A rocky road but still not afraid to mince his words

Talking Sport with Stephen Glennon

Outspoken RTE pundit and former Republic of Ireland international Eamon Dunphy says he is optimistic about the national side qualifying for the 2016 European Championships following the FAI’s unveiling of Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane as manager and assistant manager respectively last weekend.

Indeed, Dunphy, in Galway to promote his superb autobiography ‘The Rocky Road’, believes having two ambitious men like O’Neill and Keane should ensure Ireland will make a spirited bid for qualification for the 2016 Euros, noting only in achieving such a feat will both men find redemption.

“Martin needs to redeem himself after the Sunderland thing (sacking). Roy, of course, is two years out of the game and had two unsuccessful stints in management (Sunderland and Ipswich). So, he also needs to redeem himself,” says the Drumcondra native as he enjoys a late lunch at the Meyrick Hotel.

The perception is that the two former Premiership bosses will each want to drive the Republic of Ireland bus but Dunphy insists, once the perimeters are established, O’Neill will be the man calling the shots. However, he says Keane will make a major contribution, particularly in generating interest in the game.

“That is part of why Martin wanted him. He wanted him because he respects him but he also realises Roy can bring some magic to it, some charisma and he can excite people. When Roy sheds his glaring look, he can be extremely charming and funny. So, the partnership could work brilliantly.

“Obviously, there is a possibility of it going off the rails but I am optimistic. They will qualify us for the Euros, the stadium will be full again and we will be rid of the negativity that was a feature of [Giovanni] Trapattoni’s last campaign. There won’t be any banishing players into the wilderness and all that stuff.”

Perhaps, but O’Neill or Keane would also not be noted for taking the ‘softly-softly’ approach, be it with players or anyone else. “I think Roy is intelligent enough not to let his temper get the better of him. Martin probably needs to keep him away from the media and Liam Brady!” he laughs.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.