“I believe Martin O’Neill deserves a chance.”
Listen to the interview in full:
Those are the words of former Republic of Ireland defender Darren O’Dea following the boys in green’s latest thrashing at the hands of Wales in a poor performance. Ireland lost 4-1 to Wales in Cardiff in the UEFA Nations League.
“The result didn’t worry me before the game, I wasn’t concerned about what the result would be. The performance though was alarming.”
“It was collectively as a team, I’m watching the team and I don’t know what we set out to do.”
“It’s alarming when you’re watching a team struggle and you don’t even know what they’re attempting to achieve.”
This result and performance sparked debate on whether Martin O’Neill is the right man to lead the Irish team forward and O’Dea had his say on the matter.
“We were missing a lot of Key players but that shouldn’t have count for the lack of cohesion between the team.”
“You say managers get judged on results well the results overall, it’s been a great Euros campaign. We qualified and got out of the group and in the second campaign we just missed out on through the play offs so yeah he deserves the time.”
“I believe Martin O’Neill deserves a chance to certainly implement what he wants on the team.”
Certain stories have come out of the Irish camp ahead of the game away to Wales such as disagreements with Roy Keane and several players. One of whom was Harry Arter as Keane allegedly suggested that Arter’s injury was not as severe as he claimed which led to the Cardiff City (loan) man pulling out of the squad for the game.
“I couldn’t believe when I was listening to Martin O’Neill’s comments that he said that was a factor in him (Arter) not coming.”
“I’ve been in football long enough, arguments happen all the time with managers, coaches and players. What I found baffling was Martin O’Neill confirmed that was the reason.”
“I don’t care if even the media know pretty much for fact unless you go confirm it in the media it always will be rumour. O’Neill came out and confirmed it and it’s really put pressure onto Roy Keane.”
Also, on this morning’s show were Dublin Ladies goalkeeper Ciara Trant as they look to make it back to back All Ireland’s when they face Cork next weekend. Bohemians Darragh Leahy, UCD’s Evan Osam and Longford Town’s Daniel O’Reilly are asked what they would change in the league if they could. UCD’s Gary O’Neill looks ahead to their possible title clinching game against Finn Harps next week and their impressive FAI cup run. 98FM’s own Brian Maher was live in the studio ahead of his Big Swim next week where he will swim 10k to raise money for Special Olympics Ireland.
Listen to the full show here;
Now That’s What I Call Sport is live every Sunday morning from 9am.
