Brian Kerr

 

His Ireland tenure isn't remembered too fondly but I think he was very unlucky to be fair. As pointed out above he nearly rescued the 2004 Euro qualifying campaign after inheriting a start that should have meant game off. That last game at home to the Swiss was desperately disappointing but he nearly completed a fine turnaround.

 

The 2006 campaign was really where you saw how unlucky he was as Ireland manager however. We were the best team in the group without question - however clinching defeat from the jaws of victory on both occasions against Israel f*cked us. And then three of France's best players coming out of retirement to give them that killer edge in the 1-0 win over us. He'll probably be most remembered for displaying uber conservatism in the home game against Israel for bringing on Graeme Kavanagh for the injured Keane when we were 2-0 up but even with that he was so unlucky that the team folded in the manner it did.

I'd be the same...approached him with the Harps jersey on in Moldova and he was more than happy to chat all things LOI...The main thing I took from the chat though was how much he hated Zimbru, as they had knocked Pats out of Europe at one stage!

 

Totally agree with this. Should have brought Stephen Elliott on a s straight swap for Robbie. Instead he totally disorganised the team by making unnecessary positional changes. I'm sure he knows himself that his terrible decision cost him in the long run.

He is calling it as he sees it which is fair game.  Just because he is an ex manager does not mean he should not criticise the current regime (when warranted).  

As for Kerr the manager i thought he was decent for us.  obviously took over the reigns at a difficult time and somewhat steadied the ship.  His lack of experience at top level management showed and he proved to be somewhat naive over time making clearly incorrect calls at big stages in games.  We really should've qualified for Germany in 2006 and that was certainly a tournament that got away from us.  We were tactically inept in a number of games in that qualifying campaign.  IMO if Trap or MoN had've been in charge for that campaign we'd have been in the WC.

Rarely find fault in what he says although he did come across very bitter about Trap, the thing was He was right, Trap shouldve been going to games. Defo should have got another campaign if it was as it turned out Stan was gonna be his replacement. Went on to Prove the FAI wrong by getting some noteable results with the Faroes. Still surprised He never landed a job afterwards in England.