Eddie poised for €500,000 pay-off................. .......... .....in all fairness like

[wunhunglo]

By Charlie Mulqueen
ANOTHER week or so and Eddie O’Sullivan’s reign as Ireland coach will be over.
Negotiations are taking place between the IRFU and O’Sullivan’s representatives ..........will agree a package close to €500,000 (about a year and a half’s salary) to compensate for the termination of the coach’s controversial four-year contract........

Negotiations !!...........oh my. The IRFU, have they any idea at all.

Laughable.

[raZor]

They have noone to blame but themselves anyway.
I wonder does EOS still think he's a shoe in for the Lions job?

[Bennyton]

fucks sake, watta waste of money!

[MonTheHoops]

By Charlie Mulqueen
ANOTHER week or so and Eddie O’Sullivan’s reign as Ireland coach will be over.
Negotiations are taking place between the IRFU and O’Sullivan’s representatives ..........will agree a package close to €500,000 (about a year and a half’s salary) to compensate for the termination of the coach’s controversial four-year contract........

Negotiations !!...........oh my. The IRFU, have they any idea at all.

Laughable.

How else are they suposed to break his contract?

[LawrenceSummers]

cant they just give him another job, cleaning boots or sumfin, carrying water that kinda thing

[MonTheHoops]

I don't get the confusion. They gave him a contract, they now want him to leave before his contract expires and the two must now come to an agreement. Eddie's agent will have every kind of expense in the book claimed for, the IRFU's solicitor will have the lowest figure possible to hand him and the two will battle away to reach a compromise.

If the IRFU handled it any other way they really wouldn't know what they were doing.

[Tube a Pringles]

This is excellent news for Youghal.

Best thing to happen the place since the carpet factory closed.

[STEVIEG]

I reckon they should give him a bit of time








In fairness, he has turned it round







Just the wrong way

[mirps]

This is excellent news for Youghal.

Best thing to happen the place since the carpet factory closed.

No, no, no. That would have been the opening of Supermacs.

[liam2me]

THE hunt is on. A few weeks after the FAI's tortuous selection process for the Ireland soccer job finally ended (although howls of indignation from spurned candidates are still ringing out), the IRFU are about to embark on their own search following Eddie O'Sullivan's fall from grace.


Should the Union part with O'Sullivan, ideally, they should have their man and backroom staff in place in time for Ireland's southern hemisphere trip in June, which gives them just over two months, but if that is not sufficient time, they will look to appoint an interim coach, with Niall O'Donovan, Michael Bradley and possibly even Matt Williams helping out.

Either way, one hopes the IRFU have learned from observing the mistakes of their soccer counterparts and endeavour to wrap up the process as swiftly as possible.

THE IRISH CANDIDATES

Declan Kidney

Pros: The natural successor. Proven record at all levels, Kidney knows Irish rugby top to bottom. He has also demonstrated his ability to nurture young talent and rather than lead in an autocratic way, likes to surround himself with knowledge.

Cons: None, beyond the fact that if the IRFU are looking for a fresh voice, Kidney's may be over-familiar to many of the Irish squad, particularly the Munster contingent.

Outside factors: The perception is that there are union blazers who will not touch Kidney because he ruffled blazer feathers during the Leinster-Dragons-Munster saga. Such prejudices hark back to the amateur era and should have no relevance nor does the apparent antipathy of the Leinster players. If he is the best man for the job, give it to yer man, if some players don't like it -- there's the door.

Michael Bradley

Pros: Highly respected in the game, has done well in patches with Connacht despite working with meagre resources. Tends to produce good packs.

Cons: The job looks too big for yer man, and Connacht being bottom of the Magners League and Bradley overseeing Ireland As' thrashing by Scotland does not make for a strong CV.

Outside factors: Extremely well connected in the IRFU.

Niall O'Donovan

Pros: Well-respected, well-liked forwards expert who turned Ireland into the world's premier lineout exponents for a few seasons.

Cons: Has limited experience of being the top man and, like Bradley, the gig looks too big for the Shannon man.

Outside factors: Contract with IRFU is up shortly and Jim Williams' departure means Munster will be looking in O'Donovan's direction.

Brian Smith

Pros: Technically an Australian but Smith played out half for Ireland in the early 1990s. Has done a good job with London Irish, who have played some scintillating rugby during his time in charge -- if he got the Ireland gig, Bob Casey might even get another cap.

Cons: Can be tetchy with media and authority and mid-table English Premiership to international management is a massive leap.

Outside factors: Not remembered fondly in Ireland where many see yer man as a nationality-switching mercenary who left Ireland in the lurch to chase rugby league money.

THE FOREIGNERS

Jake White

Pros: The leading candidate. White overcame incredible pressures in South Africa, where he was pilloried as much as praised, to plot the Springboks steady progress to the World Cup title. Tough, intelligent and driven.

