Republic of Ireland Team 2023/24 [old thread]

Think you're looking at it from the wrong perspective there. First thing for anyone with common sense in any profession, is to actually learn it. I think a big problem a lot of high profile ex-players have had is that they've (quite arrogantly) jumped into management as high up as they can to start, and all but killed their careers early when they unsurprisingly weren't good enough because they simply didn't know what they were doing yet. Duff looks happier to have taken a job in a place he's happy, where he'll have time to actually learn to be a manager first.

He's 45. He's got decades of this yet. There's many routes to the top, and where Duff differs from the others you say never made careers after LOI (Sam Allardyce might disagree with you), Damien Duff is Damien Duff. By default, he's an easier hire when he's ready.

Any wealthy ex-pro that's out putting serious effort into a job they don't need to be doing, and giving their all to prove themselves with whatever opportunities they get is showing ambition. Robbie Keane has shown ambition. Duff has shown ambition. O'Shea has shown ambition.

AsI've said, I thought he'd be able to get a managers job somewhere in Ireland or the UK but I also accept I could be wrong on that one and you seem to think I am so fair enough. Again, if is only two options are sitting at home or the interim job I don't think he's lacking ambition by taking the interim job.

As I said, there's absolutely no need for him to be pushing for bigger jobs now, there's a lot to be said for learning your craft in the one place if you feel its a good spot for you. And nothing to be gained talking publicly about other jobs, beyond undermining the mythos of passion he's built up. I have far more respect for someone that takes on a job, and pushes themselves to do that job to the very best of their ability, rather than to just go chasing the 'title' of the next shiny thing. Klopp for instance - could've jumped ship any number of times in his 7 years at Mainz, and again in his 7 years at Dortmund. Was he unambitious? I don't think so… and his method made him inarguably one of the top managers in the world.

It just feels so weirdly negative to try to push down and belittle someone who has single handedly elevated interest in their league, and who so clearly works their absolute balls off. With our young talent no longer able to flee to the UK as children, it's a particularly interesting time to be managing in Ireland too - something he's talked about himself at length.

As long as someone is giving their all to improve themselves in their role, which he clearly is, that's a pretty clear sign of ambition to me. Everything else will, or will not, come with time. Marathon, not a sprint, and all that.

His most recent interview with Sadlier when talking about hte future I would say was at most 'nebulous'. Vague comments about being happy, and not thinking about the future, rather than any sort of firm committment to stay put forever. Given the image and aura of 'Mr Shels' he's cultivated, that also felt the right line to take.

Era, obviously we see him quite differently anyway, from him saying he feels he was born to be a manager rather than to be a player, and the sheer volume of time and effort and heart he puts into it…. I'd find it hard to call anyone who works that hard unambitious.

It's by the bye, but off the top of my head there's been multiple international managers that have worked their way up through the LOI. (England, Rep of Ireland x2 and N. Ireland x2). I'm sure I'm missing someone obvious.

With management jobs being more and more difficult to actually secure, I think the LOI is going to become hugely important to future Irish coaches too, we only have 32 senior jobs here (including the WNL) and about 11 are full time. It's a very competitive market with ex Ireland internationals having applied for and not gotten jobs here in recent years.

I do think it's an excellent place for coaches to learn the ropes.

Of Keane, O' Shea and Duff, I think Duffer is by far and away the strongest candidate, with the most coaching experience at various levels but his unwillingness to leave the country, (which is fair, It's nice to see him put his family first) and ropey relationship with the FAI will likely see him stay at Shels for a while yet, and I hope he does honestly, he's been great.

Under 21s go one up against England U20s. Joe Hodge after 3 mint

.........…..............Kelleher

............O'Brien O'Shea Scales

Coleman Smallbone Cullen Brady

.................Parrott Idah Szmodics

I just get a feeling O’Shea will get the job permanent no matter what after this match today.

That win against Hungary was a nothing victory. Pure and utter pox.

McClean being put on the spot by being asked if JOS is suitable for the job. Noticable few seconds of silence before McC answers shur why not? Saying as well that Gaurdiola wasnt experienced either when he took over Barca. Old pals act yada yada..

The only surprise is it took 18 minutes for Portugal to score. It's been coming. Good finish, but shocking marking.

Brady getting schooled on the left side tonight

Idah should have hit the target there at least from only a few yards out.

We've 3 forwards on the pitch but we haven't had any possession in Portugal's half. It's all been defensive shape.

Jason knight for Szmodics looks a no brainer. Idah just doesn’t have it. Throw in Tom cannon around 60 for him. Rest of the team is functioning ok.

Sammy has been poor alright, don't know if that tap he took earlier in game is still there but he's touch has been off. We are half hearted pressing as well up front. Playing 3 in midfield against their midfield - wow. Had to check half way through to see if Parrott was still on the pitch.

Thinks he’s playing in the pay the ref league moaning, will be in for a land in the euros where refs won’t put up with his play acting

Ronaldo scores

Break a leg...as they say in theatre terms

This was the first time ever, I would take an Ireland hammering if it meant the FAI couldn't make a soft/cheap decision and appoint JOS

Correct decision reached by VAR and the ref, that wasn't a penalty.