ireland v wales at croker

[Jim Comic]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2007/0320/ireland2.html


is staunton insane? (don't answer that)

he should be using the stadium to gee the players up, get the adrenalin pumping by saying "do ye want to be on the first soccer team to lose here? NO! go out and get me three points!!!!"

[liam2me]

one thing in public, one thing in private perhaps

[west cork rebel]

Well maybe he thinks that is what happend to the rugby lads, what with the french scoreing a try in the last minutes.

[Jim Comic]

he's a gom, end of story

[Rebelred]

he's the gaffer, whatever he says goes, the buck stops with him....

[Paddy Wagon]

What day is the game on? Im here in Australia, and Im fucked if I can figure out whats going on back yonder...

[EDDIEB]

What day is the game on? Im here in Australia, and Im fucked if I can figure out whats going on back yonder...

You are lucky then................ ...

[Widebhoy]

The most surprising thing in that article is that Wales returned 1500 tickets.

[kipto]

he's a gom, end of story

have to agree....he looks like an idiot...when he opens his mouth he removes all doubt...we're f*cked until he gets the sack

[Coin]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2007/0320/ireland2.html


is staunton insane? (don't answer that)

he should be using the stadium to gee the players up, get the adrenalin pumping by saying "do ye want to be on the first soccer team to lose here? NO! go out and get me three points!!!!"

When you're getting a team ready for a game the manager should not be going on about the stadium or the occasion. They get enough of that from the press/family/friends. Having your manager battering on about it too adds to the pressure. The most you should do is remind them that the other side will be even more up for it because they'll be out to spoil it. You get each guy focused on his job and let the atmosphere carry them on the night.

[jimmy magee]

he's the gaffer, whatever he says goes, the buck stops with him....

;)

[Rebel Yell]

Steve has been shown up as not really being up to the job. If I were a player watching any of his interviews I would be struck by how ineffectual and uninspiring he comes across as. I just cannot imagine him being much more inspiring in the dressingroom. This, coupled with his lack of experience, partly explains the debacles in Cyprus and San Marino.

However, I still stand by my initial thoughts that when he took the job he was the only candidate that really wanted it for the right reasons and it would be churlish to slate him and lay all the blame on him...certainly not when have 'battlers' of the quality of John O'Shea and the Early retiree of the year Damien Duff on board !!!! Jaysus, I'd prefer and go into battle with Julian Clary and Lily Savage on my side !!!

It is more with supreme optimism than any degree of moderate realism that I expect the 'Croke Park factor' to inspire our national team into a turnaround in fortunes in the coming months !!!

But, here's hoping.

[Langer Dan]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2007/0320/ireland2.html


is staunton insane? (don't answer that)

he should be using the stadium to gee the players up, get the adrenalin pumping by saying "do ye want to be on the first soccer team to lose here? NO! go out and get me three points!!!!"

hes a retard, if he had any dignity he would have resigned after the cyprus debacle, that hes still in charge after hwat happened in san marino is just staggering.

at least Keegan had the decency to resign when he realised he wasnt upto the english job.

[PatMan]

Offing Staunton now is one thing, but who in their right mind would actually WANT the job? Sure, there's plenty of feckin bar-stool managers who reckon they could so a better job than Stan, but are there any real candidates with the experience needed?

[Langer Dan]

Offing Staunton now is one thing, but who in their right mind would actually WANT the job? Sure, there's plenty of feckin bar-stool managers who reckon they could so a better job than Stan, but are there any real candidates with the experience needed?

its that 'sure who else is there' attitude that led to that moron getting the job in the first place.

'so you're the assistant to a drug addict, degenerate gambler, and you're the defensive coach at the side with the worst defensive record in the league?"

you're hired!:p

[homer jay]

Offing Staunton now is one thing, but who in their right mind would actually WANT the job? Sure, there's plenty of feckin bar-stool managers who reckon they could so a better job than Stan, but are there any real candidates with the experience needed?

didn't dunphy say he wanted it? he'd only work to bring down the organisation* from the inside. although, that mightn't be such a bad thing.



* i use this word loosely.

[PatMan]

its that 'sure who else is there' attitude that led to that moron getting the job in the first place.
:p

Dont disagree with ya at all, but why call for someone to go if theres no-one available who is any better?

[Sound]

Is this international soccer lark still going on?

Pfft, cricket is where it's at.

[HappyMonday83]

I say wales are good for a 3-1 win.

[Philby]

I think Bellamy will give us huge problems on Saturday. Think we'll get a draw but wouldn't rule out a defeat.

[Sound]

Wales have pinch-hitters to open but if we can get the seamers hitting some good length we can cause them problems. I expect rain and Ireland to win by the Duckworth-Lewis method.

[Actin The Sham]

Roy Keanes Thoughts:

WEDNESDAY 21/03/2007 16:02:27


SOCCER: Fans getting fed up with FAI says former Irish international

Roy Keane signalled his war with the Football Association of Ireland was far from over- a year after hanging up his boots.


Keane, whose spat with former Ireland manager Mick McCarthy divided the Republic, launched a fresh attack on the governing body five years after the Saipan debacle.

The Sunderland manager accused the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chiefs of infecting the national squad with mediocrity while discriminating against Cork-born players.
He said: "It definitely doesn`t help Liam Miller. If he was (from) further up the country, I`m pretty sure he would be in the Irish squad.

"I don`t just say these things. There`s no doubt in my mind that Liam Miller being from Cork certainly doesn`t help him."

The Corkonian said his early career was frustrated by Dublin-based officials overlooking him in favour of players from the capital city.

"It happened to me when I was 17, 18 years of age, being in Irish squads with youth teams, not getting a game and lads ahead of you, who are still a year younger than you, who could have played a year later, getting a game," he said.

"It happened to me at Bray Wanderers when I played France for the Irish under-16s or 17s - lads getting on in front of me who still had another year under age, the following year.

"The lads who got ahead of me that night were from Dublin and the manager that night was from Dublin. I know Steve Staunton`s not from Dublin but a lot of the FAI are."

Asked if Cork-born players had to play better than everybody else to get selected for the national squad, he replied: "You`ve hit the nail on the head. Without a doubt."

At a charity fundraising launch for Irish Guidedogs for the Blind, the former Manchester United and Glasgow Celtic star also launched a broadside at his former international team-mates.

Ahead of this weekend`s European Championship qualifier, Keane suggested several senior members of the side were only getting picked by manager Steve Staunton because of their media image.

"There`s a fine line between loyalty and stupidity. A very fine line.

"You`ve got to be loyal to lads who`ve done OK, but once you keep playing them on the reputation they`ve built up through the media or because they do lots of interviews, then it`s wrong - it`s 100% wrong," he said.

"Come Saturday against Wales the senior players - four or five of them - have to step up to the plate. But they`ve been asked before.

