The management of the Republic of Ireland can be approached through various strategies, which have been demonstrated effectively by Mick McCarthy, Brian Kerr, Steve Staunton and Giovanni Trapattoni during their good times and bad.
In the context of image management, had the FAI been proactive, they could have arranged Heimir Hallgrímsson to be present at Celtic Park during Liam Scales and Adam Idah’s victorious 5-1 match against Slovan Bratislava on Thursday. In this setting, the Irish manager could observe his players achieving in the Champions League and witness the historic and contemporary ties between Glasgow, Ireland, Shamrock Rovers and Celtic.
Ideally, Hallgrímsson would take a couple of days to analyse the performance of Scales and Idah via the Wyscout website, ahead of joining forces with John O’Shea at St Mary’s. Together, they would eagerly watch Will Smallbone’s game for Southampton against Ipswich Town.
This could have presented a golden opportunity for Hallgrímsson to mingle with Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, initiating a key relationship with a club home to five Irish players. The knowledge of Hallgrímsson’s presence in the directors’ box could drive players Sammie Szmodics and Chiedozie Ogbene to prove themselves even more on the field.
The journey continues to Amex, where, on Sunday, Andrew Omobamidele is expected to take on Evan Ferguson. Even if neither of them makes it off the bench for Nottingham Forest and Brighton, the trip won’t be wasted. Hallgrímsson could provide some motivating words for them after the game.
Looking back at my own experience, I can recall the excitement when a staff member at West Brom hinted that Mick McCarthy would be watching my game. I was only 20, having recently showcased my talent against Iceland, before returning to the under-21s. The news charged me up and I took to the Hawthorns’ field as though the Republic of Ireland’s squad selection depended on my performance.
Although Mick’s presence could have inspired a more professional attitude, I found myself allowing my emotions to overpower my judgment, injecting tensions in every duel and resorting to flashy tactics whenever in control of the ball. Regardless, I was summoned back to the team.
Hallgrímsson, as Ireland’s new coach, does not face imposed pressure from the FAI to step into the shoes of a PR expert; instead, he deserves recognition for his role. Although time seems to be in short supply, he is slated to scout club matches before the October season, during which potential journeys to Helsinki and Athens pose a threat of reducing Ireland to a worrying low. His plan to converse privately with senior players is in place, but it’s the green around the ears internationals that concern me.
Under the stewardship of Stephen Kenny and Keith Andrews, visits to England were organised on a weekly basis, meanwhile the choice to promote a succession of under-21 players into the primary team was taken. This certainly appeared to be a promising move in theory. Nevertheless, under the green flag, the reality that these players only identify with defeat is a harsh truth to swallow.
The Icelandic head coach asserted the necessity of boosting the squad’s morale prior to confronting Finland and Greece. But it’s important for them to know that their performances are being monitored in person, and not just via a computer screen.
Although invaluable bonds were established amidst the caretaker management of O’Shea and Paddy McCarthy, the unimpressive performance since Kenny’s dismissal implies that Hallgrímsson has to take the centre stage.
One unforgettable memory of Trap’s introductory meeting as the Irish manager revolves around his blunt remark in broken English about how, in Italy, the newspapers were good for nothing but a toilet roll. The room roared with laughter at his description.
We then proceeded to practice, where the senior Azzurri instructor stood with us, demonstrating the application of catenaccio – “the door bolt”. He prioritised maintaining formation as he physically guided defenders during set plays, a method the defenders at Juve and Inter utilitarian to thwart advances. We eagerly absorbed the basics.
Trap, given his advancing years, could not make it to the club games in England, but his deputies, Marco Tardelli and Liam Brady, were reliably present whenever I visited a stadium in London. The latter played an integral role in shaping the relatively successful Trap era. O’Shea can effectively replicate such a position.
Hallgrímsson’s commitment to club matches differs from both Trapattoni and Kenny, attending more than the former and fewer than the latter. Although this behaviour might raise eyebrows, one cannot deny his unwavering focus and hard-line approach. This was evident when he benched Idah and Matt Doherty during the Greece match in Dublin, post their performance against England.
Many conjecture that Ireland’s first half performance against Greece improved significantly than their lacklustre showing against England, a notion I find myself disagreeing with. Despite better organisation, the Irish team didn’t display the crucial opening momentum that was once a given. This lack of immediate aggression allowed Greece to find their feet in the match.
It was my sixth international cap experience with Yugoslavia that made me feel like a true international footballer. They brought high-calibre players such as Dejan Stankovic and Predrag Mijatović to Lansdowne Road. Yet, we triumphed with a score of 2-1. That defining spirit of victory seems to have vanished in the past decade and needs to be recaptured.
Irish football, as it stands, risks slipping further down the ranks. A sense of decay is permeating the sport. This is no way the fault of Hallgrímsson, but the problem lies squarely on his shoulders to fix.
Ireland cannot afford repeated losses against Greece in a span of 18 months. Should I be granted one more cap opportunity next month in Athens, I would play as though my international career depended on it.