of a top class striker then you my friend are the fool
January 28th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Couldnt agree more sully
January 28th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I dont like Robbie Keane fact.But he is overrated I dont care if hes our best striker its a sad reflection on Irelands talent.I taught his appearence on the Late Late Show last year said it all about the “Tallaght Tiger”.If El Tel or his ilk are hired as manager hel be his best pal.What he needs is a manager to drop him and make him work his ass off and dis dosent mean dropping back hands aloft mouthing to the ref like a petulant brat as if hes doing everything Richard Dunne theres a captain.At least Steve Finnan had the decency and honesty to retire when he had enough and new he couldnt commit to the Ireland squad in a positive way.If only we had a united team we could pair Healy with Doyle
January 28th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
mick mccarthy into 50/1 get on
lol
January 28th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Ill say what I said again
Hes one of the best strikers in the premier league
Hes absolute quality.
Yes I stand by them comments. He scored at Old Trafford yesterday against one of the best defences in the country.
So what if he scored hatricks against bad teams, its not his fault that they arent good.
I never mentioned them teams being the barometer. But thanks for pointing it out, yes he did score hatricks…….the cheek of him, scoring against San Marino and going on the record books.
He also scored some very important goals for Ireland.
He is currently 4th top scorer in the premier league with 11 goals this season.
A whole host of strikers have come and gone from Spurs and he’s never been the one the fans want out.
You’ve mentioned before you never liked him. Thats your own problem mate. Thanks for sharing that with us. And nice point bringing up the one club where Robbie Keane was a flop. Anelka only scored 5 goals for Liverpool????? Do you use that to rate Anelka?
France didnt score a goal in the Korea world cup. Does that make them crap?
Thing is you can come up with more headless chicken statements, and doesn’t pass the ball within 40 yards. …….. and only interested in records……..but do you really really think hes only interested in records?
I doubt it.
Do yoiu not recognise his goal scoring record?
FFS , If he had walked off this week like Finnan did at a time when our country needs experienced players to bring on the young lads then yes I would give out about Keane.
I cannot ever question his commitment to Ireland, his record of goal scoring is great ( but just because he wants records)
Even if all he is interested in is records then Ill challenge him to become top scorer in the World cup in S Africa. Dat would suit me fine.
I want to go to the next world cup, and Robbie Keane is our most prolific scxorer at presesnt whether you like it or not.
If you donbt like Keane then is Clinton Morrisson the lad u like, or is it Stokes? How about Gary Doherty?
You sound like a typical English fan.
Im right behind all the lads who play for Ireland
January 28th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
” At least Steve Finnan had the decency and honesty to retire when he had enough”
That sums you up mate, and what you want from Irish International players.
January 28th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Steve Finnan isnt hanging on to an Irish jersey he dosent believe in.Im Irish but I can see outside of the Dublin media bullshit that is written about him.He scored against Man Utd in a 3-1 defeat well give him a clap on the back then up his wages
January 28th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Anthony Stokes equals Robbie Keane lite. Too shapers interested in only media attention and arse licking.Never said I rated Anelka.Fans dont want Berbatov to be sold but he wants to test himself at the highest level and win trophys.Finally who else agrees with me or am i ranting
January 28th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
So ud put him on an all time greatest Irish XI which would only take into account Irish Performances .Ahead of who exactly.I doubt Im the only poster who sees through the hype bout him.Anybody willing to back me up
January 28th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Your praising Steve Finnan and attacking Robbie Keane.
Your praising Steve Finnan for not holding onto an Ireland jersey he doesnt belive in?
You dont rate Anelka????? haha
What does that mean?
What does he not believe in?
Does he not believe we are good enough so he’s saying whats the point in playing for Ireland?
Are all Irish fans becoming more English like these days? Is it a result of the Celtic tiger?
England fans have abused countless players down the years, and now some of our own fans (all be it one or two) are doing it.
John Terry , Englands captain couldnt play for England against Croatia on a Wednesday.
England concede 3 goals and go out.
Englands captain is fit to play for Chelsea 3 days later.
Paul McGrath used to get injections at half time for his knees.
He hasnt recieved any bad press, yet the abuse Crouch, Gerrard, every manager, every goalkeeper, Lampard, Ashley Cole, etc, etc etc.
Gerrard played through injury, got injections, played bad but at least he wanted to play.
Like Keane.