"That`s why I don`t get bogged down by saying we`ve got world-class players with Ireland.

"You look at some of our lads at the bigger clubs... none of these players at this moment in time are setting the world alight at their respective clubs."

Keane berated the team for celebrating after beating San Marino and advised them to take a lesson from Ireland`s other national sports sides following their recent successes.

"The FAI, the soccer, can learn a lot from the rugby lads, even the cricket lads. If you go into something believing you`re going to get there, then there`s a good chance you`ll get there," he said.

"If you think you`re not going to get there I guarantee you won`t get there. And that definitely comes from the top, the FAI.

"If you cut corners, that gets through to the teams. If you do things half-measured, you`re not going to get nowhere."

He continued: "You look at the rugby lads, they don`t seem to be resting on their laurels, they don`t seem to be patting each other on the back for winning Triple Crowns.

"They want to be winning Grand Slams, they want to be going to the World Cup and giving it 100%."
On the FAI, he added: "If you`re used to mediocre, that will get through to the players. A `that`ll do` attitude has been going on far too long.

"That`ll do the Irish fans. That`ll do us. But I think the Irish fans are getting a bit fed-up with it."


*****

Meanwhile, Ireland International Manager Stephen Staunton (talking about Croke Park) said "The fans will go mad when they see this place."

[Rebelred]

he's hit the nail on the head there, the fans are getting fed up with it

[Jim Comic]

what time is kick-off on sat?

[guyincognito]

Keane made some very good points but to question Steve Finnan and Shay is just stupid. Shay has been Irelands best player for years now and would get into most international teams. Finnan has been excellent this year for Liverpool and is one of the best (if not the best) right full back in the primership.

[Sound]

Keane rips into mediocre, insane Ireland before Wales crunch game

Michael Walker in Dublin
Thursday March 22, 2007

Guardian
A floundering manager in charge of an underachieving set of players backed up by an incompetent organisation: Roy Keane said nothing new in his assessment of the Republic of Ireland football team and the Football Association of Ireland yesterday, but he did say it again. Loudly.

Three days before the Republic begin must-win European Championship qualifiers against Wales and Slovakia, Keane ripped into the manager, Steve Staunton, and the whole Irish set-up. "There's a fine line between loyalty and stupidity, a very fine line" was perhaps his harshest criticism - this concerned Staunton's selection policy - but the FAI will not be pleased to have been labelled "mediocre", nor will senior players in the squad who were deemed to be "not setting the world alight" in the Premiership. Keane named them: Steve Finnan, Robbie Keane, John O'Shea, Damien Duff and Shay Given.
Last Friday in Sunderland Keane said that Liam Miller had been omitted from the Irish squad partly because he came from Cork and in Dublin yesterday, where he publicised Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, he showed that his comments on Miller had only been a warm-up tirade.
"I'm sure Steve [Staunton] will say, 'I'll pick what I think is the best team'," Keane said. "If they qualify, then fair enough, you can say 'I got it right'. It's your job as a manager. You've got to pick the right team, you've got to manage. But if you keep picking the same players who aren't performing all the time, that's insanity. You'll get the same results.
"We all know the players I'm talking about. There's a fine line between loyalty and stupidity. A very fine line.
"It will be like that against Wales. The four or five senior players have to step up to the plate. But they've been asked before. Look at some of our players at the bigger clubs. Robbie Keane is doing OK at Tottenham, John O'Shea is in and out at [Manchester] United, Duffer's at Newcastle with Shay. But none of these players at this moment in time are setting the world alight. Also Steve Finnan at Liverpool."
Keane added that the FAI had a lot to learn from the rugby and cricket people, and last month's skin-of-the-teeth win over San Marino did not impress him either. "If you're celebrating beating San Marino, then that worries me," he said. But he still thinks the Irish, who have already lost to Germany and Cyprus and drawn with the Czech Republic, will beat Wales. "Wales aren't that great," he said.

Wouldn't know about the anti-Cork bias but it's interesting. Harsh on Finnan and Given especially. He's still right about the FAI though.

[homer jay]

he should keep his views on staunton's team selection to himself. i'm sure he wouldn't be too pleased if someone started criticising his players. he's another alex ferguson in the making.

[Actin The Sham]

he should keep his views on staunton's team selection to himself. i'm sure he wouldn't be too pleased if someone started criticising his players. he's another alex ferguson in the making.

There's a fine line between loyalty and stupidity,




















a very fine line.

[Sound]

he should keep his views on staunton's team selection to himself. i'm sure he wouldn't be too pleased if someone started criticising his players. he's another alex ferguson in the making.

He laid into the FAI with the aul' 'fail to prepare stuff', saying that if you come out with stuff about 4 year plans then you are setting yourself up not to qualify.

Makes sense.

[Rebel Yell]

he should keep his views on staunton's team selection to himself. i'm sure he wouldn't be too pleased if someone started criticising his players. he's another alex ferguson in the making.

As a former captain of his country, I think he is better placed than almost any other to voice his opinions. He is only stating what is the view of many and in many ways his comments are far more an indictment of the 'Shamateurism' of the FAI again than any broadside at Stan.
If Stan uses the head, he can turn this into a challenge to his team to stand up and be counted...these next two games CAN certainly be won if we approach it in a determined manner.
I hope Stan responds by drilling this into his side. The next week will tell us a lot about the character of this Iriah manager and his side.

[POL]

As a former captain of his country, I think he is better placed than almost any other to voice his opinions. He is only stating what is the view of many and in many ways his comments are far more an indictment of the 'Shamateurism' of the FAI again than any broadside at Stan.
If Stan uses the head, he can turn this into a challenge to his team to stand up and be counted...these next two games CAN certainly be won if we approach it in a determined manner.
I hope Stan responds by drilling this into his side. The next week will tell us a lot about the character of this Iriah manager and his side.Keane is full of shit, If the cunt was such an genius, why did ManYoo fire him over his stupid remarks on their own television station? All of the players named - O' Shea, Richardson, Ferdinand - are still at the club. The way every fool in this county drools over his every word is ridicoulous

[homer jay]

He laid into the FAI with the aul' 'fail to prepare stuff', saying that if you come out with stuff about 4 year plans then you are setting yourself up not to qualify.

Makes sense.

yeah lay into the fai fair enough, but that's not what i'm saying. whether miller should be included in the team is staunton's decision (insert witty pun here). and criticising individual players like finnan, given & keane is out of order imo. but that's always been his way.

[Lamps]

Lest we forget Keane was a big part of the sham that was the Brian Kerr era, and played a full part in the collapse from a position of real strength in that group.

[Actin The Sham]

Jayziz, oi can't bleedin way for dis, wha?

Coom on Oireland, Ree-Pubble-Ick of Oireland where's me bleedin innflayrabull shamrock?


Soob-Mar-Ee-In Bar in Crooom-Lynn here we coom.


