Off The Ball Official Thread <Mod Note - Post #1, #533, #6651>

u140acro3xs7dm

NIMAN wrote: »

All the more reason he should tell us what he knows and distance himself from the foundation asap

Usually prepared statements are read out by people with things to hide.

Or people that have been threatened by the FAI's legal people.

Ahwell

Giselle Future Blouse wrote: »

Or people that have been threatened by the FAI's legal people.

No, his own legal people are taking an action against The Times. He claims there were inaccuracies in the article, which on the face of it would be easy to prove. He says he will answer questions when the legal situation is resolved. It's all perfectly understandable under the circumstances.

jeremyj1968

Gilroy on his soap boxing this morning about the Giles story. Suggests the fact that such a great man as Giles has been forced to read a statement to defend himself shows just how badly run the organisation has been.

He should have just stayed out of it and wait for Giles to answer the questions.

Tell me how

jeremyj1968 wrote: »

Gilroy on his soap boxing this morning about the Giles story. Suggests the fact that such a great man as Giles has been forced to read a statement to defend himself shows just how badly run the organisation has been.

He should have just stayed out of it and wait for Giles to answer the questions.

Maybe, but, if he had said nothing, they'd probably be accused of keeping their head in the sand because of Giles working with them.

Will we ever know the full truth? A lot of former professionals had been very free with their praise of Delaney in the past, given what we know now, you can't help but wonder what motivated that praise.

Did he actually do anything with the interest of football development in mind?

Abel Ruiz

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

Giles statement was pretty damn strange

No it wasnt. His solicitor told him to say that.
How about waiting until we know before trying to put the knife in.

Why do you hate him? Because he is a dub?

jeremyj1968

Tell me how wrote: »

Maybe, but, if he had said nothing, they'd probably be accused of keeping their head in the sand because of Giles working with them.

Giles said that he wasn't prepared to make a statement on the thing, so I think it would have been better not to take sides or set a narrative.

I did feel a bit sorry for Giles, he's not getting any younger and I think it's taking a bit of a toll on him. Sounded pretty dejected.

Murdoc90

It's pretty clear Giles has put his name to something he was misled over. Careless yes, maybe too naive. Don't think we should be wielding pitchforks until the facts come out. I think if it was up to John he'd have cleared it all last night. I'm not his biggest fan as a pundit but he does come across as honest and up front as the day is long.

expectationlost

jeremyj1968 wrote: »

Gilroy on his soap boxing this morning about the Giles story. Suggests the fact that such a great man as Giles has been forced to read a statement to defend himself shows just how badly run the organisation has been.

He should have just stayed out of it and wait for Giles to answer the questions.

confused what show are you talking about ? https://www.offtheball.com/podcasts/otb-am

jeremyj1968

expectationlost wrote: »

confused what show are you talking about ? https://www.offtheball.com/podcasts/otb-am

Yeah he said it on the YouTube morning show. Gilroy wasn't in studio last night when the interview / statement took place. So this was his first opportunity to get his spoke in.

jeremyj1968

Murdoc90 wrote: »

It's pretty clear Giles has put his name to something he was misled over. Careless yes, maybe too naive.

Yeah this is my reading of it too. But I think at this point the association with the FAI may be too toxic for the foundation to keeping running as it is. John said last night that he hopes to continue the good work that the foundation is doing. But I think as long as the association with the FAI is there, he is only one step away from the next "big story" in the Sunday papers.

Murdoc90

Murdoc90 wrote: »

It's pretty clear Giles has put his name to something he was misled over. Careless yes, maybe too naive. Don't think we should be wielding pitchforks until the facts come out. I think if it was up to John he'd have cleared it all last night. I'm not his biggest fan as a pundit but he does come across as honest and up front as the day is long.

