Another former Irish international recently had their say on the current state of Irish football. This time, it was ex-Ireland and Manchester City centre-back Richard Dunne.
In the interview, Dunne spoke about Marc Canham‘s performance as FAI Chief Football Officer, Troy Parrott fulfilling his potential in the Netherlands, League of Ireland academies, Jake O’Brien, Heimir Hallgrimsson, Stephen Kenny, potentially going into management, and a whole lot more.
Much of the focus in this interview was given to Marc Canham regarding the recent headlines over a centralized coaching programme proposal being rejected by League of Ireland clubs. Additionally, there was the groundbreaking news that the League of Ireland is contemplating breaking away from the FAI. With so much buzz around the League of Ireland both at home and abroad lately, these developments add to the fascinating story taking hold.
Marc Canham’s name is in the headlines again this week, what are your thoughts on his performance in his role at the FAI?
I think he’s tried a lot of stuff which doesn’t’ really resonate with Irish Football.
I see a lot of people have gone against his proposals, I mean the appointment of the manager took far too long.
Whatever way they try and spin it, took far too long it wasn’t a process that left the FAI covered in glory at all. I mean, I don’t see any major positive impact that he’s made on the FAI so far.
It’s obviously a difficult job for him and he’s trying certain things and trying to change a lot of stuff which will always have a lot of people pushing back against.
He’s put himself in a situation where he’s not gaining many friends around the game in Ireland and I think that doesn’t help, I think that’s part of the job – working with people.
He’s found that difficult. It’s not been super and the FAI hasn’t been for a long time. It hasn’t been productive in helping the League of Ireland or helping Irish Football so it’s…it is what it is.
Everyone’s opinion is out there on how it’s ran. It’s not in a place where we’d hope the FAI would be at this stage.
After Dunne commented on Marc Canham’s timely managerial search and added context to the rift between our domestic league and football association, he spoke about Ireland’s next budding star at Everton, Jake O’Brien.
What have you thought of Jake O’Brien’s Everton performances in the absence of the injured Seamus Coleman?
I think Jake O’Brien has done fantastic; he’s had to wait a long time to get his opportunity to play.
He obviously had big success in France last year and scored quite a few goals for Lyon which got him the move to the Premier League.
But he’s had to be patient, and he’s come into the team at the right time.
When a new manager comes in and the first thing he does is put his trust in you as a player, you feel that confidence right away.
He’ll feel like he wants to prove Moyes right and so far he’s done it.
He’s obviously got the goal against Brentford a couple of weeks ago so if he can start adding some goals between now and the end of the season that would be just fantastic for him.
In terms of his performances, he’s been part of a really solid defensive unit and a really improving team so fair play to him he’s done great, he’s put his head down and he’s got his opportunity.
Now he seems to be taking it with both hands so it’s great for him.
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After moving to Right Back under David Moyes, Jake O’Brien has looked like one of the best players for the Toffees in recent weeks. He actively does everything required of a solid defender, while surprising some with his ability to pick out a pass with his exceptional vision and technical ability to get the ball to its intended target.
This, coupled with his physical strength and ability to sprint like a deer while staying composed and positionally aware, makes O’Brien an absolute matchup nightmare for any opponent. Therefore, Irish and Everton fans have much to be excited about with the young man from the Rebel County.
During the full interview Richard also named his greatest Irish player of all time as Paul McGrath and backed Evan Ferguson to follow in his own footsteps by becoming Ireland’s next EA Sports cover star!
The full Betway Insider Blog can be found here: https://blog.betway.com/football/premier-league/richard-dunne-khusanov-will-prove-a-great-signing-for-city-1/