Oi luv Oireland Oi bleedin do.....


:silly:


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41834000/jpg/_41834352_irish416.j pg


Olé, olé, olé.......


*puke*

[homer jay]

oiy fookin hay dowse bleedin moopits. wit der aircom jeyrzeez not loike uz back in italee-aaa nointy wha? goood aul aupal wha?

[STEVIEG]

he's another alex ferguson in the making.

Hopefully

[homer jay]

Hopefully

i had a feeling yourself or ho chi would say something like that

[STEVIEG]

I wouldn't take much notice of the "he can't get a game cause he is from Cork" rants

Sounds almost tongue-in-cheek to me and put next to the Stokes is "different" cause he is from Dublin thing it's sounds like mischief ore than anything else

That said Miller probably should be in the squad and it's good to have a manager sticking up for his players

It's also good that a manager of Keane's potential looks increasingly not likely to ever go near the Republic of Ireland job.........

[Lamps]

It's also good that a manager of Keane's potential looks increasingly not likely to ever go near the Republic of Ireland job.........

why is this good?

[STEVIEG]

why is this good?

Personally, I'd prefer a manager of his potential to be available for a bigger job that is more important to me personally, i.e. Old Trafford

I wouldn't be the biggest fan of the Irish national team, though i obviously hope they do well, international football doesn't float my boat that much these days

[Forsberg]

Hopefully

Na . he wouldn't condone diving ;)

[STEVIEG]

Na . he wouldn't condone diving ;)

Maybe he is too good

[RonnyB]

Keane made some very good points but to question Steve Finnan and Shay is just stupid. Shay has been Irelands best player for years now and would get into most international teams. Finnan has been excellent this year for Liverpool and is one of the best (if not the best) right full back in the primership.

True on Given but remember Finnan played in Cyprus & hardly had a good game. He's doing ok nothing more nothing less.

Keane was right in his assessment of the senior players with the supposed talent (he didnt mention Kilbane because its obvious he does'nt have any) under-performing for Ireland & was right about Miller's exclusion but in saying all that he should shut up on the subject when he's not involved.

[liam2me]

True on Given but remember Finnan played in Cyprus & hardly had a good game. He's doing ok nothing more nothing less.

Keane was right in his assessment of the senior players with the supposed talent (he didnt mention Kilbane because its obvious he does'nt have any) under-performing for Ireland & was right about Miller's exclusion but in saying all that he should shut up on the subject when he's not involved.
how can you say he's not involved? he's irish, he's the manager of irish players and he's a soccer man through and through, i think he's more involved than mosts & certainly anyone on here thats for sure

[Philby]

how can you say he's not involved? he's irish, he's the manager of irish players and he's a soccer man through and through

Is this the same cricket-attending, cork hurler-motivating Royston that we all know and...well, know.

He is entitled to his opinion but he should've kept it to himself especially in the lead-up to an important set of games. He'd go nuts if the boot was on the other foot. Also I'd hope we don't see any mysterious niggling injuries appear for any Sunderland players when the insignificant friendlies roll around given that he is so driven on having them in the Irish squad.

[RonnyB]

how can you say he's not involved? he's irish, he's the manager of irish players and he's a soccer man through and through, i think he's more involved than mosts & certainly anyone on here thats for sure

All he says with regards the Irish set-up is spoken in neegative tone. Ok every fool on the street should know the the Irish team are playing poorly & are probably being managed poorly but that does'nt give Keane a right to go on every 5 minutes.

As for being involved more than any of us I wouldnt be so sure. He wont even attend a dinner for past players nor attend the game. Some on here actually care about the state of our national team (as for me I like to see them do well but wont lose sleep either way) and probably go to games. Just because Keane manages players in the squad at club level gives him no inside right to talk about the set up non stop.

to use a cliché at the end of the day if he gave a shite he'd accept his inviation to the game on Saturday.

[Actin The Sham]

Staunton hasn't a fucking clue.

[STEVIEG]

Is this the same cricket-attending, cork hurler-motivating Royston that we all know and...well, know.

He is entitled to his opinion but he should've kept it to himself especially in the lead-up to an important set of games. He'd go nuts if the boot was on the other foot. Also I'd hope we don't see any mysterious niggling injuries appear for any Sunderland players when the insignificant friendlies roll around given that he is so driven on having them in the Irish squad.

Hang em up and execute him he attends other sports events.........


And he contrubuted significantly to this country doing well on the field many times so he deserves better than that small time remark about injuries

[STEVIEG]

[QUOTE=RonnyB;1457019]
As for being involved more than any of us I wouldnt be so sure. He wont even attend a dinner for past players nor attend the game.


he was never in to backslapping events

[RonnyB]

[QUOTE=RonnyB;1457019]
As for being involved more than any of us I wouldnt be so sure. He wont even attend a dinner for past players nor attend the game.


he was never in to backslapping events

Thats fine. I was getting at the fact of him not going to the game more than the dinner.

[STEVIEG]

[QUOTE=STEVIEG;145703 0]

Thats fine. I was getting at the fact of him not going to the game more than the dinner.

True, but as he explained, it's a rare weekend that he gets to be with his family and that's what he choose

There are loads of people who will be expressing their opinion who won't be at the game

[Actin The Sham]

Is this the same cricket-attending, cork hurler-motivating Royston that we all know and...well, know.

He is entitled to his opinion but he should've kept it to himself especially in the lead-up to an important set of games. He'd go nuts if the boot was on the other foot. Also I'd hope we don't see any mysterious niggling injuries appear for any Sunderland players when the insignificant friendlies roll around given that he is so driven on having them in the Irish squad.

Spoken like a true Liverpool fan.....


http://www.sporting-heroes.net/files_football/BURROWS_David_1990_G H_R.jpg

[RonnyB]

There are loads of people who will be expressing their opinion who won't be at the game

not all of us were offered free tickets.

In many ways Keane is right but he should keep the outbursts to himself from now on. If it isn't poor squad picks its anti-Cork bias or slating the senior guys. He might be right but its becoming tedious.

[STEVIEG]

not all of us were offered free tickets.

In many ways Keane is right but he should keep the outbursts to himself from now on. If it isn't poor squad picks its anti-Cork bias or slating the senior guys. He might be right but its becoming tedious.



I saw the interviews in there full context and he made some great points


I think the anti-Cork thing was silly myself, and its him getting his own issues with once being left out as a youngster out of his system

This should fire up the players if anything

I don't have a problem with him slating the players

BTW, this is a classic Fergie move
he is taking attention away from his own team

[jimmy magee]

he's frustrated because the Irish team should be so much better/motivated.