I don't know whether I agree with you or not. I'd like to agree, but being a nice guy, and having your heart in the right place, doesn't excuse you from your responsibility as the trustee or chairperson. That responsibility is towards upholding the law, certainly, but also to the donors -- many of them kids; and thereafter to other charities, that the designation of being a charity is not sullied or spoiled by unscrupulous practices.

It's a serious responsibility. It should be taken seriously. If Giles didn't know about the payments, he needs to clarify why he didn't.

Dots1982

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

I don't know whether I agree with you or not. I'd like to agree, but being a nice guy, and having your heart in the right place, doesn't excuse you from your responsibility as the trustee or chairperson. That responsibility is towards upholding the law, certainly, but also to the donors -- many of them kids; and thereafter to other charities, that the designation of being a charity is not sullied or spoiled by unscrupulous practices.

It's a serious responsibility. It should be taken seriously. If Giles didn't know about the payments, he needs to clarify why he didn't.

Giles should defend himself against any accusations that have been leveled against him. What he is being accused of (to my knowledge) is saying that the FAI got 10 million from UEFA for the walk of dreams idea. He has refuted this as a lie so he has defended himself against those allegations.

Can anybody help me with what else exactly he is being accused of?

Or is that about it and there is a desire from some to act as fearless Paul Kimmage types while chasing a story that doesn’t exist...

expectationlost

Dots1982 wrote: »

Giles should defend himself against any accusations that have been leveled against him. What he is being accused of (to my knowledge) is saying that the FAI got 10 million from UEFA for the walk of dreams idea. He has refuted this as a lie so he has defended himself against those allegations.

Can anybody help me with what else exactly he is being accused of?

he is not being accused of anything, the ST didn't accuse him anything but refusing to talk to them, any payments to Martin from FAI funds probably exist entirely outside the Foundation https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/fai-paid-john-giles-s-pal-300-000-for-foundation-and-walk-idea-t8fcvf2xc The ST reported things that Martin said and things written in FAI minutes

Beechwoodspark

Abel Ruiz wrote: »

No it wasnt. His solicitor told him to say that.
How about waiting until we know before trying to put the knife in.

Why do you hate him? Because he is a dub?

I don’t hate him whatsoever. I listen to his contributions on otb regularly. Like a lot of ppl have said, for years he was one of the best football analysts in the media.

It’s very odd that the FAI supposedly paid this acquaintance of his 5 k a month over a period of time.

jeremyj1968

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

It’s very odd that the FAI supposedly paid this acquaintance of his 5 k a month over a period of time.

*ahem* .. "I was friends with the former League Of Ireland player, Con Martin, but we had a serious falling out a number of years ago and we are no longer friends". :pac:



note: that's paraphrased but gives the jist of what John himself said in his statement.

expectationlost

jeremyj1968 wrote: »

*ahem* .. "I was friends with the former League Of Ireland player, Con Martin, but we had a serious falling out a number of years ago and we are no longer friends". :pac:



note: that's paraphrased but gives the jist of what John himself said in his statement.

yes he did say that but when was it before or after these payments started? (or is this what the falling out was about? I suspect it is)

but they were friends for a very long time and Giles wouldn't speak to the reporters to clarify the current status and gives them a chance to report that.

Con Martin Sr was friends with Giles' father https://books.google.ie/books?id=lUNt5ZU5LFYC&pg=PA1948-IA4&lpg=PA1948-IA4&dq=%22con+martin%22+john+%22giles%22+-%22walk+of+dreams%22&source=bl&ots=GHukMjKUAh&sig=ACfU3U0coLz2iJvOl7L1cQ90tAQKdsc5lg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi_xMHO1aPkAhXHasAKHc_bBn04ChDoATAHegQICRAB Giles bought Mick Martin (Con Sr's son) while managing West Brom https://books.google.ie/books?id=lUNt5ZU5LFYC&pg=PT110&dq=%22john+giles%22+%22mick+martin%22+20,000&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiV3sPvma3kAhWLOcAKHWyhBocQ6AEIKjAA#v=onepage&q=%22john%20giles%22%20%22mick%20martin%22%2020%2C000&f=false John Giles has stayed at Con Martin Jr house https://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/stunning-skerries-home-offers-dual-views-of-the-sea-for-1-2m-36088331.html (probably a long time ago)