Now we have Irish fans doing likewise.
Im guessing if your not English, then your obviously very young and naieve. Its probabaly time for bed
Shame on ya
You d
January 28th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
No
I couldnt give 2 flyin fs about all time greatest elevens.
No alltime greatest 11 will get us to the World Cup.
Only Irish soccer players, managers and fans can do that.
But if you dont want Keane on the team, then make your all time greatest eleven, and start cloning.
January 28th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
What about Sam Allardyce?????????? hes got the job
January 29th, 2008 at 10:10 am
I can see we dont agree you obviously are a member of the Robbie Keane fan club.Some important goals I can think of 2 V Germany and V Spain at the 2002 World cup .That is all.I would rather have a team of commited players to the cause rather then Finnan hanging on to up his caps total.Remember the look on Finnans face after scoring against Cyprus and clowns like Keane celebrating that we got a DRAW at home to flipping Cyprus.Jesus wept .Same away to San Marino jumping on Stephen Ireland while looking for the nearest TV camera.He is not a top class striker never was never will be.FACT.On a side I see Spud agrees with me on something this must be a first
January 29th, 2008 at 10:25 am
A member of the Robbie Keane fan club??? He is the Chief Execuctive, Chairman, Managing Director, Company Secretary and tea lady!!
If Keane and Akelka were as good as you say they are and not bummed up by the media when they have had a couple of good games would all of the many clubs they have played for not tried a bit harder to hang onto them? Between the 2 of them they must have raked up enough transfer fees to pay for a full Premier League team yet they have not set the world alight by any means.
January 29th, 2008 at 10:49 am
ITS ALL GETTING TO BE A BIG LAUGH NOW , ENGLISH JOB WAS SORTED IN DAYS GET THE FINGER OUT FAI .
MICKO DWYER SHOULD GET IT !!!!
January 29th, 2008 at 11:32 am
which way is it going???
January 29th, 2008 at 11:35 am
looks like tigana does not have it
January 29th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Me granny just told me venables has got it and shes off to the bookies to collect her money..me grannys always right lads
January 29th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
This is getting scary Spud and I agree.Thomas your surname isnt Keane by any chance distant relation are we.Theres only 1 Keano and it aint Robert.
January 29th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
JOHNY GILES
get on boys its a done deal
unveiling him on thursday
January 29th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
You’re all wrong I’m afraid. It’s Philippe Troussier. Getting finalised now.
January 29th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
i dont have a clue who has the job, i never had , one thing i do know… no one here has a clue either!!! quit the bullshit… !!
January 29th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I cleaned up on Brian Kerr getting the job a few years back after some inside info. Have been following this market out of nostalgia but haven’t had a punt as yet. Just hope it ain’t El Tel, he’s a clown
January 29th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
keane has scored more goals then anybody in the 2007 calender year. his the record irish goal scorer. he has been the best player for spurs this season. the whole team were shit under staunton not just keane. im a liverpool fan and he is way better than crouch, kuyt and the vonirin. keane is better then vagner love ronaldo and adriano so he would make the brazil starting line up 2. we should support irish players if you call yourself an irish supporter (sully). the fai should pay the money for deschamps or houllier so were not stuck with shite like venables and tigana
January 29th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Giovanni Trappatoni is at 12-1 where did that come from. anybody know about this nobody is linking or talking about him. would be class if he got it
January 29th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Is there anyway we can get the KOP idiot banned from making his daily stupid comments…..
i still think Didier will make us THECHAMPS????????????????
January 29th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Ive had some good info that John Giles is ready to sign and will be unveiled by Saturday latest. But you know this inside info game. Seems to have some weight behind it though.
January 29th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Clearly people who claim they have got info and throw a name into this blog then go straight to betfair and lay some money at a good price and wait for it to get snapped up. Well someone is gonna get the job which means someone is gonna get their fingers burnt. Ha Ha
January 29th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I’m telling u all, Tigana has the job. Why do u think Finnan retired? Him and Tigana had a big falling out at Fulham.
January 29th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
That’s a good point. It did seem strange that Finnan would retire at such a youngish age, he absolutely loved playing for his country.
January 29th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
says on Sky Sports news it’s probably going to be Trapattoni. He’s in talks now apparently…
January 29th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Haha that’s the first solid news we’ve had on this page. It’s bad news for me though, looks like I’ve lost a 20. For the Irish team it’ll be a good appointment though, especially with Brady as number 2.