The fact is that players underperform for whatever reason for the national team. Its rare a player plays top of his game when in green.

keane coming on the telly and stirring the shit up could easily serve as a motivator for those underperformers in question. Its like he is questioning them publicly to get a rise out of them.

hope it works

[Forsberg]

he was never in to backslapping events

When he was asked was Niall Quinn gonna attend , he responded with " I'm sure he will be , sure he's probably organised it"

:)

[Actin The Sham]

[QUOTE=RonnyB;1457038]

True, but as he explained, it's a rare weekend that he gets to be with his family and that's what he choose

There are loads of people who will be expressing their opinion who won't be at the game


Is Bobby Robson going, and if so will he be aware that he is at it?



;)

[nemesis]

Spoken like a true Liverpool fan.....


http://www.sporting-heroes.net/files_football/BURROWS_David_1990_G H_R.jpg

Doesn't that look like something out of that famous "ascent of man" pic?

http://www.kheper.net/evolution/ascentofman.jpg

[Actin The Sham]

Doesn't that look like something out of that famous "ascent of man" pic?

http://www.kheper.net/evolution/ascentofman.jpg



Actually now that you mention it, yes it does.

;)

[#11sully]

Roy was spot on with what he said. He was saying things the majority of the country are thinking but don't get the chance to vent their anger in public. Deleany, Staunton, and co are bricking it up in merion sq. waiting to be put in the firing line. That will be a good day. G'wan Roy biy, Let rip at those pr!cks.

[Langer Dan]

Roy was spot on with what he said. He was saying things the majority of the country are thinking but don't get the chance to vent their anger in public. Deleany, Staunton, and co are bricking it up in merion sq. waiting to be put in the firing line. That will be a good day. G'wan Roy biy, Let rip at those pr!cks.

surely a career in stand up comedy beckons....:p

[Philby]

BTW, this is a classic Fergie move
he is taking attention away from his own team

???? His team is Sunderland. There was no attention on Sunderland in the Irish media in the build up to this game until he opened his gob.

My injuries comment wasn't a jibe at Keane the player. I'm just saying that you can't have it both ways - pushing for your players to be in the squad & then pulling them out of the squad without due reason - lets see how things pan out.

[MonTheHoops]

Nothing worse than an ex-pro voicing his opinions on something that's nothing to do with him anymore. (See Paddy Crerard, the self-styled expert on Celtic who hasn't seen a game in 26 years)

If Ray Houghton said it he'd be dragged from pillar to post. How does this help our faltering cause?

[STEVIEG]

Philby, this has made the news accross the water too
Mon, Crerand said something taken out of context and his connection with Celtic entitles him to have an opinion, so does Keane's with Ireland

Unfortunately noone really gives a fuck about Ray Houghton

[ho chi feen]

How does this help our faltering cause?

Anything that might hasten the departure of Stan should be welcomed by all.

[STEVIEG]

On one hand people criticise the BBC and Sky and praise RTE for telling it like it is and shooting from the hip and not being bland


But when a player does it he is criticised

I think this criticism, Cork bias claims aside, should be welcomed

Maybe we would all be happier if he said "Stan is doing a great job and the lads are doing well".........

[ho chi feen]

Maybe we would all be happier if he said "Stan is doing a great job and the lads are doing well".........

What? You're saying he isn't, and that we're not?

Getouttahere...

[MonTheHoops]

No, to be fair, everyone knows the media will rip Stan to shreds if it's a loss. There's enough going on without ex-players adding their tuppeny bit. If the shoe was on the other foot, and Keane doing shite at Sunderland, then he'd tell the person exactly where to stick their opinion.

It's not black or white with me regarding the Keane thing, I can give him praise or criticise him depending on his actions. I think he's out of line here.

If Bobby Charlton criticised Ferguson tomorrow, whose corner would you be in?

[Forsberg]

No, to be fair, everyone knows the media will rip Stan to shreds if it's a loss. There's enough going on without ex-players adding their tuppeny bit. If the shoe was on the other foot, and Keane doing shite at Sunderland, then he'd tell the person exactly where to stick their opinion.

It's not black or white with me regarding the Keane thing, I can give him praise or criticise him depending on his actions. I think he's out of line here.

If Bobby Charlton criticised Ferguson tomorrow, whose corner would you be in?


Completely different situations ;

Firstly Bobby Charlton is part of the Utd set up and therefore any public criticism would be well out of order

Secondly Ferguson isn't doing his best to turn the club into a laughing stock. If he was , then I'm sure a lot of Ex Utd players would be publicly calling for his head .

For me , Keane has every right to say what he did and was spot on with everything he said.. How he'd react to other's criticising him is either here nor there. Stan has every right to come out and defend himself

[STEVIEG]

Yup, i'd agree with that

I thought Keanes criticism of United when he was with them should have been kept in-house and said it at the time
He definitely had some good points though

[MonTheHoops]

Completely different situations ;

Firstly Bobby Charlton is part of the Utd set up and therefore any public criticism would be well out of order

Secondly Ferguson isn't doing his best to turn the club into a laughing stock. If he was , then I'm sure a lot of Ex Utd players would be publicly calling for his head .

For me , Keane has every right to say what he did and was spot on with everything he said.. How he'd react to other's criticising him is either here nor there. Stan has every right to come out and defend himself


Fair enough.

So how about Kendall criticising Moyes. Or Tim Cahill.

I know Keane has a right to say what he said, I know Staunton can defend himself but I just don't like ex-players commenting on something that really has nothing to do with them. I include Billy McNeill in that. Yes he was spot on, but why say it in the first place? the media will use enough rope hanging Stan.

I really like Roy Keane, I like his style of management that he's shown to date and loved seeing him at Celtic but it just sounds petty if you ask me.

[Forsberg]

Fair enough.

So how about Kendall criticising Moyes. Or Tim Cahill.

.

Again not really comparable considering they're doing well but if Moyes had then going nowhere fast and Cahill wasn't putting in the effort then I'd encourage as much criticism as possile to either (a) give them a wake up call or(b) bully the board into doing something .


The thing is, this is an exceptional situation. Ireland are in a shamles . Everybody know it and anything that help in sorting it out (long term) is fine by me

[MonTheHoops]

The thing is, this is an exceptional situation. Ireland are in a shamles . Everybody know it and anything that help in sorting it out (long term) is fine by me

We're not disagreeing, but personally, because everyone knows it, I don't know why Keane felt the need to add a soundbyte.

I want Staunton out before the Wales game.

[ho chi feen]

We're not disagreeing, but personally, because everyone knows it, I don't know why Keane felt the need to add a soundbyte.

I want Staunton out before the Wales game.

Maybe a few more soundbites from others at the time Staunton was in line for the job and we wouldn't be in this bloody travesty of a mockery of a mess we're in.

[MonTheHoops]

Maybe a few more soundbites from others at the time Staunton was in line for the job and we wouldn't be in this bloody travesty of a mockery of a mess we're in.

Wonderful!