Con Martin Jr was involved in arranging golf classics for the Irish Retired International Players Trust Fund that Giles appeared at https://www.independent.ie/sport/golf/giles-golf-day-to-aid-trust-fund-for-exinternational-footballers-25982600.html they are both golfers and both lived in north Dublin...

expectationlost

jeremyj1968 wrote: »

Yeah he said it on the YouTube morning show. Gilroy wasn't in studio last night when the interview / statement took place. So this was his first opportunity to get his spoke in.

where is it? does it get released? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfGDs3EEl0RHUwgdEGeCL_A/videos

Ahwell

expectationlost wrote: »

where is it? does it get released? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfGDs3EEl0RHUwgdEGeCL_A/videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBgMk7ONyls&t=6541s

The statement 1:49:00

Gilroy's comment 1:51:48

Dots1982

Dots1982 wrote: »

Giles should defend himself against any accusations that have been leveled against him. What he is being accused of (to my knowledge) is saying that the FAI got 10 million from UEFA for the walk of dreams idea. He has refuted this as a lie so he has defended himself against those allegations.

Can anybody help me with what else exactly he is being accused of?

Or is that about it and there is a desire from some to act as fearless Paul Kimmage types while chasing a story that doesn’t exist...

There is an important difference between an accusation and a criticism. An accusation is a claim of wrongdoing, a criticism is an expression of disapproval of an action, even if that action is perfectly legal.

If someone was in receipt of significant sums of money for work undertaken for the John Giles Foundation, which sum appears on its face to be disproportionate, then one would expect the Foundation -- its trustees and chairperson -- to be aware of this. They should make themselves aware of all sources of revenue as well as conflicts of interest.

Everyone working at senior level of a charitable organisation should be providing financial details which might disclose a conflict of interest. It is a legal requirement that all charities manage such conflicts appropriately.

siblers

Is there a podcast of the roadshow with Neville? Can't see anything on Podcast Republic

jeremyj1968

siblers wrote: »

Is there a podcast of the roadshow with Neville? Can't see anything on Podcast Republic

They appear to be showing it uncut live right now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_yckmKqazE

Did they not say that this was a "once in a lifetime opportunity" and that the show would not be aired?

Murdoc90

Both parts are on the off the ball youtube channel.

Tell me how

jeremyj1968 wrote: »

Did they not say that this was a "once in a lifetime opportunity" and that the show would not be aired?

They do this fairly regularly around road shows, by saying it won't be aired, they're talking about it going out live. You can bet any decent content will eventually make it's way on to the airwaves.

Also, this means that if there is any part of it which they don't want broadcast, they can leave it out.

boggerman1

Watched the show last nite.never seen Joe as fearful looking when Roy was going off on one about Walters.Roy really let himself down with the personal stuff about another man's personal life.and then Roy wonders why he's unemployable as a manager.

Tell me how

boggerman1 wrote: »

Watched the show last nite.never seen Joe as fearful looking when Roy was going off on one about Walters.Roy really let himself down with the personal stuff about another man's personal life.and then Roy wonders why he's unemployable as a manager.

I saw that as a clip on Twitter. Haven't seen or heard the whole thing yet but that and another clip or two I've seen (Alex and his family and MAtt Taylor one) made it look like Roy came to settle grudges.

Felt it was a bit cringing to hear him so negative about things, and I'm someone who usually liked his forthrightness.

u140acro3xs7dm

Tell me how wrote: »

I saw that as a clip on Twitter. Haven't seen or heard the whole thing yet but that and another clip or two I've seen (Alex and his family and MAtt Taylor one) made it look like Roy came to settle grudges.