Cons: Covets the England job and may not see Ireland as a big enough gig. Has also said he would be interested in coaching the Lions against his countrymen next year (although why he would want to subject himself to that level of abuse is unclear).

Outside factors: Brian Ashton's future with England is still up in the air and Ireland can strike as England dither. Also going through a messy divorce in South Africa which could delay his availability.

Wayne Smith

Pros: Has experience of the toughest job in rugby after his stint as head coach to the All Blacks and has worked as assistant to Graham Henry in recent years. Knows the European game from his time with Northampton. An expert on back play.

Cons: Did not shine when head coach of New Zealand or Northampton.

Outside factors: May be reluctant to relocate to Europe once again.

John Mitchell

Pros: Under-rated head coach of the All Blacks who excelled with Mitchell in charge until stunned by Australia in the 2003 World Cup semi-final. Close association with Ireland after playing for Garryowen and a stint as Ireland assistant coach in the 1990s.

Cons: None, would be a superb appointment.

Outside factors: Doing well with Western Force and may not be inclined to leave.

Mike Ruddock

Pros: Knows the Irish game having coached Leinster. Led Wales to Grand Slam in 2005.

Cons: Was undone by player power at Wales which has weakened his reputation as an authority figure.

Outside factors: Is happy out of the spotlight and, after the intensity that surrounded his unsavoury departure from the Welsh job, may prefer to stay in the shadows.

WILDCARD

Dean Richards

Pros: Fantastic CV that includes four Premierships and two Heineken Cups with Leicester.

Cons: None, but may not be considered a big enough name by the IRFU.

Outside factors: Spoke out strongly in defence of Ashton, condemning Lawrence Dallaglio and Mike Catt for turning on their coach after the World Cup. Has been linked with a position in the England set-up.

[POL]

an amateur sport ran amateurs, the GAA make a laughing stock out of it

[Redshirter]

cant they just give him another job, cleaning boots or sumfin, carrying water that kinda thing

Sure that was what his job was in rugby before he met Warren Gatland cleaning the toilets in the Galway rugby club

[Echoboy]

By Charlie Mulqueen
ANOTHER week or so and Eddie O’Sullivan’s reign as Ireland coach will be over.
Negotiations are taking place between the IRFU and O’Sullivan’s representatives ..........will agree a package close to €500,000 (about a year and a half’s salary) to compensate for the termination of the coach’s controversial four-year contract........

Negotiations !!...........oh my. The IRFU, have they any idea at all.

Laughable.

Seriously though, how did you think it was going to work?

[Liathroidi Mor]

THE hunt is on. A few weeks after the FAI's tortuous selection process for the Ireland soccer job finally ended (although howls of indignation from spurned candidates are still ringing out), the IRFU are about to embark on their own search following Eddie O'Sullivan's fall from grace.


Should the Union part with O'Sullivan, ideally, they should have their man and backroom staff in place in time for Ireland's southern hemisphere trip in June, which gives them just over two months, but if that is not sufficient time, they will look to appoint an interim coach, with Niall O'Donovan, Michael Bradley and possibly even Matt Williams helping out.

Either way, one hopes the IRFU have learned from observing the mistakes of their soccer counterparts and endeavour to wrap up the process as swiftly as possible.

THE IRISH CANDIDATES

Declan Kidney

Pros: The natural successor. Proven record at all levels, Kidney knows Irish rugby top to bottom. He has also demonstrated his ability to nurture young talent and rather than lead in an autocratic way, likes to surround himself with knowledge.

Cons: None, beyond the fact that if the IRFU are looking for a fresh voice, Kidney's may be over-familiar to many of the Irish squad, particularly the Munster contingent.

Outside factors: The perception is that there are union blazers who will not touch Kidney because he ruffled blazer feathers during the Leinster-Dragons-Munster saga. Such prejudices hark back to the amateur era and should have no relevance nor does the apparent antipathy of the Leinster players. If he is the best man for the job, give it to yer man, if some players don't like it -- there's the door.

Michael Bradley

Pros: Highly respected in the game, has done well in patches with Connacht despite working with meagre resources. Tends to produce good packs.

Cons: The job looks too big for yer man, and Connacht being bottom of the Magners League and Bradley overseeing Ireland As' thrashing by Scotland does not make for a strong CV.

Outside factors: Extremely well connected in the IRFU.

Niall O'Donovan

Pros: Well-respected, well-liked forwards expert who turned Ireland into the world's premier lineout exponents for a few seasons.

Cons: Has limited experience of being the top man and, like Bradley, the gig looks too big for the Shannon man.

Outside factors: Contract with IRFU is up shortly and Jim Williams' departure means Munster will be looking in O'Donovan's direction.

Brian Smith

Pros: Technically an Australian but Smith played out half for Ireland in the early 1990s. Has done a good job with London Irish, who have played some scintillating rugby during his time in charge -- if he got the Ireland gig, Bob Casey might even get another cap.

