Martin.. Give us Some Memories

For a nation currently ranked 59th in the world we are not short of ambition in terms of our footballing expectations at international level. An expectation based on very little facts, too much imagination and an excess of hope. None of which was dampened seemingly by the events in the EURO 2012 when the Republic of Ireland was drawn in the 16 nation tournament in the same group as Croatia, Italy and Spain. The telling facts showed our players far inferior in every aspect with the telling results in each of those matches confirming the same. Leaving the apologist’s extolling the idea that against the world champions little more could have been expected. Or the rationale that Italy were world champions in 2006. With some more tame remarks when explaining away the Croatia result. 

All a far cry from that potentially great night against Spain in Suwon when against ten men Ireland missed a chance to clinch a quarterfinal place. Only to lose on penalties in the end to a scabby one from Spain's normally majestic Gaizko Mendieta, along with a miss from the usually reliable Matt Holland. Even more remarkable as it was on foot of the now tired football civil war tale that was Saipan. 

None of which saved Mick McCarthy from an ignominious exit in the end as exaggerated national expectations could not be met in the EURO2004 campaign and he was replaced by the youth miracle worker, Brian Kerr. An appointment that filled the ballroom in The Shelbourne Hotel as it was hailed as a defining moment in Irish soccer with one of the nation's own taking the reins. 

But as history recalls, a Thierry Henry goal yet again - this time in Lansdowne Road - ended that dream with Kerr now living out in punditryland far removed from the beautiful game. Along with Eoin Hand who had his time in the 1980’s with the national team in those twilight years prior to Jack Charlton and the Holy Grail of EURO 1988 - all courtesy of Gary McKay’s unlikely goal for Scotland in the winter of 1987 against Bulgaria. 

Which for those who fans who marched to the Neckarstadion in June 1988 along the banks of the Rhine was irrelevant as it offered a chance to do battle against an England of Peter Shilton; Trevor Stevens; Kenny Sansom; Neil Webb; Mark Wright; Tony Adams; Bryan Robson; Chris Waddle; Peter Beardsley and Gary Lineker. All household names to Irish football viewers and all big enough thanks to Match of the Day to shiver your timbers.

But such is the beauty of sport that Ray Houghton ended that national sense of fear, as he did again in 1994, allowing Republic of Ireland fans suddenly to believe. Perhaps too much.... 

So much so that Ronnie Whelan's shinned goal against Russia a few days later - which put Ireland into the lead - nearly sent the nation into orbit. A place we do not seem to have returned from since the Charlton team reached the quarterfinals in Italia 90, courtesy of Packie Bonner's penalty save in Genoa. And David O’ Leary’s magic goal a few moments later. 

The euphoria only to be repeated in Giants Stadium in New York four years later when the might of another footballing superpower was again undone by a cheeky goal from Houghton. Ably supported it has to be said by some cataclysmic defensive work from Paul McGrath – and the sorcerer’s apprentice at the time, Phil Babb. The legend that was Jack though was finally unravelled at Anfield one cold December night in a play-off with Holland for the EURO 96. The defeat leaving man fans dreams extinguished. 

For a time it was a taste of real life as the Republic struggled to find their way back to the big time. Something Mick McCarthy finally set right in 2001 winning the play off against Iran which took the Republic of Ireland to Japan and Korea. A major tournament for the first time in eight years and only the third world cup. 

It was a result that reignited Irish fans sense of entitlement with a trip to the far blue Asian yonder which saw them squeeze out the group and into the knockout stages. Despite being drawn with Cameroon Saudi Arabia and Germany. Only to fall against Spain that hot summer night in Korea.

With the era of Stephen Staunton now almost air brushed out of Irish footballing folklore, it proved a sad demise for one of the longest serving premier league players of his era. Who with the now departed Bobby Robson compounded the expectations for the fans even when faced with the might of Germany at Croke Park. Having been close to the situation at the time it was sad to see an Irish legend undo the goodwill that had been earned over decades at Liverpool and Aston Villa. But such is football, and the likes of minnows Cyprus, that his name is probably only equalled in many ways by Kerr who did much to put the youth game on the world map. But was unable to transfer similar success at senior level as those needed results could not be delivered.

As FIFA rightly reminded the Republic of Ireland this week with the ranking, the nation is way down on a global scale. No matter what Sky Sports tell us about the Premier League week in and week out, Irish players are increasingly less relevant at the top clubs. Which in a sense is a red herring given that 65% of teams are populated with non-English players, as the top teams barely reliant on players from these islands. Be they Irish Scottish Welsh or English such is the transfer game now. Excluding the unprecedented Gareth Bale move to Real Madrid. 

