Cult of Stephen Kenny

Scottish football would generally be regarded as a far higher standard by most than the LOI. Yet I haven't seen a Scottish team outside Celtic and Rangers qualify for the group stages of a European competition in years. I think Aberdeen were the last back in 07/08 when the Europa League was still called the Uefa Cup.

That's why I said teams outside Celtic and Rangers. I can't of any leagues in Europe as uncompetitive as Scottish football. But generally the Scottish league is considered higher than LOI even when Rangers went bust Aberdeen, Hibs or Hearts couldn't qualify for the group stages of European competitions but yet Dundalk and Rovers could.

A lot of LOI players end moving to non old firm Scottish teams aswell as League 1 and 2.

True but their international team are 6 places below us in the FIFA rankings, not a huge disparity but we’d be expected to be better then them …

SPLs bottom 3/4 sides are closer to loi alright hence why players move there, but theres a massive jump to what celtic/rangers need ability wise. scales was one of the best defenders in LOI , moved to celtic and hes out the door this summer he cant make it as a 3rd choice at lb. People say "a lot of loi players move to l1/l2" its not a lot really though. Numbers are small in the scheme of things , overall the league as a whole is not anywhere near the levels of l1/l2 apart from as I said, Rovers. UCD would get relegated from the conference, harps arent much better. Mid table sides in LOI are lower l2/conf level. Why are people dressing it up ? Dont really get it. Go to games/watch them weekly and the need for some loi go'er to paint the league as something it aint is strange.

Is the irony not lost on some here, people slagging off the LOI and its standards and yet it is what Ireland will have to look to for the future in order to take our destiny back into our own hands. I neither follow the LOI strongly nor the premier league but I always find that those who slag off the LOI are those United, Liverpool fans etc who live and die by these teams results on a weekend. I find that embarassing frankly

Gone are the days when you would have boat loads of kids going over at 14/15 to Liverpool, United, Arsenal etc they go and get the best around the world now. Why cant Ireland develop their own players, playing to a structure and style that is developed from an early age.

The only reason why the LOI is not of a higher standard is because of money, there is no investment and no buy in from a large section of the football supporting fraternity in Ireland (see above). Clubs cannot afford to tie players under contract and then earn decent fees for their good players when the time comes, its a vicious circle and therefore cannot build on their success, even with teams like Rovers will earn pennies if Bazuna makes a big move because they were not in a strong position to negotiate terms.

With regard to Kenny, yes he has had his bad times (show me a current manager who hasnt relatively) but he has also proven he can develop teams to compete at a higher level and playing good football to go with it. Everyone understands its a results business and if he doesnt increase his win percentage he will be under pressure but people also have to factor in our standard of player and our age profile too.

Its obvious people have an issue with him, either due to the fact he came from the LOI or that they dont like the support he gets from certain sections but who would these people get to come in if they had a choice??

I think the ambition of any footballer is to play at the highest level possible, but other factors come in to play (like shared language). With Brexit rules, we're beginning to see that drift away from being purely Britain.

We've a fecked up heritage where we have "nursery" clubs that are proud to export young lads. But even then, you only get on the plaque if you are successful enough to get a cap...

The Scottish premiership outside of the old firm would be on par with the LOI (imo)

was watchin Rangers v Hearts in the Scottish cup final a few weeks back and it was like chalk & cheese, the gulf between the two teams was clearly evident, Hearts could only muster up one decent attack during the whole game and yet they finished 3rd in the league.😶

OK, lets say the 'best of the LOI' would be on par with the SPL bar the old firm

I see the media (Daniel McDonnell etc) are giving Kenny a free pass now until after the Euro qualification. A really silly thing to do and why were are where we are at the moment.

I'm not again it to be honest but he needs to start winning against teams like Armenia / Luxermbourg on a consistent basis.

What run of results though? Up to the Armenia game in Irelands previous 14 games they lost twice to Serbia and two last minute Ronaldo goals.

These were the results which led into him getting his new contract, you cannot argue with it. But it seems people will find anything and on Saturday Ireland recorded their biggest win against a nation ranked them since 1989 (when they beat Northern Ireland 3-0). People seem to have these unrealistic expectations

He needs to have a knowledge of it, and how it works obviously.

Anyway, who's your suggestion to replace Kenny?

Why are you afraid to suggest a replacement for Kenny?

So again, during the 14 matches, Ireland did not lose to any international minnows. You need to make your mind up.

You seem to have all the solutions, who would you have in charge of the team? What players would you bring in that would suddenly improve the squad we have?

It is clear, you have an issue with him. Would be interesting to see if you are one of these diehard premiership team supporters who have no real interest in the development of Irish football and only look for results