BETTING:Dublin's chronic traffic chaos means there is usually time for thinking on the 27B route into the city centre, even when you're behind the wheel

As Vinny Fitzpatrick rolled out of Harristown depot on a crisp October morning, his mind wandered back to the chat he'd had over tea with his colleagues in the canteen.

Among bus drivers, there is a sporting fraternity and the talk today was of Steve Staunton, the Republic of Ireland's embattled manager.

Most of the lads felt Staunton wasn't up to the job and wanted to see the back of him; others, including Vinny, were reluctant to put the boot into "the gaffer".

Not unnaturally, Vinny's sympathies had a little to do with the small, but perfectly formed profit he'd made on Ireland's last two home matches.

Vinny felt the boys in green would be up for it against Germany, so he backed them with a goal start. Conversely, he was unsure of their motivation against Cyprus, whom he backed with a goal and a half start.

The two results netted Vinny a modest dividend and filled him with false bravado when he collected his winnings off Angie in Boru Betting the previous Friday. He had "given it loads" as the lads in Foley's would have put it.

As he trundled down to Collinstown Cross, a smiling Vinny espied the plane-spotters and radio-heads in their customary lay-by parallel to the main runway.

No matter the time of day, the "anoraks" were there, armed with binoculars, tweaking dials on hand-held radios, scribbling notes on the planes' markings, the times of arrival, departure etc.

This morning, an Aer Lingus Airbus majestically motored down the runway and was almost level with Vinny's 27B when she nosed airborne. White wings outstretched, she looked like a giant swan.

Traffic was backed up before the turn on to the old Swords Road and Vinny's mind returned to Staunton again.

What would be his legacy now? Our first 100-cap player? A three-time World Cup finals stalwart? A fearless captain? Or rather, as the fella who made a Horlicks of managing his country.

Vinny feared for Stan's future. No matter what, his reputation had been wounded through his time as Ireland manager. No amount of compensation from the FAI could cover up that.

On a personal note, Vinny would miss Staunton as he'd been "quids in" on the Ireland results in Euro 2008. Of the 11 qualifiers, Vinny had won on nine of them, using the Asian handicap system to his advantage.

The only ones he missed out on were San Marino away - where he'd backed Ireland to win by more than three goals - and the Czech Republic at home.

For the Welsh match, Vinny, who could feel his fingers start to twitch, had been going to back Ireland off the boards, feeling they had a point to prove. He wasn't so sure now.

As he nudged down Coolock Lane, where traffic was sardine-factor 10, Vinny blew out his cheeks. Jeepers, he worried for Stan, even with all his millions.

At Beaumont Hospital, Vinny pulled in tight to the kerb so the passengers could alight safely. He had just started to pull away when he saw a woman running towards the stop.

Vinny had never been one of those drivers who gets his kicks from ignoring the waving arms and pleading looks of passengers.

Vinny applied the brakes; opened the doors and turned to the woman, who was breathless and fumbling in her bag for change. "Thanks so much, I'm late for work," she said before looking up. "Hey, Vinny. How are you?"

It was Angie. Brunette, mid-40s, attractive, chirpy, Angie.

Vinny always engaged in banter with Angie on his visits to Boru Betting - sure he'd been cock o'Clontarf last Friday.

But it was one thing having a chitchat in her work environment; quite another in his bus.

Vinny became tongue-tied. "Hello Angie. Er, plenty of seats on top," he said rather brusquely. "Sorry, no one's allowed to stand this close to the driver, Dublin Bus regulations." Angie did as she was told.

As he continued down the Ardlea Road, a stone-faced Vinny looked like a driver concentrating intensely on his job.

In fact, he was anything but. His mind and heart were racing. How could he have been such a fool? And Stan thought he had problems.

4pts Sunderland to beat Fulham (evens, Boylesports). Impressive against West Ham, Roy Keane's team needs a win to climb towards mid-table. They should get it against Fulham.

2pts St Vincent's to win Dublin SHC (11/8 Boylesports)

1pt Lay Sergio Garcia to win Mallorca Classic (5.8/1 Betfair, Liability 4.8pts)