Felt it was a bit cringing to hear him so negative about things, and I'm someone who usually liked his forthrightness.

He was actually in good form for most of the night. They were interviewed for 2.5 or 3 hours, maybe 10 minutes of that was what's been reported on.

Gary Neville egged him on to tell the Mattie Taylor story, which was a funny story and hardly settling a grudge.

Nathan and Joe were asking the questions regarding SAF and the Irish trio. Everyone knows his thoughts on these matters, they couldn't have been surprised whith his answers. There was a lot of truth in what he said - especially regarding Fergie. I do think he went below the belt with the family stuff, and possibly mentioning the circumstances about Walters getting sacked from Blackburn. It's Roy Keane, it's to be expected.

Tell me how

Giselle Future Blouse wrote: »

He was actually in good form for most of the night. They were interviewed for 2.5 or 3 hours, maybe 10 minutes of that was what's been reported on.

Gary Neville egged him on to tell the Mattie Taylor story, which was a funny story and hardly settling a grudge.

Nathan and Joe were asking the questions regarding SAF and the Irish trio. Everyone knows his thoughts on these matters, they couldn't have been surprised whith his answers. There was a lot of truth in what he said - especially regarding Fergie. I do think he went below the belt with the family stuff, and possibly mentioning the circumstances about Walters getting sacked from Blackburn. It's Roy Keane, it's to be expected.

Yeah, I must check the whole thing out.

siblers

What he said about Walters regarding his personal life seemed to be largely taken out of context. I'll need to listen to the whole thing but seemed it was about Walter's bitching about Keane that he was having a dig at and not about Walter's family

u140acro3xs7dm

siblers wrote: »

What he said about Walters regarding his personal life seemed to be largely taken out of context. I'll need to listen to the whole thing but seemed it was about Walter's bitching about Keane that he was having a dig at and not about Walter's family

Walters has had a go at Keane, Keane fired back. He mentioned Walters getting fired from Blackburn to highlight that Walters isn't an angel. I don't think he was belittling Walters family problems, more the fact that he was doing the media circuit looking for sympathy, when maybe he should have taken a step out of the limelight and dealt with his issues.

jeremyj1968

I think he should have left the reference to crying about the family issues out of it. But I love Roy's straight talking. So refreshing in a world of Jim Gavins.

holyhead

For such an intelligent man his lack of self awareness is staggering. He talks about going back into management and then slags off Walters for crying during a very public and personal interview relating to serious issues going on in Walters life. This is the very reason he is unemployable as a manager. Roy has no right to tell another person how they should deal with grief. Roy needs to realize their their is more ways in life than Roy’s way. Management revolves around people and Roy’s inability to form empathetic relationships with people is stark.
A fascinating interview in many ways. His honesty is refreshing but lack social boundaries. He has great comedic timing, very quick, and clearly enjoyed playing to the gallery.

Acosta

I know one or two people like Roy with it comes to confrontations. We all probably do. In his various issues with certain people he probably has a point, but that point is often lost with his tendency to be unnecessarily nasty.

Tell me how

holyhead wrote: »

For such an intelligent man his lack of self awareness is staggering. He talks about going back into management and then slags off Walters for crying during a very public and personal interview relating to serious issues going on in Walters life. This is the very reason he is unemployable as a manager. Roy has no right to tell another person how they should deal with grief. Roy needs to realize their their is more ways in life than Roy’s way. Management revolves around people and Roy’s inability to form empathetic relationships with people is stark.
A fascinating interview in many ways. His honesty is refreshing but lack social boundaries. He has great comedic timing, very quick, and clearly enjoyed playing to the gallery.

I wonder has anyone ever told him that. He spoke highly of his solicitor, I wonder has he told him 'Look, this forthrightness won't help you to get a job, you have to make it look like you take no nonsense but want to work with everyone', or something like that.

