There are not many people in Ireland today with a heavy heart following Stephen Staunton's sacking from the Irish team management position, to the contrary some of you are probably heading to the local to celebrate but I, for one, am very sad to see Stan go.

Now, I will have to admit at the outset that these feelings are as much to do with sentiment, as opposed to the performances of the team recently.

Nonetheless, I think the treatment he has received from the average Irish football fan and the sickening witch-hunt from the media has been atrocious.

The reason he is being lambasted by so many is more to do with his failings at being a 'personality', or his ability in an interview situation, rather than his footballing knowledge or experience. (Was one of the greatest managers in footballing history, Bob Paisley ever great value in an interview?)

When you hear non sporting people suggest that he "can't handle interviews" rather than analysing his footballing decisions you know something is not quite right.

Because he was in such a prominent position, you would expect his footballing decisions to be criticised, but the level of abuse and the disgraceful journalism are an absolute shame.

I know for sure that no manager in world football in charge of the Irish team would have overcome Germany and the Czech republic in our recent campaign.

The players were not good enough and some of our better ones were out of form or long term injured.

I know I am fighting a losing battle here, judging by the general consensus of the Irish public, but I have enormous respect for the man that is Stephen Staunton.

Hopefully, the next manager will wear colourful shirts, crack jokes with the media and is able to talk a good game. That should keep everyone happy.

WAYNE KIERANS

KILSARAN, CO LOUTH