[Forsberg]

We're not disagreeing, but personally, because everyone knows it, I don't know why Keane felt the need to add a soundbyte.

I want Staunton out before the Wales game.


. The thing is the amount of publicity this press conference has generated has surely heaped more pressure on F.A.I . I just don't see it doing any harm especially considering a loss to Wales would probably be benificial in a kind of screwed up way

[STEVIEG]

"bloody travesty of a mockery of a mess"

heh heh classic signature worthy even

[doppellanger]

It's not black or white with me regarding the Keane thing, I can give him praise or criticise him depending on his actions. I think he's out of line here.

If Bobby Charlton criticised Ferguson tomorrow, whose corner would you be in?

I don't think he is out of line to speak his mind. Keane knows he has nothing to lose with the current setup of the FAI.

And comparisons with United are a moot point, United have a stadium, what do the FAI have? An expensive office in Merrion square and a sponsorship contract with Eircom.

The sooner the FAI is not recognised as representing Irish football and Roy Keane is acclaimed as President for life of the new body the Football Ireland Association and carried shoulder high through the streets of Dublin* the better.

*edit: preferably past the burnt out husk of Merrion Square

[Lamps]

Unfortunately noone really gives a fuck about Ray Houghton

Ray Houghton has done a heck of a lot more for Irish football that Roy Keane ever did

[POL]

Ray Houghton has done a heck of a lot more for Irish football that Roy Keane ever did
cue moronic "singlehandedly dragged us......." comments

[EDDIEB]

Ray Houghton has done a heck of a lot more for Irish football that Roy Keane ever did

Thats why there are SO many Ray Houghton appreciation threads on here to the Scotsman who scored the goals against England in Stuttgart and Italy in the U.S.A.and the time he..........??????? and that one time he.....???? :roll:

[Actin The Sham]

Ray Houghton has done a heck of a lot more for Irish football that Roy Keane ever did

Did he play for Dumpland with Paddy Cullen, or are you talking about that Jockanese little feen who used play soccer?

[Lamps]

Did he play for Dumpland with Paddy Cullen, or are you talking about that Jockanese little feen who used play soccer?

fair cop. thats the power of the media for you

[Lamps]

Thats why there are SO many Ray Houghton appreciation threads on here to the Scotsman who scored the goals against England in Stuttgart and Italy in the U.S.A.and the time he..........??????? and that one time he.....???? :roll:

Did you see the Stuttgart game?

[Rebelred]

from Ireland V Wales to Stan, to Keane, to Keane V Stan, to Stan V Keane, to Houghton V Keane, christ this is some thread for one thread.

[Actin The Sham]

fair cop. thats the power of the media for you

I know, they're starting to call it "footie" on some talk radio programmes now (Newstalk, Today FM): when will it end?

[Lamps]

I know, they're starting to call it "footie" on some talk radio programmes now (Newstalk, Today FM): when will it end?

I blame the parents

[Lamps]

from Ireland V Wales to Stan, to Keane, to Keane V Stan, to Stan V Keane, to Houghton V Keane, christ this is some thread for one thread.

Its hard lines when a scot cares more for this country that a corkman




Apart from the IRA joke that is

[STEVIEG]

Ray Houghton has done a heck of a lot more for Irish football that Roy Keane ever did

Noone cares what he thinks that was my point
You only decided to dedicate a thread to him now after about 500 Roy Keane ones:)

Roy Keane was involved in many significant games for ireland too remember

[SpongeBobgirl]

Offing Staunton now is one thing, but who in their right mind would actually WANT the job? Sure, there's plenty of feckin bar-stool managers who reckon they could so a better job than Stan, but are there any real candidates with the experience needed?

There not a bad team is just Stan cant inspire a team to do anything effective.You see them play,for instance, in the San Marino or Cyprus game and they had absolutely no game plan.If we had a "WORLD CLASS" manager then we'd be able to do something.

[ho chi feen]

Ray Houghton has done a heck of a lot more for Irish football that Roy Keane ever did

Sure it's well known that Ray Hpughton was the catalyst for the genesis report.

[STEVIEG]

Sure it's well known that Ray Hpughton was the catalyst for the genesis report.

Houghton, pictured yesterday, on the right

http://i5.tinypic.com/44b9754.jpg

[ho chi feen]

There not a bad team is just Stan cant inspire a team to do anything effective.You see them play,for instance, in the San Marino or Cyprus game and they had absolutely no game plan.If we had a "WORLD CLASS" manager then we'd be able to do something.

All this talk about us not having the players is horseshit, IMHO. We have more premiership players than at any time during Mick McCarthy's era, we have better players (as in a core of senior guys, not too old, but with a fair level of experience- notwithstanding the lack of a driving presence like Keane) than Mick McCarthy had before the World Cup 2002 campaign. We're not in a group that's anywhere near as tough as it's made out to be- a Germany side who's reputation is built more on the unusual attractiveness of their football (based on a World Cup campaign, at home, with an inspirational manager who's now been replaced by a dullard) than their actual foritude, an ageing Czech side who had a woeful world cup, an emerging side in Slovakia who aren't up to challenging for qualification at present, and dross like Cyprus, Wales and, especially, San Marino.

Jesus, under the new group system- less groups, more teams in each (which must mean tougher groups), no playoffs, qualification for the top two sides- this group should be seen as a god send. A genuinely good manager would be capable of taking us to the finals. A decet one, like Mick McCarthy, would be good enough to take us through, FFS.

4 year plan my arse.

[POL]

Is this what Roy Keane walked out on his country for five years ago? so Irish soccer could get to this state? he he he, mockery

[Sound]

Is this what Roy Keane walked out on his country for five years ago? so Irish soccer could get to this state? he he he, mockery

Proof please.

[Sound]

Lots of tickets around for this game. I hope it sells out at least.

[SpongeBobgirl]

Lots of tickets around for this game. I hope it sells out at least.

It probably wont cause people are being let down by this side and their manager and as a result people are being less supportive of the team.The people are going for a successful Ireland team in the Rugby team and, God help us,even the cricket..


If someone offered me a ticket for free I'd still say no to it, let alone it being in a magnificent stadium such as Croker.Asked me last year would I go to it.................. Absolutely.In a shot.

[PatMan]

Lots of tickets around for this game. I hope it sells out at least.

Where were/are these on sale?

[Edmund Blackwater]

It probably wont cause people are being let down by this side and their manager and as a result people are being less supportive of the team.The people are going for a successful Ireland team in the Rugby team and, God help us,even the cricket...

Just goes to show what a bunch of Jonnycomelately, bandwagon jumping, sunshine supporter, arse bandits rugby, cricket and soccer fans are.
The Gah is where it's at.

[SpongeBobgirl]

Just goes to show what a bunch of Jonnycomelately, bandwagon jumping, sunshine supporter, arse bandits rugby, cricket and soccer fans are.
The Gah is where it's at.