January 30th, 2008 at 7:26 am
has to b kenny a good celtic scotsman 4 a change.
January 30th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
George Washington: How are you so sure its Tigana, his odds have lengthened considerably…
January 31st, 2008 at 11:47 am
Here it is definetly Hoddle, gone back in on the betting big time. Got him at 20-1. He’s a cert
January 31st, 2008 at 6:02 pm
I honestly dont know what you guy’s on this page are on about, but the vast majority of you seem completely devoid of any sporting intelligence. I have backed El Tel throughout this betting fiasco and it seems to me that he has from day one been the only realistic candidate. Houllier was no doubt a firm contender but how many times did the man have to rule himself out of it before ye dreamers stopped backing him. Brady speculation is damn right laughable and I’m not going to even comment on Johnny Giles. As for the likes of Deschamps and Allardyce who do you think we are? Ireland is a second class nation and we need to be realistic with our candidates. Venables is certainly not a perfect choice…far from it, but he top of the candidates we can actually get. Tigana has no international experience and if anyone had mentioned his name at the start of this betting circus we would have all been up in arms. As far this gamble on Trappatoni, I must say I’m disappointed by the intelligence shown by the Irish people. First and foremost he promply ruled himself out of contention and the 3 ‘wise men’ have rubbished reports about an interview. Delaney is not in the country and do any of ye actually think that the board would have the balls to go behind both the delegation and delaney’s back? If Trappatoni got the job I would be delighted as an Irish fan even though I would stand to loose a substantial amount of money. But in reality why would anyone of his calibre risk his reputation on the Irish job. Yes we are offering a lot of money, but in terms of World Class Managers it is not enough. Stop dreaming and be realistic. Daghlish didnt even make the Scottish shortlist, Davies lacks the calibre for international management…and ladies and gents Trappatoni will never take Irish job. I hope I am wrong as he would be a savage appointment but unfortunately I can’t believe for a second he will take it. Wake up from your utopian dream, stop betting your life savings on rumours from sightings in airports and get on the biggest cert that there ever was…venables 5/2. I guarantee that I am right. P.S Ronaldo is one of the greatest players in the world at the moment. His biggest detractors cannot argue that…and believe I was long one of them as a devout Middlesbrough supporter…but he has yet to prove his class at the biggest stage which is why Kaka won world player of the year. To be the best you must perform against the best. The Euros is his chance to demonstrate whether he has matured enough to deal with the big stage. Will he?
January 31st, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Good comments. I still feel Billy Davies would be a good choice although he has a lot to offer at club level yet and, lets be fair, international management is a part time job. Hope you win money on Venables but I personally think it will be a bad choice.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:49 am
TIGANA
February 1st, 2008 at 1:08 am
Ronaldo(bit overrated) Keane(definetly overrated).Ronaldo-Dunphy,Giles and Brady LOL.TIGANA
February 1st, 2008 at 6:00 am
If a new manager was going to be announced before the Brazil game he would be introduced at the annual eircom/FAI International Awards ceremony taking place this Sunday, February 3rd in Citywest Hotel, Saggart. It looks unlikely that will happen but you never Know!
A bit of good news for Ireland is that Andy Reid has signed up with Sunderland for a transfer fee of £4 million he is in the squad for next Wednesday’s friendly international between Ireland and Brazil.
Premier experience will do him the world of good and Ireland can only benefit as well so good luck to Andy
February 1st, 2008 at 6:38 am
Billy Davies couldn’t officially talk to the FAI due to his pay off clause with Derby. He can talk to them from 1st Feb. He had an ‘off the record’ discussion with them two weeks ago which was not publicised by either party. He immediately went on holiday while all of the media hype and speculation got worse. By an amazing coincidence he has now returned from holiday and will be talking to the FAI tomorrow. He decided the Scotland job before he was in the running because they only wanted him to manage the first team not the u21s as well. He ask publicly said he wants to be in for the next 5 years to have an effect on bringing youngsters through the ranks and into the first team. Ireland would allow this, Scotland would not. Should things go as suggested two weeks ago he will be announced as the new ROI manager on Saturday. This is genuine onformation from a relation.