Cons: Can be tetchy with media and authority and mid-table English Premiership to international management is a massive leap.

Outside factors: Not remembered fondly in Ireland where many see yer man as a nationality-switching mercenary who left Ireland in the lurch to chase rugby league money.

THE FOREIGNERS

Jake White

Pros: The leading candidate. White overcame incredible pressures in South Africa, where he was pilloried as much as praised, to plot the Springboks steady progress to the World Cup title. Tough, intelligent and driven.

Cons: Covets the England job and may not see Ireland as a big enough gig. Has also said he would be interested in coaching the Lions against his countrymen next year (although why he would want to subject himself to that level of abuse is unclear).

Outside factors: Brian Ashton's future with England is still up in the air and Ireland can strike as England dither. Also going through a messy divorce in South Africa which could delay his availability.

Wayne Smith

Pros: Has experience of the toughest job in rugby after his stint as head coach to the All Blacks and has worked as assistant to Graham Henry in recent years. Knows the European game from his time with Northampton. An expert on back play.

Cons: Did not shine when head coach of New Zealand or Northampton.

Outside factors: May be reluctant to relocate to Europe once again.

John Mitchell

Pros: Under-rated head coach of the All Blacks who excelled with Mitchell in charge until stunned by Australia in the 2003 World Cup semi-final. Close association with Ireland after playing for Garryowen and a stint as Ireland assistant coach in the 1990s.

Cons: None, would be a superb appointment.

Outside factors: Doing well with Western Force and may not be inclined to leave.

Mike Ruddock

Pros: Knows the Irish game having coached Leinster. Led Wales to Grand Slam in 2005.

Cons: Was undone by player power at Wales which has weakened his reputation as an authority figure.

Outside factors: Is happy out of the spotlight and, after the intensity that surrounded his unsavoury departure from the Welsh job, may prefer to stay in the shadows.

WILDCARD

Dean Richards

Pros: Fantastic CV that includes four Premierships and two Heineken Cups with Leicester.

Cons: None, but may not be considered a big enough name by the IRFU.

Outside factors: Spoke out strongly in defence of Ashton, condemning Lawrence Dallaglio and Mike Catt for turning on their coach after the World Cup. Has been linked with a position in the England set-up.

Well put together Liam...........Very valid points on everyone. My favourites would be White or Mitchell. The problem is there's not much coming through the ranks for the next 5 years at least. There needs to be alot of development work done!! Any coach appointed now won't get to see the fruits of their labour!!!

Just ask Warren Gatland!!

[Coin]

Well put together Liam...........Very valid points on everyone. My favourites would be White or Mitchell. The problem is there's not much coming through the ranks for the next 5 years at least. There needs to be alot of development work done!! Any coach appointed now won't get to see the fruits of their labour!!!

Just ask Warren Gatland!!
Never knew Liam worked for the Indo.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-hunt-begins-1320306.html

[liam2me]

Never knew Liam worked for the Indo.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-hunt-begins-1320306.html
me neither, would like to get paid for it if i do!!!

blatantly wasn't something i wrote

[liam2me]

it's all crumbling down around eddie, another one after easterbunny leaves the set-up, this time a backroom member

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/7300624.stm

with a second off to the AB's set-up

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/7301461.stm

[Tube a Pringles]

It would be Mitchell for me. I would also like to see Kidney and Donovan having roles.

[STEVIEG]

It would be Mitchell for me.

http://i31.tinypic.com/2s9b0hi.jpg

It could lead to some Fitztastic motivation

[POL]

Clive Woodward is the man we need

[Tube a Pringles]

Clive Woodward is the man we need

Or Edward Woodward - The Equalizer.

The bauld Clive wouldn't click with our bunch at all.

Things started to go tits up for Ireland when Ford went back to the mainland......

[POL]

A coach coming from the overlords on the mainland is exactly what Arland needs to get its pride back

[STEVIEG]

Or Edward Woodward - The Equalizer.


Triple Crown my arse

there's gonna be changes round here

http://i26.tinypic.com/ac7w5v.jpg

[STEVIEG]

A coach coming from the overlords on the mainland is exactly what Arland needs to get its pride back

I know just the man






















http://i28.tinypic.com/106kqdz.jpg

[Coin]

with a second off to the AB's set-up

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/7301461.stm

This article says the guy is highly regarded. Wasn't the strength and conditioning of the Irish team not up to scratch during the world cup?

[liam2me]

another one gone

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/7304746.stm

[Eoin]

another one gone

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/7304746.stm

Ah, he was never in Eddies plans in fairness. Shame, a great player wasted.

[liam2me]

Ah, he was never in Eddies plans in fairness. Shame, a great player wasted.

thats the point

[Coogee]

Ah, he was never in Eddies plans in fairness. Shame, a great player wasted.

In fact he was once very much in Eddies plans...won 25 odd straight caps from June 2002 until summer 2004 when injury forced him out for over a year and he never really found his pre injury form again.