You gotta be joking me!

[ho chi feen]

Just goes to show what a bunch of Jonnycomelately, bandwagon jumping, sunshine supporter, arse bandits rugby and cricket fans are


Couldn't agree more.

[Eoin]

Just goes to show what a bunch of Jonnycomelately, bandwagon jumping, sunshine supporter, arse bandits rugby, cricket and soccer fans are.
The Gah is where it's at.

Yeah right, I hear there's massive crowds at the Cork footballers games these days. Even Munster finals V Kerry have very poor attendances compared to the hurling.

People in general are bandwagoners. You're always going to have the core support for a team, and when they're successful there'll be massive crowds at the games, and when they're not, the crowds will die down a bit.

In fairness to Irish soccer supporters, every single competitive game in Lansdowne for years has been a sell-out, regardless of the current performance of the team. If they can sell out croke park, or even get it 75-80 % full then thats still a massive increase on teh amount of people who were going to Lansdowne road, when the team is so obviously in the shitter, and will be for the foreseeable future, then how are they bandwagoners??

[jimmy magee]

proclaiming bandwagon is the new bandwagon

c'mon the lads!

[storysham]

im going to put my neck out and go for a 2-1 ireland win.

[Professor Piehead]

4-1 to Wales.

[satans little helper]

I would`nt let that fuckin` prick Staunton wash a car. He`s a complete moron. I`m gutted he`s the "world class" manager the FAI hired. This tool will be leading out the national team on to one of the greatest stadiums in the world , he`ll probably lock himself in the jax.Jesus wept.. what were they thinking. I hate this , but I don`t want Ireland to win today the quicker "the gaffer" goes the better!

[afeencalleddan]

Douglas plays instead of Kevin Doyle. I have laid Ireland on Betfair.

[RedCityKid]

Me 2. And I dont feel guilty about it. I hope Wales smash us

[afeencalleddan]

Me 2. And I dont feel guilty about it. I hope Wales smash usTo be honest I don't hope Wales smash us. I wasn't going to have a bet but the price has been falling all morning and the team selection was the icing on the cake. I've kept a little bit in reserve to lay more if Ireland take the lead.

[Superior]

You'd swear we were the world's worst team. And Wales the best.
Neither is true.

Ireland to win 2-0. Keane to score. And, sure while I'm at it, Kilbane as well.

[RedCityKid]

You'd swear we were the world's worst team. And Wales the best.
Neither is true.

Ireland to win 2-0. Keane to score. And, sure while I'm at it, Kilbane as well.

Well San Marino are the worst team in the world and we were haunted to beat them. Wales are poor too thats the only thing in Irelands favour

[afeencalleddan]

You'd swear we were the world's worst team. And Wales the best.
Neither is true.You're right but if you over complicate things and don't go out with the right plan then you'll play like you're the worst and make your opponents look good. That's what I think will happen today. What does it do for a team's morale to see a guy who's scoring goals in the Premiership being left out for a Championship water carrier in a home game against Wales? It shows that the manager doesn't trust his best players to go out and dominate the game and put it to bed before Wales get a sniff. It's pure bollocks.

[afeencalleddan]

It's happening already. Ireland are hit and hope because they have 2 grafters in the middle of the field whereas Wales are playing a bit of ball.

[chalkitdown]

This is terrible stuff.

[sixes]

terrible so far.......absolutely terrible

[Jim Comic]

great goal

1-0 (ireland)

[homer jay]

great goal

1-0 (ireland)

he took it nicely in the end. but his second touch was shit, and if the keeper was any better he woulda pounced on it. ah well.

terrible game, thank christ there was a goal (from anyone), should liven the game (and crowd) up.

[Jim Comic]

performances is woeful, stan clearly isn;'t inspiring confidence in the team, even if we win 87-0 he shoud still go

[sixes]

performances is woeful, stan clearly isn;'t inspiring confidence in the team, even if we win 87-0 he shoud still go

agreed

[afeencalleddan]

performances is woeful, stan clearly isn;'t inspiring confidence in the team, even if we win 87-0 he shoud still goYeah, the goal was a serious case of papering over the cracks. Slovakia aren't amazing I'm sure but I'd expect them to take advantage if Ireland start Wednesday's game as they started today's. I've laid more of Ireland at 1.3 but I'm not entirely sure Wales can score though Bellamy or Giggs could be gifted one yet.

[ho chi feen]

I don't think I can put myseld through the second half if this.

No atmosphere, no heart, no passion, no coherence, no conviction.

Jaysus, George is getting savage mileage out of this whole Stephen Ireland/Republic of Ireland thing. You'd swear he'd only noticed.

[storysham]

I don't think I can put myseld through the second half if this.

No atmosphere, no heart, no passion, no coherence, no conviction.

Jaysus, George is getting savage mileage out of this whole Stephen Ireland/Republic of Ireland thing. You'd swear he'd only noticed.

Ireland has scored a goal for Ireland in iIeland for the first time in Croke Park which is in Ireland.

who would have thought.

I didnt cheer when we scored, good goal but i felt deflated.

stan out

[homer jay]

i don't think they're playing too badly tbh. they've been controlling the game. wales are pretty poor, and we haven't had too many chances. they were completely out of shape with ireland and o'shea (:rolleyes: ) on the right. but they look a lot better now. they should take douglas off, ireland to the centre and doyler up front. keane is spending way too much time out of the box, even taking throws ffs, he should know better than that.

i can't see wales coming back into this at all*.











* there, i just jinxed it for you 'i want ireland to lose' turncoats.

[afeencalleddan]

Jaysus, George is getting savage mileage out of this whole Stephen Ireland/Republic of Ireland thing. You'd swear he'd only noticed.I'm fairly sure I heard George or Ray saying that Robinson (the Welsh midfielder) and Keane are great buddies off the field. Does he think that Keane's Spurs team mate Paul Robinson plays in midfield for Wales?

[ho chi feen]

I'm fairly sure I heard George or Ray saying that Robinson (the Welsh midfielder) and Keane are great buddies off the field. Does he think that Keane's Spurs team mate Paul Robinson plays in midfield for Wales?

Yeah, I was wondering what the fuck he was on about there...

[Mr Jefferson]

This game is so dull even my television is falling asleep

[Jim Comic]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzz

ft: 1-0

i've seen norwegian art-house movies that were more exciting than this game, appalling shite altogether.

[storysham]

shocking game altogether.

Georgie said it all. Ireland just about got away with that.

[Mr Jefferson]

How much did the fai raise the price of tickets again? I'd be asking for my money back if I was at that. Any pair of minor teams in the country would put on a better show than that.

[storysham]

How much did the fai raise the price of tickets again? I'd be asking for my money back if I was at that. Any pair of minor teams in the country would put on a better show than that.

raised the price 45% and made ya buy a ticket for the slovakia game with the welsh one.