Indeed, long gone are those Arsenal days on Match of the Day of Liam Brady, Dave O’Leary and Frank Stapleton. Or even the golden oldies of Gerry Daly, Ashley Grimes at Manchester United. Or Steve Staunton, Ray Houghton and John Aldridge at Liverpool. Such is the game now that Irish players are much further down the food chain.

Hence Giovanni Trapattoni was limited in his options. Or more limited than some previous national managers who benefited from a raft of gifted players that seemed to prove a seismic force on any given day. The dismantling of Holland on September 1st 2001 a vivid example of the possible dream with Ireland as the team undid Edwin Van der Sar, Jaap Stam, Philip Cocu, Marco Van Bommel, Marc Overmars, Patrick Kluivert, and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Albeit the nation came very close at Stade de France in 2009 against France in the second leg play off- had it not been for the hand of God. Or Monsieur Thierry Henry that night. 

However that was the sole night of elation that Il Trap could rustle up over five years, depriving the national sport those moments that live long in the memory. Instead proffering a litany of score draws and vacuous victories that were boring to behold and testing to follow. Even that rainy night in Bari against Italy, which could have been a cracker had we the courage to chase the win. But such is the defensive mind-set that colours Trapattoni's view of the game it proves diametrically opposed to the football so prevalent today. Or that played by Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola, or Juergen Klopp of BVB Dortmund. Their philosophy being, we will always score more goals than the opposition and won't obsess with defending. 

Thankfully Champions League at the knockout stages is about that and it is no surprise that the likes of Juventus struggle in the tournament every year. Clearly the Italian ways work in Serie A, even if it is not as pronounced these days as was practiced by Il Trap during his years there. 

In truth Irish football followers live for those days in Stuttgart 1988, Genoa 1990, New York 1994 or Ibaraki 2002. Games where the impossible happens even against the footballing aristocracy. With Trapattoni there were none of those moments which most other managers this century were able to produce at some stage. As were the many ones that made 1966 World Cup winner Jack Charlton the most loved English man in these parts 

Now for those of who know little about Martin O’Neill, he too helped bring such moments to his people as a player. In fact Northern Ireland pre-empted the Chariton era in Valencia in 1982, when Gerry Armstrong scored the goal that shocked the hosts Spain in their opening world cup match. A goal that sent O'Neill’s team into the second stage group where they were unhinged by a France side that contained the best In Europe at the time; Dominique Rochteau, Michel Platini, Alain Giresse, François Battiston, Marius Tresor, Manuel Amoros and Jean Tigana. 

Nonetheless Northern Ireland gave their fans a lift that has yet to be equalled, despite also qualifying for Mexico 1986.

One has to believe that running through his mind when deciding about the FAI job is that he could give the Republic of Ireland one of those moments again. Or at least get the players to believe in such a moment,

Don’t forget too with Nottingham Forest he also won two Champions League trophies beating Malmo in 1978 and then Kevin Keegan’s HSV Hamburg in 1979. Memories that fans in Sherwood Forest still talk about.

#SWEIRL

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The Boys are Back in Town

The Germany game was the defining moment of the Republic of Ireland’s EURO 2016 campaign. For older viewers the equivalent perhaps of September 1st 2001 at Lansdowne Road for Mick McCarthy when unmissable goal chances Patrick Kluivert, Marc Overmars and Cocu ensured the Republic of Ireland made it to Japan and Korea in 2002. On this occasion at the AVIVA it was Thomas Mueller, Marco Reus and Mezut Ozil who obliged for Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane. Guaranteeing that O’Neill’s unbeaten record against the divided and united Germany - as both a player and manager – remained intact. 

It was those three points, along with the defeat of Scotland in Glasgow to Poland that resurrected a lost campaign and proved this teams Gary McKay moment. With Jonathan Walters now the new Jason McAteer.

For McCarthy it was the tactics of Louis van Gaal that proved the undoing of the Clockwork Orange years ago and their failure to reach the world cup finals. Given Portugal topped the group – not surprisingly - with a side boasting Figo, Rui Costa, and Sa Pinto. For Ireland though it was tales of the unexpected with a victory of the kind this mad footballing nation can count on with one hand. Giants Stadium in 1994 World Cup against Italy. Or Stuttgart during EURO1988 against England. Both games part of the “Put them under pressure” legend that is Jack Charlton OBE DL. 

But that was all then and we need to live in the now.

