Soccer: Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on the FAI from Sunderland. Days after senior players such as Shay Given and Richard Dunne questioned the FAI's competence in searching for a new manager, Keane yesterday described the organisation as "backwards".
"I am not being smart but why do we need three men on a panel?," said Keane. "I think the players have simply questioned why it has taken so long. There are some quality managers available. I said David O'Leary at the start, but he ruled himself out.
"But it is typical of the FAI. They do everything backwards. Trust me. I have played for Ireland since I was 14 up to a couple of years ago and they will always try to cut corners and do it on the cheap. And they will never change, not in our lifetime, unless they get new people in to run it.
"I hope they get the right manager because there are some good players in the Ireland squad, not world-class players, but some good players and the manager needs to be in place to get his own men in, to watch these players, to watch the under-21s. A few of them put in good performances against a good England side the other night. Ultimately the new manager needs to get all that in place to get his structure right."
Keane wondered aloud what Terry Venables must now make of the FAI's process.
"The FAI are probably looking at it, the qualifiers don't start until September, so they can probably wait and save a few bob. But why have three men to appoint and interview a manager? Why do you have to interview someone like Terry Venables? Maybe sit down for a chat, but someone like that can say: 'You know my credentials'. It's typical FAI. They do everything backwards.
"What must Terry Venables be thinking? He's a top coach who might just think 'Forget it, I'd be better walking away'. The other side of the argument is that by taking their time, they will get it right. And I hope they do. I am an Ireland fan now of course, I want them to do well and why not Terry Venables? They are just taking so long, you wonder if something is going on there. They deserve success and some stability. Even when Brian Kerr and Steve Staunton were in charge, they didn't feel secure, but you need someone who is going to be given the job for four years and allowed to get on with it."
Keane then joked he would one day consider himself for the post, but added: "It would have to be in a few years' time - and they'd all have to go, the whole of the FAI, every single blazer. Can you imagine me working for the FAI?"
Keane on Cork GAA
"In Cork, hurling is probably the number one sport, but you have to get the balance right. It was all well and good a few years ago but when you start thinking players can choose selectors, that can be an issue. But there's more to it than that, I hear.
"I have been following it but I do not know all the ins and outs of it this time. I knew more when they had their first problems. There's obviously more of it going on now. I know they're on strike, a problem with the selectors, the manager, but I don't know the ins and outs. Last time they were getting treated badly."
