PK@rte.ie (again). The All New (Patrick Kielty) Late Late Show Thread

Paul McGrath wasn't one of Ferguson's "boy he wanted to guide to greatness" - He was an established senior player already at Man United for four years when Ferguson arrived as manager. The club had a very deep rooted and problematic drinking culture at the time, which Ferguson could see had to be rooted out first before any actual progress could be made on the pitch. Paul McGrath was only one of many who got the boot from the club in the mid to late 80's as Ferguson went about improving the standards. With 30 plus years of hindsight, yes he could have handled it differently and tried to weed out the arseholes taking the piss to the well intentioned players who needed personal help but we have to remember he was the new manager in a new club and he had to start getting results quickly. 9/10 people in his position would go with the new broom approach and try to ship out the deadwood and bring in his own picks.

Over the next 26 years, Ferguson always petted his star players who were an asset to the club and tried to do all he could to keep them sweet. Eric Cantona being the prime example. And if they could no longer keep the standards that were set, were unwilling to or were just over the hill, he would move them on. So what. That's what he's paid to do as manager. Keep a winning team. He proved over three decades, he knew what he was doing.

Where Ferguson was an actual father figure was with youth players. I could name you dozens of young players who went thru the United academy system and didn't quite make the grade. Guys the Nevilles, Scholes, Beckham etc played with but ultimately weren't good enough. None of them were booted out the door with a kick in the arse. Ferguson and the club always did their best to sort them out with new clubs and moves that suited them and their families. Many such ex players spoke of being in contact with Ferguson for years after being at the club, getting advice and his input on their careers.

As for Jack, I think he may have been posthumously sainted without me knowing but he was just as ruthless and unforbiding as Ferguson when it came to his philosophy. He may have helped McGrath, but McGrath would play the way Jack wanted, so Jack did his best to accommodate him. Was Jack as lenient to Dave O Leary, or Liam Brady? Two hugely talented players who would walk into practically any first team in the world, but whose international career was axed under Jack because they wouldn't tow the line.

I suppose you are always going to get a few guests per season who just don't work out.

Friday was by far the weakest show so far (mainly due to the guests though in fairness) but the week before was brilliant. Be hoping for a return to that standard next week.

Did he really get the love though

Exactly, I thought myself that the success of the show was 100% PR and in fact Tubridy wasn't that good at all

Russell Brand

Boris Johnston

Nigel Farage

Simon Jordon

In relation to your second sentence, I believe that was exactly how the toy show started..the first toy show in 1975 (I think that was the first year) was very much pitched as "Put the children to bed while we show you, harassed parents of Ireland, the toys that they will want Santa to bring them this year."

Not sure I'd go that far but then again I know where there's a load of costumes and scenery available at a good price 🙂

Maybe instead of being a LLS add on it could be the flagship of a rejuvenated children's TV section.

Some glue sniffer from the Liffey Boardwalk.

Blind boy?