For this new generation there is an opportunity to taste a major tournament football as only a handful of those who travelled to Poland and Ukraine in 2012 remain eligible. Those warriors could include Robbie Keane, John O’Shea, Graham Whelan, Stephen Ward, and James McClean. Shane Long, Aiden McGeady and Shane Long. But next summer may prove a few months too far for a number of them. None more so than Robbie Keane and Shay Given who will face their own Liam Brady type moment. As the Whitehall man never managed it to EURO 1988 due to both age and injury. Nor indeed did another long-time servant Frank Stapleton with both only able to join as official supporters at best.

For O’Neill though it finally adds to a CV that was potentially destined to remain rather average with the qualified success at Celtic fading into the twilight. Along with his sidekick Roy Keane, a coach who has been unable attract anything other than hyperbole over the years rather than results. His tenure at Ipswich the last occasion he was tempted into club management. At this rate he may prove the natural successor to O’Neill - the day the Derryman decides to stand down - and finally initiate a sort of succession planning by default for Irish football.

For the moment though it is the Younger players such as Ciaran Clarke and Jeff Hendricks who are being offered a bigger stage to show off their skills. A just reward also for Seamus Coleman as he was only on standby for Giovanni Trapattoni back in 2012. As were Andy Keogh, Darren Randolph. For some others like Robbie Brady it can prove he is still destined for greet things – even at the age of 24. Despite having not fulfilled his promised at Manchester United when he was fist signed at 16 years of age. Or indeed Wes Hoolahan who even at 33 years of age can prove that those formative years at Shelbourne in the League of Ireland were invaluable.

Whatever lies ahead with the EURO 2016 draw on December 12th it is clear that a new batch of Republic of Ireland warriors who got the nation to the majors after reporting for duty during an arduous campaign. It has also been done by a manager more capable of adapting formations than the very predictable format proffered by Trapattoni. But in fairness Il Trap as brought into to shore up what proved a sadly disastrous era for Steve Staunton and the now gone Sir Bobby Robson. In fact a calamitous end for one of the Republics best ever servants on the field of play with marauding runs up and down the left flank. Either as a midfielder or left back.

But such are the demands of international football that results matter and the qualification for EURO 2016 ensures the coffers of the Football Association of Ireland will be refilled with marketing partnerships, merchandising opportunities and newfound sponsors. Not forgetting the match ticket sales which are easy coinage to the FAI given a nation of fans so willing to follow their team to the ends of the earth. All the more so given the games are in France. Albeit the evens in Paris have in many ways taken the shine off those thoughts of a few weeks in the sunny Saint Tropez, Nice or Marseille.

With Northern Ireland also travelling it begs the question can both teams meet each other next summer. But the answer is no as along with Wales they are seeded as pot four teams and so could only meet in the later stages. However England remain possible opponents for the two Ireland's or Wales. With such matters eagerly anticipated on December 12th when the draw is finally made.

There have been only a couple of meetings with England at this level. The most notable in June 1998 when Ray Houghton’s header gave Charlton’s Ireland a historic win over his home nation in the Neckarstadion in Stuttgart. At Italia 1990 both teams met again in Cagliari in the Group F round robin matches with Gary Lineker and Kevin Sheedy securing the 1-1 draw. It remains to be seen what the summer of 2016 in France may bring the Republic of Ireland.

Meanwhile guess who just got back today….. 

Them wild-eyed boys that had been away

Haven't changed that much to say. 

But man, I still think them cats are crazy

They were askin' if you were around

How you was, where you could be found

Told 'em you were livin' downtown

Drivin' all the old men crazy

The boys are back in town!

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ARCHIVES - The Long Days in Saipan

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The events of the past week in the Micronesian Island of Saipan once again bring the administrators of Irish soccer in Merrion Square into the bright focus of the world’s camera lights. Not since the Republic of Ireland were in the last World Cup in USA ‘94 have the Football Association of Ireland offices in the Georgian buildings in the Irish capital been of such interest to the rest of the world. However, the sight of cameras outside that now infamous green door of number eighty have been a more familiar sight to those in the domestic game with the legal issues relating to players registrations in the eircom League of Ireland casting a long shadow over the past season. Unfortunately, the events in the Far East that triggered this most recent attention were compounded it seems by some untimely logistics in terms of players gear. 

The drama was magnified when the FAI's General Secretary was on a flight bound for Japan when the events in the Hyatt Hotel in Saipan on Thursday took place, ending with the team captain sent home.

The unfortunate events of the week though have been exacerbated by the criticism nationwide at the way the administration of soccer is perceived at international level, and more seriously, the condemnation of former players, such as Andy Townsend, Ray Houghton and John Aldridge, who through personal experience in USA’94 were also dismissive of the FAI’s capability at the highest level. Whatever the personal elements in the row between the national manager, Mick McCarthy, and his former captain, Roy Keane, the issues regarding logistics are clearly unforgivable. 