[wayne gayle]

So much for Staunton's claim that the fans would "raise the roof of this place". There'd be a better atmosphere at the cross on a wet Wednesday night against Cobh.
I only watched it on the TV but did anyone think the pitch was bad?
The ball seemed to be bobbling a lot. You could it see when Ireland scored the goal.

[Mr Jefferson]

Steven Ireland gets man of the match and I've never seen anyone look more miserable

[wayne gayle]

Robbie Keane just said Wales "are a good side".FFS.

[storysham]

Robbie Keane just said Wales "are a good side".FFS.

Enjoy your night off on wednesday robbie, actually we might do a bit better with him suspended.

Dont forget slovakia are a world class team.

[wayne gayle]

Staunton just gave his after-match interview now. He pretty much admitted it wasn't a good performance so maybe he's learning.

[ho chi feen]

So much for Staunton's claim that the fans would "raise the roof of this place". There'd be a better atmosphere at the cross on a wet Wednesday night against Cobh.
I only watched it on the TV but did anyone think the pitch was bad?
The ball seemed to be bobbling a lot. You could it see when Ireland scored the goal.

Sounded much better on the radio in the second half than on the telly in the first half. I always think the crowd sound is shite on RTE TV broadcasts, but this was funereal.

[parrotbait]

Miserable match Stan got team selection and tactics all wrong.
1. Play O'shea at right back when you have the best right back in the premiership in your squad(Opta stats-wise that is, I think so too).
2. Playing O'Shea
3. Playing a good left winger on the right
4. Playing Douglas at all.
5. Not playing McGeady,should have been on instead of Douglas.
6. Not starting with Doyle
7. Playing Kevin 'One trick pony' Kilbane

This is the team I'd go for

-----------------GIven-------------------
Finnan----Dunne----O'Dea/McShane-----O'Shea(I hate myself for that)
McGeady------Carsley------Ireland------Duff
-----------Keane-------Doyle

Think thats a reasonable and balanced team, no-one playing out of position cept for O'Shea, I hate Ireland's managers constantly playing players like Duff on the wrong side

[Jim Comic]

Dont forget slovakia are a world class team.

and stan's a world class manager (according to delaney)

[ho chi feen]

Miserable match Stan got team selection and tactics all wrong.
1. Play O'shea at right back when you have the best right back in the premiership in your squad(Opta stats-wise that is, I think so too).
2. Playing O'Shea
3. Playing a good left winger on the right
4. Playing Douglas at all.
5. Not playing McGeady,should have been on instead of Douglas.
6. Not starting with Doyle
7. Playing Kevin 'One trick pony' Kilbane

This is the team I'd go for

-----------------GIven-------------------
Finnan----Dunne----O'Dea/McShane-----O'Shea(I hate myself for that)
McGeady------Carsley------Ireland------Duff
-----------Keane-------Doyle

Think thats a reasonable and balanced team, no-one playing out of position cept for O'Shea, I hate Ireland's managers constantly playing players like Duff on the wrong side

And don't forget, Staunton here => http://www.murdoch.edu.au/ciee/pages/Fall%202004/Prison%20Tour/Gallows.jpg

[Forsberg]

Jesus and there I was earlier , pissed off that I couldn't see it . Sounded dreadful

edit. What was the reaction from Dunphy and Co.?

[kevinbitzz]

not a great match at all, i think Ire deserved the win but at the end of the day wales were poor, we were slightly better, Stan will prob have to stay for the Euro qualiferiers, hopefully gone then, but its going to be very hard to attract a "top class manager" to take over the team, the team isn't great and the money available to the new man will be low enough compared to the english job (which to be truthfull is well above what it should be)

[ho chi feen]

not a great match at all, i think Ire deserved the win but at the end of the day wales were poor, we were slightly better, Stan will prob have to stay for the Euro qualiferiers, hopefully gone then, but its going to be very hard to attract a "top class manager" to take over the team, the team isn't great and the money available to the new man will be low enough compared to the english job (which to be truthfull is well above what it should be)

See, that's the thing. What's so bad about this team? A decent manager would able to get us through the group. This talk of the team being poor smacks of Stan and has acolytes getting their excuses in early.

[storysham]

See, that's the thing. What's so bad about this team? A decent manager would able to get us through the group. This talk of the team being poor smacks of Stan and has acolytes getting their excuses in early.

use english ho chi willa, i had to google that.

oh, for other who dont know what it means....

A devoted follower or attendant

[kevinbitzz]

See, that's the thing. What's so bad about this team? A decent manager would able to get us through the group. This talk of the team being poor smacks of Stan and has acolytes getting their excuses in early.

i think i'm like most people, looking at the team "on paper" and comparing them to england, france, italy etc. in squad terms, i know its a bad thing but thats what watching the Prem and other euopean leagues has done to the average supporter, i.e. me..... when the group draws were made germany, czech rep and possibly even slovakia all look stronger, most people would think Ireland and wales are close enough squad wise,
even with a top class manager it would be very hard qualify for the finals with the pool of players we have, although it has been done before so heres hoping

[ho chi feen]

use english ho chi willa, i had to google that.

oh, for other who dont know what it means....

A devoted follower or attendant

Tell your parents they need to ask CBC for a full refund. :)

[ho chi feen]

i think i'm like most people, looking at the team "on paper" and comparing them to england, france, italy etc. in squad terms, i know its a bad thing but thats what watching the Prem and other euopean leagues has done to the average supporter, i.e. me..... when the group draws were made germany, czech rep and possibly even slovakia all look stronger, most people would think Ireland and wales are close enough squad wise,
even with a top class manager it would be very hard qualify for the finals with the pool of players we have, although it has been done before so heres hoping

I don't think the Czechs or the Germans are any great shakes. I don't expect either to be featuring at the business end of the Euros next year.

[ho chi feen]

Cyprus leading Slovakia 1-0!

I think the Czechs will win tonight, but a Germany win would be a great result for us... or not, depending on your views of Stan.

[kevinbitzz]

I don't think the Czechs or the Germans are any great shakes. I don't expect either to be featuring at the business end of the Euros next year.

possibly not, but compared to the Irish squad? they both have to be fav's to be in the top 2 positions in the group, but i couldn't see Ireland making a bigger impact than either of them at Euro 2008 if they (miraculously) got through

[kevinbitzz]

Slovakia level 1-1 , 55'

[Philby]

Updated: March 23, 2007
New home, same old problems

Kevin Palmer
Archive (http://soccernet.espn.go.co m/columns/archive?columnist=8&root=euro2008&cc=5739)





Republic of Ireland 1 - 0 Wales

In a week when the shadow of Roy Keane hovered over Ireland's international squad once again, it was fitting that a boy hailing from county Cork etched his name in history as the first soccer player to score at Croke Park.
http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/images/jb2/irelandn_get275.jpg
GettyImages
Stephen Ireland was the fitting scorer at the Croker. Even if he is from Cork.