Hard to see him being successful in management on the basis of that interview. This whole 'look at his medals' thing means that 95% of players would be dismissed by him out of hand.

gormdubhgorm

jeremyj1968 wrote: »

I think he should have left the reference to crying about the family issues out of it. But I love Roy's straight talking. So refreshing in a world of Jim Gavins.

First off I have not being a Roy Keane fan since his Saipan episode.


But I do appreciate that Keane speaks his mind.
Keane is from a different era a man's man - 'get on with it'- 'get over it move on'
I can understand from Keane's perspective that he thinks Walters is milking it a bit playing the PR game. The human interest story would never interest Keane.

I remember when Robbie Keane's partner/wife had a baby he was asked does he think it will effect Robbie's performance in an upcoming game.
His response was the Robbie is not the one having the baby and once he was not breastfeeding he should be alright.

OTB have really hit the jackpot on this roadshow with Keane in fairness to them.
Keane is an anathema to everything OTB tries to portray as a station - they like to say all the right things, be politically correct, not say what they really think for the most part. Joe Molloy - Kevin Kilbane in particular.

I think Roy is what OTB as a show is really lacking someone with forthright opinions, who does not care about political correctness, who calls things as he sees it. His comments about SAF and Preston seemed very valid

Andy Goldstien's reaction on talksport to the comments were telling -

https://twitter.com/i/status/1169656442187603968

'You can't say anything negative about Fergie'

Cascarino claimed that Roy Keane is turning punditry into the 'Jeremy Kyle show' and Roy Keane is a 'bully'

https://talksport.com/football/598304/roy-keane-jeremy-kyle-show-tony-cascarino/

But I think Keane (or a person like Keane) is exactly what the OTB show needs.
A much needed antidote to all the bland sameness, that perpetuates the show.

Gilroy is creaming himself with the reaction the show has gotten as other news organisations have picked up quotes - rightly so it is a job well done marketing wise.
But they should go one step further and give Keane a residency OTB every so often at least.

Tell me how

Reality is people are affected by what's going on in their lives. Most people anyway.

If Keane thinks none of that should matter 'because you're a footballer' , he'll probably find himself struggling to get a job, or being successful in one long term.

Child births and deaths of close family members are things you should understand influencing a person's mindset.

gormdubhgorm

Tell me how wrote: »

Reality is people are affected by what's going on in their lives. Most people anyway.

If Keane thinks none of that should matter 'because you're a footballer' , he'll probably find himself struggling to get a job, or being successful in one long term.

Child births and deaths of close family members are things you should understand influencing a person's mindset.

You see to a person like Keane a birth is not within his control.
A death is not in his control either, it would not affect him negatively when he steps over that white line.
In fact it would drive him on to play better do his job on the pitch throw himself into it.

The culture nowadays is to be fashionably 'overly sensitive' regardless of your gender. Comedians in thier 50's like Bill Burr have commented how the younger generation are shocked at his comedy. When it should be the other way around.

I am starting to think that this culture shift might have something to do with social media where people feel the need to document every aspect of thier lives, and look for sympathy/praise or the like. It has become the norm.

ziggyman17

Loved the Keane road show.. Spoke what he felt was the truth. The only thing is that in this day and age, it is dangerous to speak the truth, with the way the world has gone PC mad..

Say Your Number

ziggyman17 wrote: »

Loved the Keane road show.. Spoke what he felt was the truth. The only thing is that in this day and age, it is dangerous to speak the truth, with the way the world has gone PC mad..

Isn't Keane always whimpering on about things that were said about him, he seems more sensitive than the snowflakes (feel dirty typing that moronic buzzword)

gormdubhgorm

Say Your Number wrote: »

Isn't Keane always whimpering on about things that were said about him, he seems more sensitive than the snowflakes (feel dirty typing that moronic buzzword)

He is definitely a fella to hold a grudge that is for sure.
If things are done the 'right way' as he sees it.
Despite being the polar opposite to the 'snowflakes' and gets tremendous offence if - his loyalty, professionalism or integrity is questioned.

