Charlie from the Stands: The Saga Continues!

So, as the search for the next Ireland manager finally nears its end, it now appears that the FAI have wasted around 80 days apparently chasing their number one target, only to be left with egg on their face.

With the next senior internationals just weeks away, it looks as if Lee Carsley has removed himself from the fray.

For me, Carsley as a candidate to take the Ireland job does not add up, no matter how you look at it.

On the surface, he is an attractive proposition. He is a former Ireland international, so he knows and understands what it means to pull on the green jersey, having racked up 40 caps in his international career. As a manager, he has guided England Under 21’s to European Championship glory, managing the likes of Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Morgan Gibbs-White, and seems highly regarded by the FA.

I am sure his grandmother from Dunmanway, Co. Cork would love him to manage Ireland someday - but I don’t see it happening soon and here is why.

When you look at a manager coming into a job you have to look at the ‘why?’ - what value is it to him and what value would he bring to the job? My argument – and many will disagree here – is that Lee Carsley brings very little.

Imagine Lee Carsley getting his CV ready and writing out his strengths. At no point do I think that what he has achieved so far makes his next step the Ireland job. Realistically, it is perfectly conceivable that Carsley might view the Ireland job as a backward step in his development and not somewhere he could immediately add value.

He has a good number. He is working with arguably the best underage setup in Europe, with players that are playing at the top level of the game every single week. His value currently lies with England.

Now, if I was a Chairman or an owner of a Championship club, and on the lookout for a new manager with an ethos of assembling a young, hungry English-base team that can increase in value, who do you think I should try and headhunt?

Lee Carsley. In that role, he brings access to players, this wave of incredible young English talent – ones who he has helped develop to date. He has the potential to attract a lot of these players in his next role. But not for Ireland…

You then look at Chris Coleman. I can see the need from his side and the attraction of taking over a squad with obvious ability and potential. I wouldn’t be worried about his terrible club record, as international management is different.

International managers only get to see their players 50 days a year. A big part of their job is creating an environment where the players can thrive and enjoy playing for their country. Chris Coleman for me, and only because of exploits with Wales, should be a backup option.

It looks very much like the FAI have run out of ideas and will end up getting an interim manager until such a time as they identify a long-term manager to lead Ireland to a major tournament - feels like a job for Big Sam (Jesus wept). Look at the WNT, and the interim appointment of Eileen Gleeson.

She performed so well that she was given the full-time role. Who is there though for the MNT? Are the FAI afraid of appointing another League of Ireland success story?

It'll certainly be an interesting week…

Opening night victory

Sitting in the Brandywell on Friday night, I could feel the expectation in the air. This season feels a little different, almost like a season when Derry City can get close enough to Shamrock Rovers to trouble them – something we have not seen over the past four years.

You would be forgiven for thinking that my reasoning would be Derry’s new star striker, Pat Hoban, although he did look fit and sharp, and more importantly, hungry to do well. One thing that people would have picked up on was Hoban consistently being intolerant to Derry passing the ball across the pitch without purpose. This is a player that will demand the service to score 20+ goals this season. The data from the game proved that Hoban had more touches in the opposition box on his debut, than any striker last year. That is a sign of a player that will bring huge value to Derry City’s title push.

However, the reason I think that this could be the year for the Candystripes is because new assistant boss, Paul Hegarty will demand it. Paul is someone that knows what it takes to win a league. He will ensure improvement in every single area of the football operations. He will get an extra 5-10% out of players and staff.

Add that to the competitive nature of the squad, the tactical nuances of the manager, the improving stadium and ever-growing crowds, and don’t say it too loudly, but we have a formula to get excited about.

In truth, the 2-1 win wasn't as convincing as we all would have hoped. But trust me when I say not many teams will get it easy against Drogheda this season. Kevin Doherty does it year in, year out, recruits well and gives his players belief. Coming to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium and playing two up front is rare and they almost got a result.

Two notable takings from the game were: 1) Evan Weir can sure as hell hit a free-kick. But not only that, his wand of a left foot is equally adept with a passing range, displayed throughout the game. 2) Patrick McEleney’s absence and the subsequent withdrawal of Mark Connolly has already shone a worrying light on what could be to come on the injury front. With Connolly in particular, you could see him waving to the crowd as soon as he came out of the tackle which is never a good sign - Derry need both he and McEleney fit and well to give this season a push.

In the other ties, Jon Daly’s St Pat’s picked up a very impressive three points at Eamonn Deacy Park, against Galway United. Daly’s tactical nuance saw him shift to three at the back, aware of the threat that Galway present.

The reason I call this an impressive result is because I believe the league title will be won and lost with the points gathered away to Galway, Waterford, Drogheda and Sligo. No longer are there the ‘easy’ 12 points teams could bank when facing a UCD. All of these clubs will be fighting tooth and nail for every point.

Another impressive result was Dundalk’s point at Tallaght, one that by all accounts, was fully deserved. I had reservations about Dundalk’s recruitment during the off-season but a point away at the Champions has them in good stead after the first game. For Shamrock Rovers, it was night to forget with both Trevor Clarke and Neil Farrugia suffering injuries. This will undoubtedly concern Stephen Bradley, with both wing-backs instrumental in his 3-4-2-1 formation.

The other games between Waterford and Shelbourne and, Bohemians and Sligo ended in draws, which Galway and Sligo will be delighted with. Bohemians losing an important player in Robert Cornwall to an ACL injury is a major blow. I said in my column last week that St Pat’s and Bohemians will struggle to get close to the top two. Bohemians already have a mountain to climb considering the loss of basically their spine in Cornwall, Keith Buckley and James Talbot.

The Brandywell Pitch

Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the Derry City Fans Forum last weekend. Having heard varying reports, it is encouraging to hear that the playing surface in the Brandywell was discussed. Whilst it is promising to see both the Derry City & Strabane District Council and the club working together, it is still the FAI that has the say on the surface.

Every man and his dog know that very soon, FIFA will rule that no top league in Europe can play on a plastic pitch and rightly so. But once this kind of announcement is put out, it will require a lead time of around three years for clubs to be able to get their houses in order, and replace these shambolic and unnatural pitches – has anyone seen Kerry’s Mounthawk Park by the way?

Wow… It has be highlighted enough over the years that the 3G/4G pitches are not good for the players, the fans and the product of the game.

The FAI need to get their big-boy pants on and make a decision sooner, rather than later.