I at one time supported two National sides, the Republic of Ireland and my adopted Scotland. In those days Scotland wereriding along if not on the top of the wave, it certainly wasn't at the bottom. Poor Ireland were dismal and a win or a draw against anyone was something we celebrated for a week. Following Scotland was soured somewhat for me because despite the glorious writes up in the press about the wonderful team spirit and the almighty Hampden roar I soon realised not only did the Glasgow media, not like the Anglo-Scots who ha departed Scotlands clubs usually for more money from the devious English clubs, but the Scottish media did not like the Celtic players and I remember seeing Rangers players who were hardly better than average like Henderson Greig Mckinnon and others been spoke about as been super stars and no mention of far superior players like the whole Lisbon Lions Scottish teams seemed to be picked on the basis of what club the player played for. My interest in supporting Scotland dimmed and I followed ROI intensely. Irish supporters had their days in the sun end of the eighties until early 21st century when one Keane opened his big ignorant mouth and destroy one good chance Ireland had of progressing. Now what have we, a Scotland team that is banned from playing football, ateam on Friday night against Wales that had 5/6 noted pasers of the ball but were instructed not to pass to kick long balls up to solitary striker. For Ireland we have an Italian coach for four years who hasn't attempted to speak English who will soon have fallenout with more players than he has left. He presided over the ROI biggest ever competitive home defeat and then said it was along way to Tipperary. The man never watches games between Internationals that Irish player might be playing in. He says its nothing to do with the money, although he is one of the highest paid Int. Managers in the world. These two men are obviously not fit for purpose and both are doing their damnest whether intentionally or not to stop the Progress of the game in their Countries. It is doubtful if the Scotsboy has overcome the traditional anti Celt bias by the way he kept Commons off the panel until he was completely stuck and the non use of Mulgrew, when Bale was running mad all game. Sacking these men will probably be too expensive, What can be done ?
I can only comment on the Scotland team as I haven't paid any heed to the Rep of Ireland. (Damn, I've just realised that makes me a fake Celtic supporter...****! ) I don't think Levein has an anti-Celtic bias, he tends to favour players that play in England (no matter what division they're in) cos he's a nob. How else can Christophe bastarding Berra keep getting a game? I haven't a clue what tactics the team are supposed to play to apart from be ****e (and they're doing that amazingly well) He's been a failure but I dunno who else they could tempt to take over at the moment. Now, if Scotland win all their remaining games and qualify...nah **** it, I'll wear a pink fluffy dress and hang my unfeasibly large member out with a bow tied to it if that happens. (I think we're all safe there, it won't happen)
It get Strachan, McLeish or Smith in to sort out the Scotland team! ROI could do worse by getting McCarthy back in...
Surprised Strachan's never been mentioned - think he could do all right actually. Agree with Mick mcCarthy although Coyle might be well suited as well.
Strachan was a very popular manager for us at St Mary's and I believe he would do a much better job than those who have run your international side of late.
i think he did he reputation the world of harm at boro. i am also not sure that he is the answer for the scotland job, but there are not too many options out there for the sfa
I had been on Traps side even after the Euros. I was working + off getting married during most of the Euros so never got to see the pre/after match commentaries and I never realised until the other night that Trap still can't speak a word of English... I can remember him putting a bit of effort in a few years back and assumed it would be just be a matter of time. But yeah a manager who can't communicate with the players after 4 years, dismal results, and the weird inclusion of the likes of Darren O'Dea (who has been struggling with low level clubs for years) indicates it's time for a change.
Traps English gets worse when difficult questions are asked. I've been waiting for him to **** up so I can say see, I told you so.... But the exact same criticisms were valid when he was winning as they are now.
I think we have a little bit of modern history today, I agree with Maltese Mick and Pud . This makes me believe despite what some people claim I cannot be mad all the time. The sad thing about Trap was many of us felt that even when the team was wining it still was hopeless, the entertainment value was near nil and you knew it just could not continue. The FAI could not pay Trap the money he demanded and one of our rich non resident (Irish men) took up the slack and agreed to pay something like half his £1.5 m annual salary. His contract was extended before the Euroes to August 2114. Not bad for a 73 year old man who claimed on Saturday that it was nothing to do with money, I think Levein wouldn't cost as much to get rid of and Coyle or WGS do not have any contracts to buy out and I used to think WGS would be a great International Manager I am not sure now, as the Int players seem to have wee chips on shoulders and may not take to his quirky type of humour. I wouold go for Hughton for ROI and Coyle for Scotland and hopefully we get some bite from both teams with players really wanting to do well and not just happy to be on the field.
