Watching the players in the green shirts yesterday, I felt let down. They couldn't pick out team mates, they couldn't create and most abundantly clear of all was that they couldn't defend.
However, I don't feel let down by the guys who were out there on the pitch. They gave their all but simply were nowhere near good enough to compete with a world class side who were on top form, not that they needed to be. I don't even feel let down by the players who withdrew. After a long hard season they need a rest and need to let any knocks heal. It's their only chance to get a holiday so i can't fault them.
No, the problem lies with the IFA and their abject arranging of matches, driven by money as opposed to helping the team gel and improve together. Yes, Michael O'Neill needs time with his players to instill his tactics and attitude upon them. But a training camp with those who made themselves available would have been far more beneficial than the shambles we saw last night.
I know we aren't world beaters. In fact, I am sadly resigned to the fact that we will never reach a major tournament again! But I will continue to support the boys, continue to pray for miracles and continue to not have any regrets about it. But I just wish our governing body felt as passionately about their national side as I do, rather than looking for opportunities to line their pockets.
Rant over.
PS good luck Ireland next week. I will be supporting the Germans in this tournament but don't feel any antipathy towards the Irish either. Hell, if you reach the latter stages you may well see me jumping onto the bandwagon!
We were let down!
posted on 3/6/12
MERRY:
Good on you, Old Son!
posted on 3/6/12
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posted on 4/6/12
Why does the tri-colour and soldier song offend people from ulster?
posted on 4/6/12
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Because everybody in this godforsaken place loves to get offended on every occasion possible
posted on 4/6/12
The tricolour and soldier song do not offend me. But i don't consider them as my flag or anthem. I do respect them though.
posted on 4/6/12
We were let down big time by the IFA
Anyone with a brain could have forseen that result.
At one stage I thought my prediction of 47-0 would be on the cards.
One of my sons who was at the game tells me that the Dutch supporters are not confident with their team, are very downbeat and dont expect to do well.
Just as well they dont support our wee team.
posted on 4/6/12
One of my sons who was at the game tells me that the Dutch supporters are not confident with their team, are very downbeat and dont expect to do well.
---------------------------------------------------
They'd have to do it the hard way to win it, they're in the proverbial group of death and the team that finishes 2nd in that group will more than likely have to play a strong Russian team in the quarter finals.
posted on 9/6/12
The IFA just grabbed the money playing Holland....
In doing so they handed poor Micky O and hiding to nothing and a terrible start to his campaign.
I've read a few posters moaning it was a C team but only 4 or 5 regulars were missing and the legend that is Pat McCourt was only good enough to make the bench? Anyways lads tune in this Sunday to a big game and if you squint hard enough those boys in green could be your boys in green....only much better....
posted on 9/6/12
im gonna miss hoses bitterness lol....................
posted on 10/6/12
Strangely, whilst the IFA have undeniably let the new boss down, there is another way to look at it.
We were never likely to qualify anyway but all expectations are now gone. Things only can get better. The boss still has the support of the fans and may even now have more sympathy for the shambles he's taken on.
Things really only can get better, the pressure is off and this gives the new man a chance to just go centuries business. I like how he conducts himself, i like his style of play and I look forward to seeing how things develop.