The various sets of clothing for the squad shown have been in their rooms when they arrived, even if that meant someone travelling to the east two weeks before the squad, thus ensuring nothing was left to chance. In the absence of the General Secretary, Brendan Menton, it was left to the association's Honorary Treasurer, John Delaney, to lead the FAI’s media battle and under the circumstances he did remarkably well despite being “disconnected” from events in Saipan due to the time difference. Indeed, his efforts to balance the story in an atmosphere of rumour, innuendo and incomplete stories, proved vital in those daylight hours of Thursday, May 23rd.

Having been with him at a separate meeting on that same morning, the day’s events delayed our meeting as he battled the FAI’s case on the Pat Kenny Show on RTE Radio One. Although the purpose of our meeting was football related it became clear very quickly that the day was building up to a crescendo and it was no surprise when the media packed the boardroom of Merrion Square to hear a prepared statement read out by Delaney. Whatever was to be said at this press conference it was never going to satisfy the needs of the journalists crammed into that room and it was only a few minutes before the FAI Treasurer had to get on the defensive as some of the "logistical arrangements" behind the rest and recuperation of Saipan came into focus. 

The FAI boardroom, where the press camped out, is the same place that all FAI Delegates have sat for the Board of Management meetings this year, at which decision and discussions have taken place relating to the eircom league. If the walls could talk there are many stories that could undoubtedly be told that would not be a great advert for the game, especially in the past season. Not least of which have been all the events relating to player registration and the disembowelment of the newly appointed league commission Roy Dooney. 

Not discounting of course the legal battles that have taken place in the High Court as well. In a league that regulates itself from representatives of each club the weakness of this democratic system clearly manifest itself when key decisions have to be made and it can somehow blur objectivity.

The potential added weakness is that the “lofty” executive positions at the Football Association all come from the in house elections from the eircom League or the affiliate administrations, such as schoolboy league, referees and so on. Having naively played a role myself trying to make a contribution on behalf of Waterford United this year, the machinations and decision-making process have proven personally unsatisfactory for me. If you reflect on the events of the year there are major questions that the administrators the game in this country need to ask, before blame and retribution are sought.

Events this season have been disappointing, not least of which was the offer by the association for me to travel to the World Cup at their expense. Having decided not to take up the option out of principle, it was not possible for me to claim the three thousand euro contribution from the FAI for my club, as all the funds that were not taken up by the FAI delegates was to be divided by those who chose to travel. 

This meant that the less people that went to Japan the better it was for those who did travel, as the funds were then divided up amongst them. In a time when the domestic game is struggling to fund other aspects of the game to find money for a trip like this is unwarranted and a decision to go should have been a personal option with perhaps some support from the FAI regarding tickets.

It is these idiosyncrasies that fuel the whole concept of what is soccer is known as "Blazers" and in way it is that visibility that the eagle eye of the Ireland captain when in Saipan. In talking to former professionals, not least of which was the last Irish captain when Ireland graced the World Cup in 1994, Andy Townsend, it is clear that the in terms of logistics and planning the officials at the top of the association may not always cover themselves in glory. In a time when it could be easy to be critical one has to recognise the lone battle that John Delaney fought in the past few days trying to give a balance to the FAI side and stem the tide of public disapproval that was channelled into Merrion Square. 

However, at a time when the game needs to maximise exposure and the younger generations are experiencing their first World Cup, it is very disappointing to see the events of the week unfold and tarnish the image of the high profile captain.

Right or wrong Keane was the walking image of the Irish team in all the adverts ranging from the soft drinks 7UP to Walker Crisps and the national team sponsor, eircom. It is the sponsorship area that the games must worry given that the game would struggle at domestic level, and indeed international level, if it were not for the current incumbent sponsor, eircom. Their association with soccer in this country has been fraught this year with controversy, ranging from failure of eircom Park, to the more recent difficulties in the domestic League of Ireland. 

Although the tabloids and satellite broadcasters have thrived this week of the news in the Irish camp, the publicity they have given makes a mockery of the serious work and efforts of many people committed to the game in this country.

In looking at our neighbours across the Irish Seas, one can easily become sarcastic about their over enthusiasm every time there is a major soccer tournament. However in recent times the Football Association (FA) has amended and altered some things to their format and the luckily built up to this championship is far from jingoistic and over zealous. In many ways their decision and choice of manager was crucial, and the intellect and balance of Sven Goran Eriksson seems, off the pitch at least, to have been a wise choice given that he qualified despite the pieces left by his predecessor, Kevin Keegan. 

