Madam, - On October 7th, 2006, the last time Ireland utterly embarrassed itself on the international soccer stage I wrote satirically to your Letters page offering the FAI my services. Unfortunately, you declined to print my letter. After Wednesday evening's abysmal performance against San Marino I implore you, as a matter of national importance, to inform the FAI that my services remain available as the international team manager.
I quite enjoy a kick around with the lads on a Saturday afternoon and I believe, as I did then, that this more than qualifies me for the position. I would like to take this opportunity to silence any would-be critics by saying that I couldn't do much worse then the current managerial set-up. - Yours, etc,
DAVID CURLEY,
Mount Merrion,
Co Dublin.
Madam, - While many people are demanding the heads of Steve Staunton and John Delaney after the debacle against San Marino, I have to ask: what about our so-called captain Robbie Keane? He, in my opinion, is someone who should take a long hard look at himself and his performances over the past two years, but in particular those since he got the captain's armband.
Against Cyprus and again against San Marino he went missing, particularly in the second halves. Surely we have someone else with far more pride and passion who can emulate some of our past great captains.
If Ireland's soccer players continue on their present path, we can change the question of "will they fill Croke Park?" to: "Can they fill the Hill?" - Yours, etc,
JOE HARVEY,
Glenageary Woods,
Co Dublin.
Madam, - Could someone please tell TV3's sports commentators that Ireland played San Marino on Wednesday night, not "Sam Marino"? - Yours, etc,
PAT WHELAN,
Petitswood Manor,
Mullingar,
Co Westmeath.