A new era for Irish soccer

The pairing of Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane has been hailed by some as a new era for the Republic of Ireland’s soccer team. We asked our Facebook followers for their views on the

‘dream team’ appointments by the FAI. Here’s an edited selection of some of the comments we received.

June Andrews: Only hope Martin O’Neill can keep a lid on Keane’s temper.

Deirdre Ward: I think it will be much better. At least they’re Irish and can speak English. Also they will be willing to try new talent.

Alan Bird: It’ll be interesting to watch anyway! The appointments may fill out the Aviva but don’t expect miracles. We don’t have the quality of players that we used to. However, after being told for five years by Trapattoni that they weren’t good enough, I’m sure the O’Neill/Keane combo will energise the players into giving it their all once again. Would you want to be returning to a dressing room to face those two after a lacklustre performance?

Ed Docnoc: Question I have is: why was the Irish supporting, paying fan at the gate not giving an option of who they think should be our next head coach of Ireland? Instead the FAI board members – and many that never kicked a ball in their life – decide who gets to the managing position of our national team. Don’t you think the country has gone through enough pain, watching the last nightmare of empty promises and millions of euro down the drain paying Trapattoni. Time for a management change in the FAI, not just in the coaching squad.

Grace Costigan: I’m feeling positive about this combo and they’ll at least inject a boost of positivity into our collective outlook. However, we don’t have the players. An all-Ireland team is long overdue.

Tara Murphy: Well they can’t do any worse. They can only work with what they have. We could do with a Messi. I reckon it’ll be enough to fill Lansdowne Road so the FAI will be happy.

Ambrose O Shea: I don’t know what the future holds; I only know I am delighted that it’s two Irishmen at the helm.

Sharon Farrell Roche: I think the only way Roy can help our lads is to come out of retirement and put back on that green jersey. Then we might see some results.

Mandy Daly: Great team. I hope they do well – can’t get any worse!

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