For one point of interest, if you have £500 you could make him fav on betfair, there has been no money available for the last two weeks and he is the smallest amount matched for any of the people in the frame. Yet go in to Ladbrokes and he is 3/1 second fav and Hills have now made him 2/1 second fav. This is where the real money has been bet and the bookies very, very rarely get it wrong and lose money.
You make your own mind up but all the indications are there that it’s been a done deal for a long time. They were just killing time until the 1st February came.
If you are wondering about my confidence, I stand to lose over £2000 on Davies or win nearly £30,000. So I hope my information stands up
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:54 am
Billy Davis would certainly not be my choice as an Ireland fan. He did’nt impress me when Derby were in League one, his attitude was certainly not suited to a football club who were aiming higher, and I can’t imagine how he’d fit in in the Irish setup. I hope that that £2000 is monopoly money mate.
February 2nd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Thought there was going to be an announcement this weekend. The FAI sure are making theirselves out to look like a bunch of clowns. I’m surprised anyone would want to work for them. Good luck to the successful candidate, they’ll need it
February 2nd, 2008 at 6:16 pm
There is an announcement this weekend childish. 6.30 on sunday
February 2nd, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Cheers, do you think they’ll give a name or just an update
February 2nd, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Word for word this is the statement issued tonight by the FAI
The chairman of the Selection Panel set up to recruit the next manager of the Republic of Ireland senior international team has asked the President of the Football Association of Ireland to convene a meeting of the Board of Management. The President has called a meeting for tomorrow, Sunday, at 6.30pm in the Citywest Hotel, Saggart, Co Dublin. A statement will be issued after the meeting and posted on the FAI website.
February 5th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Brady!!Hel have the passion.A legend of a player.Venables….I thought we all hated the English
February 7th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I had heard recently that there had been an approach for Lippi after recent negotiations have fell through? anyone else?
February 7th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Martin Jol seen leaving the Carlton hotel with Ray Houghton at Dublin airport by my best mate at 7pm with a big grin on his face. Hes the final springer in this crazy market
February 8th, 2008 at 12:15 am
trapp officialy out off running jol poss bd fav may have saver on him
February 8th, 2008 at 10:03 am
trapp officialy out off running jol poss bd fav may have saver on him
why is he out the running
February 8th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Lads word from the wire, David Stuttgart has been rumoured to be in discussions over a possible interview with the FAI in relation to the vacant Irish post. He is currently director of football at F.C Basel and has experience with the Swiss youth teams, who one the Euros in the late 90s. Has anyone esle heard anything about this?
February 10th, 2008 at 12:08 am
i am going to phone JONO at TALK SPORT about your censorship , dose father ted work for u .
February 10th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Don Givens, Don Howe and Ray Houghton have really dug themselves into a hole through dithering.
It appears that between them they have Trappattoni and Venables heading the short list with plenty of speculation of Billy Davies as third spot.
They have had a couple of months to come up with a name and if the short list of those three is the best they can do so God help us!
If you have had a bet on any of those three I would like to see some good argued reason why they should be made manager.
We know that Terry Venables would be popular with the players and he has International experience but he also has a history of not quite ‘cutting the mustard’.
‘Trapattoni’s renowned concentration on defence and one target man up front probably does not suit the style Ireland or the players.
Billy Davies seems to come up short of the mark having been sacked from Derby and not even making the Scotland short list.
Even the media seem to have grown tired (or simply worn down) waiting for the appointment to be announced and there is a general lack of buzz or excitement.
February 10th, 2008 at 12:14 am
going to use a few test words too see what upsets u ana## fu## betfa## . or any other suggestions from anyone .
February 10th, 2008 at 12:19 am
GARY , have too watch what i say but turnover down with ###fair
February 10th, 2008 at 12:27 am
b davis knocked back scot job because u/21 job already given to bill stark SCOTLAND board even worse than ireland , youz can still appoint the right man .
February 10th, 2008 at 12:33 am
a lesson in sense / trapp dose not want job el tel dose not want job b davis wants JOB a bit of a no brainer
February 10th, 2008 at 8:12 am
I agree with you Stu that Billy Davies would like the job but is he good enough? When Billy Davies left Derby they had just one win this season, which came against Newcastle, and have conceded 33 goals.
The side have struggled to come to terms with the top flight after Davies, who joined in June 2006, steered them to promotion via the play-offs last season. Is he the manager to take on international sides ?
With that record I would sooner the job be given to an inexperienced person like Liam Brady