Then if anyone is not upfront, loyal, professional, honest, (as sees it) he has no time for them. It always seems to be the same pattern with him.
No matter who they are from SAF to 'Wardy' or Walters.

RugbyLover123

Thought it was a great watch tbh. I find Keane quite refreshing to listen to as he doesn’t give the same old cliche answers as most. Unlike some, I don’t feel the mood changed too much after the Irish stuff but I think the conversation dwelled on it a bit too long.

However, I don’t think that will have done him any favours in getting back into management. As much as I found him refreshing, I wouldn’t touch him if I was an owner looking for a manager.

I also think having Neville was a bit strange. They didn’t really focus too much on him or get him involved as much as they should’ve i thought.

I also thought Joe and Dan did a great job interviewing and let the lads at it but I see Neville has had a go at Joe maybe on Twitter? I can tell see what Joe might have done to aggravate him to that extent?

ziggyman17

Say Your Number wrote: »

ziggyman17 wrote: »

Loved the Keane road show.. Spoke what he felt was the truth. The only thing is that in this day and age, it is dangerous to speak the truth, with the way the world has gone PC mad..

Isn't Keane always whimpering on about things that were said about him, he seems more sensitive than the snowflakes (feel dirty typing that moronic buzzword)

Every man and his dog has something or other to say about Keane.. It is only right that he has the right to reply, Keane is not always the victim, but I think now he is playing up to the crowd, you can tell that 9 times out of 10 he is taking the piss, seeing how far he can push it, I bet he spends his time laughing at everybody going mad at what he says..

Tell me how

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

You see to a person like Keane a birth is not within his control.
A death is not in his control either, it would not affect him negatively when he steps over that white line.
In fact it would drive him on to play better do his job on the pitch throw himself into it.

The culture nowadays is to be fashionably 'overly sensitive' regardless of your gender. Comedians in thier 50's like Bill Burr have commented how the younger generation are shocked at his comedy. When it should be the other way around.

I am starting to think that this culture shift might have something to do with social media where people feel the need to document every aspect of thier lives, and look for sympathy/praise or the like. It has become the norm.

Yeah but there is a bit of a difference from what we've seen with current players, such as Adam Lallana saying he wouldn't be mentally ready to play Southampton as a Liverpool player 6 months after being sold by then or Yaya Toure losing the rag over his birthday and births or deaths.

The question to Keane about Robbie was an easy set up for Keane to say "Thankfully the birth went well and mother and baby are fine and I expect Robbie to be buzzing and to play with a spring in his step."

Bill Burr is a good example, he became a father when he was nearly 50 and has remarked several times (particularly on his podcast) on how it changed him and made him tolerate or do stuff before that he would have been losing the rag over.

gormdubhgorm

RugbyLover123 wrote: »

Thought it was a great watch tbh. I find Keane quite refreshing to listen to as he doesn’t give the same old cliche answers as most. Unlike some, I don’t feel the mood changed too much after the Irish stuff but I think the conversation swelled on it a bit too long.

However, I don’t think that will have done him any favours in getting back into management. As much as I found him refreshing, I wouldn’t touch him if I was an owner looking for a manager.

I also think having Neville was a bit strange. They didn’t really focus too much on him or get him involved as much as they should’ve i thought.

I also thought Joe and Dan did a great job interviewing and let the lads at it but I see Neville has had a go at Joe maybe on Twitter? I can tell see what Joe might have done to aggravate him to that extent?

I found the tweet

https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/1170265760041766912

Too much interjecting by the host according to Gary, and was not given the chance to speak.

Tell me how

RugbyLover123 wrote: »

Thought it was a great watch tbh. I find Keane quite refreshing to listen to as he doesn’t give the same old cliche answers as most. Unlike some, I don’t feel the mood changed too much after the Irish stuff but I think the conversation swelled on it a bit too long.