It should not be forgotten that Keane abandoned his country on the eve of the 2002 World Cup finals, but his determination to make his mark as he met the Irish media earlier this week resulted in a predictable storm. Wading into Steve Staunton and his faltering Ireland squad on the eve of their must win Euro 2008 qualifier against the Welsh, few involved in the current international set up escaped the wrath of the Sunderland manager.
His latest blast in the direction of Irish football administrators was all too predictable and probably justified, yet his accusation that players picked purely on their reputations and star names have let their country down in recent internationals rattled more than a few cages within the Ireland squad.
However, it was his claims that natives of his own county, the shoulder-chip outpost know as Cork, are not picked for the national team as a point of geographic principle that hit a raw nerve. The argument that Dubliners are favoured ahead of others at international level may have been true in yesteryear, but as Stephen Ireland waltzed through the Wales defence to open the scoring after 37 minutes, Keane's theory went up in smoke.
It was a classy goal to interrupt a truly awful international that summed up the demise suffered by the Welsh and Irish national teams in the last few years. Long gone are the days when these two sides sent a shiver of fear down the spines of the most illustrious of opponents as their recent slump in the FIFA rankings was reflected in this second rate game.
The first half an hour was a little like a training match between two sides who had been given the chance to play a friendly game to open a new stadium. Fine, Croke Park was making its debut as a soccer venue, but as this Euro 2008 qualifier was a must win game for both, the lack of urgency shown by the players was bizarre.
There were a few exceptions. Manchester City midfielder Ireland did his best to lift the tempo with a bustling display, while Irish captain Robbie Keane showed the sort of energy Damien Duff and Kevin Kilbane lacked.
Hated by many in the Irish media, Spurs hitman Keane did his best to lift his side with a whole hearted display and he was creator-in-chief for the game's only goal, as his perfect through ball set up Ireland for the a great winner.
A yellow card means Keane misses Wednesday night's qualifier against Slovakia and it brought plenty of sniping comments from those around me in the press box. One poison pen pusher was quick to claim the 'little upstart' had picked up the caution so that he could nip off to Dubai for a few days in the sun, but such abuse is harsh.
Keane was far from Ireland's worst player and hapless manager Staunton was the first to admit his team need to do much better if they are to have any hopes of forcing their way back into contention for a place in the Euro 2008 finals.
'It's a pleasing result, but I'm not going to pretend it was a great performance,' stated the nervy manager whose inability to handle a press conference with even a hint of charm was in evidence once again.
'We can hold onto the ball much better than that and we gave it away far too much in the second half, but we were comfortable at the back and have picked up a great win.
'The winning goal was fantastic and we just have to hope that the little knock Stephen Ireland picked up in the second half doesn't keep him out of the game on Wednesday night. He has been great for us in the last few games and the cool composure he showed in taking his goal was impressive.'
The Dublin media have been against Staunton from the start of his ill-judged reign as Ireland boss, so it's hardly surprising that more than a few had come to Croke Park ready to hammer the final nail into his creaking coffin. The 5-2 defeat in Cyprus and the near calamity as they scrambled victory against San Marino last month has left few in any doubt that the manager without an ounce of personality is the wrong man for the job, but he seems determined to carry on.
'I don't expect people to stop criticising me just because we have won a game,' added Staunton with a nervy smile.
'Everyone thinks they are an expert and likes to have an opinion of what I should or shouldn't be doing. We just have to win the home games and see where that takes us. We have a few points in the bag now and the table is looking a little bit better for us, but there is a hell of a long way to go in this qualifying campaign.'
Even in victory, Staunton looked to be struggling to take much satisfaction after game that failed to catch fire and his opposite number seemed equally uninspired.
'The first half was as bad as we have performed in my time in charge,' said John Toshack.
'I couldn't really explain what I was seeing and we could have no complaints about going in a goal behind. Ireland took his goal very well, so credit to him for that.
'We did better after the break, but if I'm being honest, it was difficult to see how we were going to score a goal. We lacked the invention required to open up sides at this level.'
Perhaps the biggest winner on a day when the beautiful game was nowhere to be seen was the magnificent venue staging the game.
Some ancient grievances needed to be overcome before rugby and soccer could be played at Croke Park and it was well worthwhile as this stadium is a jewel in the Irish crown. With this immaculate stadium situated in the heart of Dublin, there should be no need to redevelop the creaking wreck that was their old home at Lansdowne Road.
It's something of a tragedy that Ireland's brief stay at Croker comes at a time when the nation cannot provide a soccer team or a manager fit to grace this fine stage, but you can't have everything in life.
As Roy Keane never tires of reminding us, this is one national team who specialise in settling for second best.

http://soccernet.espn.go.co m/columns/story?id=416586&root=euro2008&cc=5739&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos3

[jimmy magee]

hunt looked nice and lively
why was doyle benched?
finnan isnt a left back
duff again looking nothing like his past self
wales absolutely terrible

[Langer Dan]

hunt looked nice and lively
why was doyle benched?
finnan isnt a left back
duff again looking nothing like his past self
wales absolutely terrible

tis like a native american match analysis:-P

'Keane runs aimlessly'

[Lamps]

I liked the Welsh not British flag

Ulster jocks take note

[Actin The Sham]

I think Robbie Keane is a good honest hard working professional, the idea that some jumped up little shit in the Dumpland media could refer to him as a "little upstart" is a disgrace.

He is Ireland's top scorer, and on saturday he set up the goal, and also set up Kevin Doyle to hit the woodwork.

Staunton is a muppet.

[Sound]

It was a stark contrast to the rugby.

[Actin The Sham]

I liked the Welsh not British flag

Ulster jocks take note


It would have been better if it had been written in Welsh, and not English.

[Lamps]

It was a stark contrast to the rugby.

Rugby is the gayest of all sports

[Lamps]

It would have been better if it had been written in Welsh, and not English.

No it wouldn't.

[Actin The Sham]

No it wouldn't.


Yes it would.

[Sound]

I think Robbie Keane is a good honest hard working professional, the idea that some jumped up little shit in the Dumpland media could refer to him as a "little upstart" is a disgrace.

He is Ireland's top scorer, and on saturday he set up the goal, and also set up Kevin Doyle to hit the woodwork.

Staunton is a muppet.

He is honest etc but I'd prefer if he'd use his brain and not drift out to the flanks when he's the furthest forward, proceed to not hold it up and then cross to nobody.

[Sound]

Rugby is the gayest of all sports

Is that ghey or gay?

[Lamps]

Is that ghey or gay?

depends on the light

[jimmy magee]

tis like a native american match analysis:-P

'Keane runs aimlessly'

you could add this to my summary i suppose.