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Get your own house in order first Delaney
By Robert Brennan
 Why
chief executive was wrong to lash out at Keano.
JOHN Delaney’s recent comments about Roy Keane certainly left me
scratching my head. He needs to have a good long look at the professionalism
of the FAI, as my recent trip to Dublin highlighted.
Delaney told Keane to “get on with his job” instead of commenting
on the state of Irish football. Strong words from the FAI chief executive
who is attempting to now portray the association as a well-run ship after
the appointment of Giovanni Trapattoni.
Who is he trying to kid? My own dealings with the FAI have been far from
professional.
I made the trip over for the Brazil friendly and prior to departure
I applied for match accreditation for the senior match through the FAI
website. I was still waiting for the details of the pre-match press conferences
and training sessions on the day of my flight and when I did eventually
send another e-mail for this information it stated that the team would
be training at Croke Park on the Tuesday morning with the press conference
to be held at the Grand Hotel in Malahide.
It was all going to plan until the plane landed in Dublin. I should have
known when I heard the ludicrous tannoy announcement about my successful
landing with the budget airline who shall remain nameless that all was
not right in the capital.
Tuesday morning, I make the trip to D3 from my lodgings in Blanchardstown
and find myself having to deal with some eejit in a suit who informs me
that “you’re not getting in here mate, I don’t care
what ID you have or what that piece of paper says, there is no training
here today”.
Puzzled and not too pleased with the way this car park attendant had spoken
to me I popped into the stadium shop and asked one of the very helpful
workers if he had any idea where in Dublin I might find the Irish team
training. Cue a phonecall from the sports editor back in London telling
me that he had just received an e-mail from the FAI stating that training
had been cancelled at Croke Park and was taking place in Malahide.
There was me thinking after the disaster of Saipan we had actually got
our act together. Not to worry, I was heading up to Drogheda to see what
the future of Irish football had to offer.
It was apparent that the FAI had done little to promote the under-19 fixture
against the Czech Republic when every local I spoke to wondered which
football match was on.
I had contacted the FAI with regards attending the game and asked if they
would be able to arrange for me to interview a few of the players. I was
informed that my request would be passed on to the FAI official who would
be present at the match.
As you might have already guessed I was unable to locate any such person
in Drogheda. When I asked a steward if there was a team sheet he hadn’t
a clue where I could get one.
Thankfully a few of the players’ families were sitting close by
and were able to inform me of just who I was watching. We lost 1-0 but
I was hoping to catch up with a few of the lads who impressed. No chance.
Request? What request?
Back to Dublin to see the Boys-in-Green take on the Samba Boys.
Needless to say having witnessed the match in the freezing Dublin night
air, the prospect of having to wait around for the players in the tunnel
was not all that appealing. Having dealt with the media officers at clubs
throughout Britain I know they certainly don’t make it very easy
to actually get hold of a player but this shambles will really take some
beating.
“Aiden, any chance of a few words?” The Glasgow boy had one
look at me and walked on. Cheers you showpony, let’s see you produce
those fancy tricks in the last third I think to myself.
Darren Potter is grabbed by a herd of reporters and then Duffer and John
O’Shea have a few words and swiftly move on. Where are Robbie and
Shay? a few journos start asking.
“Ah the rest of the lads were on a 10.30 flight back to England,”
we are informed. Nice one. Brilliant. It’s a battle to get hold
of a pass for the mixed zone at Croke Park, so to then be informed that
most the team is actually on planes back to England does the FAI few favours.
Thank heavens for Lee Carsley. The Everton midfielder is a top fella.
He must have stopped for up to eight journalists and it wasn’t just
the usual cliché responses either. He informed us that he will
be doing all he can to help us qualify for the World Cup even if his legs
don’t allow him to actually take part if we get through. A true
pro.
Mr Delaney could do well to take note of the midfielder’s professionalism
before he starts commenting on Roy Keane and his approach to management.
McCarthy feeling the heat at Wolves
Mick McCarthy is well aware of the consequences of upsetting Mr Keane
and he is facing a battle to keep the fans at Molineux off his back.
Wolves were strongly fancied to be battling for automatic promotion this
season but are languishing outside of the play-off positions and McCarthy
has commented that he knows football is a fickle business where instant
success is demanded.
Wolves were woeful against Cardiff. Gary Breen was paired alongside Jody
Craddock despite the pair both returning from injury and were given the
runaround by the Cardiff forwards.
Having brought in players in January the Black Country side has one of
the largest squads in the Championship but the balance of the side does
not look right.
Andy Keogh proved against Cyprus that he is not a right winger yet Mick
has been playing him out there in recent weeks to make room for others.
It was Keogh who conceded possession for the opening goal and does not
look comfortable in defence.
The one Irishman who did impress at Ninian Park was former Leeds United
man Stephen McPhail. The Dubliner who was once billed as the new Liam
Brady kept the Welsh side ticking over with a composed display.
With neighbours West Brom looking likely to make it to the Premiership,
McCarthy will be hoping his side can find some form during the run-in
or he might find himself the next casualty on the managerial merry go
round.
Ireland returns, again
I was relieved to hear that Stephen Ireland has confirmed that he wants
to play for Ireland again and will make himself available for selection
to new manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
I have stated previously how highly I rate the Cobh man. His performance
in the Manchester derby confirmed that he can produce the level of performance
required in big matches.
Paul Scholes was given no time to settle by Ireland whose run for the
City opener showed exactly what Ireland have been missing in his absence.
Ireland is a class act and Trapattoni should base the team around him.
He is more effective when played in central midfield rather than be wasted
out wide. I am sure the Italian will make a trip to Eastlands to catch
up with Sven who played his part in getting Ireland to announce his availability.
Ireland said: “When Sven heard that Trapattoni was the new coach
he said it was a great opportunity for me to go back now because he is
a very good coach and I will learn a lot. This did have an effect on my
decision to return. I trust Sven you know. Whatever he says is good advice
and he means well.
“I think there is a lot of talent in the squad and we can actually
qualify for the big tournaments.” With Ireland dictating play we
might just do that.
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