However, I don’t think that will have done him any favours in getting back into management. As much as I found him refreshing, I wouldn’t touch him if I was an owner looking for a manager.

I also think having Neville was a bit strange. They didn’t really focus too much on him or get him involved as much as they should’ve i thought.

I also thought Joe and Dan did a great job interviewing and let the lads at it but I see Neville has had a go at Joe maybe on Twitter? I can tell see what Joe might have done to aggravate him to that extent?

It was the bit where Joe wanted to ask something, Gary wanted to ask something and Joe didn't step back to let him carry on. He did have a cut on Twitter at presenters thinking they know more than the guest. Andy Mitten was one who responded that he was wrong in this instance.

Interestingly, Gary had nearly the exact same interaction with Ken Early when on the Second Captains. Right down to the temperature rising a little bit.
Someone made that point on Twitter that maybe Gary is used to UK presenters fawning over the guests.

Say Your Number

Haven't listened to it yet, but Neville came across terribly on the Second Captains podcast last year, shouting Ken Early down and making snide comments trying to get laughs out of the crowd, wouldn't be surprised if he put in a similar shift in this.

RugbyLover123

That’s very harsh from Neville if it was only that 1 instance. He came across very arrogant in that exchange with Joe I felt.

I think if OTB planned on going down the road on Ireland and spending an amount of time on it, I don’t think they should’ve got Neville to come on. I remember thinking at one stage it was ages since Neville had spoke. He must have been dying to talk which is why he reacted to Joe the way he did.

Faugheen

RugbyLover123 wrote: »

That’s very harsh from Neville if it was only that 1 instance. He came across very arrogant in that exchange with Joe I felt.

I think if OTB planned on going down the road on Ireland and spending an amount of time on it, I don’t think they should’ve got Neville to come on. I remember thinking at one stage it was ages since Neville had spoke. He must have been dying to talk which is why he reacted to Joe the way he did.

Gary’s question was absolutely ****e as well.

That tweet is completely wrong as well. Whether you like him or not, nobody is dropping Joe Molloy for some ex-pro.

Arghus

Say Your Number wrote: »

Haven't listened to it yet, but Neville came across terribly on the Second Captains podcast last year, shouting Ken Early down and making snide comments trying to get laughs out of the crowd, wouldn't be surprised if he put in a similar shift in this.

Absolutely agree, Neville came across as an absolute prat during the second captains interview last year. Could not be seen to lose an argument. I know people don't like mentioning these guys, but he was basically an arrogant bully to the Arsenal Fan TV guys as well during the infamous time they interviewed him - seemed that a lot of his motivation in doing it was to take them down a peg. Get a sleeven type vibe off him all the time.

Say Your Number

I listened back to it last week, he would try to past off his sneeriness as 'banter', he even had a go at Eoin at one point 'I'm the good one, Gary' which was a good light hearted reply.

I don't see much of him on English telly, are they more fawning of him there and that part of the reason he can't take anyone challenging him at all.

Arghus

Say Your Number wrote: »

I listened back to it last week, he would try to past off his sneeriness as 'banter', he even had a go at Eoin at one point 'I'm the good one, Gary' which was a good light hearted reply.

I don't see much of him on English telly, are they more fawning of him there and that part of the reason he can't take anyone challenging him at all.

Yup, he was exactly the same with the AFTV guys. Full of the jokey banter, but it was always there to prove that he was the alpha-male. Didn't like being asked a coherent question - which were in admittedly short supply from the poor AFTV fellas - that challenged him. One of them assembled enough about him at one stage and put a fairly good point to Gary and, rather than deal with the substance of the question, Gary made a big joke about how "you've probably studied communications" and kind of kept up the pointed banter until he'd reasserted dominance again.

There was also something in the way he laughed like a ventriloquist's dummy throughout Keanes bile that made me think he's just a bit of an odious creature.