'International Football Consultant'

Nunu

I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Another €250,000 of the taxpayers money down the drain. The FAI have no moral fibre whatsoever. Good luck Steve. I pity you having to work for these fools.

Third_Echelon

tax payers money?

anywho... I had to laugh at Bobby Robson's title alright.. 'International football consultant'. I reckon he didn't want an assistant manager title..

I would like to see staunton prove everyone wrong. Who knows? It could work really well. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens!

Nunu

I presume a large chunk of the FAI's money is funded by the Government? Maybe I'm wrong?
Anyway......

Staunton confirmed as new Republic boss
13/01/2006 - 14:54:44
http://breaking.tcm.ie/2006/01/13/story239512.html

Steve Staunton has been confirmed as the new manager of the Republic of Ireland.

Due to Staunton’s lack of managerial experience, he will be assisted by Bobby Robson, with the former England manager taking up a position as ‘international football consultant’.

Staunton’s backroom team includes Kevin MacDonald as coach, with the 45-year-old retaining his role as Aston Villa reserve-team manager, and former Republic number one Alan Kelly as goalkeeping coach.

The Football Association of Ireland's decision ends a three-month search after opting not to renew Brian Kerr's contract following his failure to guide Ireland to this summer's World Cup finals.

A host of high-profile names had previously been linked with the vacancy, notably Martin O’Neill, Alex Ferguson and Terry Venables.

But the FAI have instead opted for an unlikely double act in Staunton - Ireland’s most-capped player with 102 appearances to his name – and Robson.

Staunton said: “I’m delighted and proud to be appointed Irish international team manager.

“I know that the calibre of the team I have will bring a huge range of experience and talent to the challenges that lie ahead. I can’t wait to get started.

“I hope that the drive, passion and commitment that we have can reflect the Irish fans’ real love for the game and have an impact, not just on the squad, but on the nation.”
click here...

Staunton celebrates his 37th birthday in six days time, while Robson will be 73 next month, with his experience seen as crucial.

Robson said “I am really looking forward to working with the new manager and his team.

“Steven’s record and reputation speak for themselves and I am delighted t help and advise Steven in any way he sees fit.

“I am totally confident the Irish international team has a really bright future.”

Although Staunton is regarded as a hero by supporters after a 13-year international career that included three World Cups, news of his impending appointment this past week has been met with a lukewarm response.

But FAI chief executive John Delaney is confident the duo can deliver.

“Steven has impressed people for many years with his attitude, commitment, dedication and his unrivalled knowledge of the dressing room,” said Delaney.

“He is highly respected, a natural motivator and I am confident he will make an excellent manager.

“Bobby brings a magnificent wealth of experience to his role as advisor in addition to his renowned passion and enthusiasm for the game.

“His knowledge, experiencand advice will be a valuable asset to Steven.

“The combination of talents, experience, knowledge, motivational skills and passion which this team brings to the management of the senior squad is utterly compelling.”

BillyBoy

I'm kinda suprised that he got rid of Packie as goalkeeping coach. Thought they would be mates after playing together. Maybe he just wants to put his own stamp in things.

johnor

Is packie still working for the fai so? he was doing some youth development thing as well wasnt he? where was alan kelly coaching?

whiskeyman

http://www.fai.ie/article004.html
A bit off topic, but worth a notice.... the above is the FAIs official press release.
Notice that "Sir" has been used every time for Bobby Robson.
Such heraldic titles have no relevance in our jurisdiction (ie - Tony O'Reilly is never called Sir unless his rival media competitors like to wind him up).
I think most of the media here haven't really used it yet.
It'll be interesting to see who keeps the "Sir" and who leaves it out.

(Btw, let me make it clear, that this isnt an anti British / Royalty thing).

just checked Irish news sites and none seems to have used the title...

smackbunnybaby

i will never refer to him as sir
robby bobson will do

edit - can i also add it is not anti british either, he earned that title in his own country not this one

el rabitos

ever get the feeling theres 100 monkeys typing on 100 typewriters in the FAI offices?

super_furry

Why the **** didn't they just do the sensible thing and go for Venables? Even if they do get lucky and Staunton proves to be a hit, it will have nothing to do with Delaney and his cronies.

Guy:Incognito

super_furry wrote:

Why the **** didn't they just do the sensible thing and go for Venables? Even if they do get lucky and Staunton proves to be a hit, it will have nothing to do with Delaney and his cronies.

Because they are too greedy to part with a few extra quid. It might put their first class trip to the World Cup in jeopardy.

Chucky the tree

YOus salte the FAI for spending money on getting bobby robson in, then slate them for not spending any to get Venables?

makes sense...