On the administration side, the brave choice to take someone in from outside the ranks of the internal promotion system has prove even more radical and the appointed of a former advertising executive, Adam Crozier as Chief executive, has brought an air of professionalism for the Football Association. The new structure demands commercial accountability and viability for the association and Crozier is conformable with those targets.

In terms of the World cup the whiff of consensus from the England camp on the trip to Dubai with wives and the subsequent build up on the honeymoon island of Jeiju in Korea. It all reflects a very organised structure and detailed planning, leaving the tabloids devoid of stories of rupture and internal feuding from eh English camp. Even the daily press briefings, on all issues medical or otherwise, fielded by their Director of Communications, Paul Newman, whose appearances on TV provide a satisfactory substitute to the Swedish Heads Coach. This system seems to bring distance and avoid the exposure that seems to have outwitted previous managers in major tournaments and led to their downfall, including Glenn Hoddle, Terry Venables or Graham Taylor. 

Given that we like to emulate things in UK football, most notably the premiership, it may now be time to emulate their other structure.

If this country was ever to qualify for another World Cup in the future, we need to make sure that mistakes not come to haunt our game again. Indeed, the level of change that is need now is not dissimilar to what was needed in the late eighties when the FA looked outside this country for a National Manager following the Eoin Hand’s tenure. Amidst cries of criticism the FAI bravely elected to bring in Jack Charlton, albeit marginally ahead of Bob Paisley, and since then we have never looked back, even when he brought the end of Liam Brady career against Germany in 1987 after 35 minutes. 

If we are ever to sing those great words of success again with glee as we did in Stuttgart in 19988, Giants Stadium in 1994 or at Lansdowne last September, then John Delaney and other members of the FAI need to bring another leap in professionalism in the running of the game in Ireland at all levels. 

Once they do that events such as those that took place in Saipan should never happen again and we can all revert to singing Ole Ole Ole.

OSM

First published on May 27th 2002

Ireland Appoint Interim King

Republic of Ireland have named Noel King as their interim manager following the departure of Giovanni Trapattoni.

Under-21 boss King was asked to step up as the Football Association of Ireland considers its options.

Trapattoni, 74, left by mutual consent after defeats by Sweden and Austria earlier this month which effectively ended their World Cup hopes.

King is now likely to take charge of the final two qualifiers, against Germany and Kazakhstan, next month.

The 56-year-old has managed Derry City, Shamrock Rovers, Limerick, Finn Harps and the Irish women's team.

It was concluded at a board meeting that the FAI would carry out a comprehensive assessment.

A statement read: "It was agreed at the meeting that former international Ray Houghton, who was involved in the last managerial appointment process, and Ruud Dokter, the FAI's newly-appointed high performance director, should carry out this on-going assessment and report for the board.

"The board resolved that it will take the appropriate time to appoint the best person to manage Ireland for the Euro 2016 campaign, which starts in September next year."

King's assistant Harry McCue will take charge of the Under-21s for next month's double header against Romania.

Trapattoni had guided the Republic to the Euro 2012 finals, but his five-year reign came to an end after a 1-0 defeat by Austria left the Republic fourth in Group C.

Former Republic manager Mick McCarthy and ex-Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill have been linked with the job, though McCarthy has said O'Neill is favourite to succeed Trapattoni on a permanent basis.

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Things Mick McCarthy Says...

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has hit back at the "mindless idiots" who called for him to be sacked during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Swansea.

Some sections of the home crowd turned on McCarthy with Wolves 2-0 down after a run of five Premier League defeats.

"Let me clear something up, it doesn't help. Let's not give any of the dissenting voices, the mindless idiots that do it, any credit," he said.

McCarthy insists he has the backing of his players and the Wolves board.

He also thanked the fans who have sent him messages of support since the weekend.

But the 52-year-old insisted he was not happy with the "dissenting voices" who made their feelings known as he made a double substitution midway through the second half.

McCarthy said: "I almost think some turn up hoping it is going to be that way so they can have their whinge and get shot of the manager.

"They are not going to get shot of the chairman or the players, so it's a case of, 'Let's give it to the gaffer'.

"I've done a great job here. I came five years ago, there were only 10 players here and just a million quid to spend.

"Five years on, we are in our third year in the Premier League and building the new stadium - but we are having a tough time.

"Come on, give the lads a bit of support. Don't be giving us aggravation. I think they have short memories.

"But I've also had unbelievable support this week, from the players, everyone at the club, and from fans writing and emailing in. There is solidarity there."