Mary Hanniganlistened in as Bobby Robson was thrown into the lions' den by the FAI's John Delaney

There has been some confusion along the way over precisely what Bobby Robson's role is in the senior Irish set-up, how exactly the Football Association of Ireland define his job title of "international consultant". Well, yesterday it became clearer: Bobby's job is to talk to Joe.

Joe Duffy, that is. And good Lord, Bobby had a lot of talking to do, an hour and 15 minutes to be exact, the duration of his grilling on Liveline in the aftermath of that struggle against San Marino.

He even had to listen to Brush Shiels' thoughts on where it's all gone wrong, an experience that was quite probably very new to Bobby.

According to Duffy, Liveline had asked the FAI to make either chief executive John Delaney or manager Steve Staunton available to them yesterday, but "Sir Bobby was the man (they) nominated". Delaney later denied that Liveline had looked specifically for him, but rather an "FAI representative".

He might be well paid for his role but Robson will be 74 in 10 days' time, he's still recovering from a bout of serious ill-health, 75 minutes on Liveline trying to explain away the performance against San Marino, while trying to defend Delaney and Staunton, is probably not quite what the doctor ordered.

"It's a disgrace that the FAI have allowed Bobby Robson to come on here to cover up for John Delaney and Steve Staunton who don't have the courage to come on themselves and face the public," said Tony.

"I have to say it's being very devious, it's looking for the sympathy vote from the public by using Bobby Robson in this way."

Anne was no less incensed, she even rang the FAI to complain. "I'm desperately upset and disgusted at the FAI for putting on Bobby Robson to defend them here today - this poor gentleman.

"Are they that chicken that not one of them could come on? Cowards, cowards!"

"Wimpy cowards," said Michael.

But while he might have wilted towards the end of the marathon, weary from the stream of exceptionally livid supporters, Robson battled gamely.

"All our shots were not quite on target and had they been we would have scored . . . if we had 17 Rooneys in the team it would have been a different story," he said, as only Robson can.

When told of the tone of the media comment on the game back in Ireland (eg "Minnows 1 Muppets 2") he sighed, heavily.

"I just think it's quite outrageous," he said, describing calls for Staunton to go as "absolutely ludicrous".

John supported him on that one. "We went over to get three points and we got three points - we've got journalists who couldn't pass wind never mind write constructive articles," he said. Bobby thanked him for his support.

Leo was less sympathetic. "I don't know if Bobby, with respect, is fully up to speed - earlier on he mentioned "the Liverpool player", he didn't even know his name," he said, but Bobby assured Leo he was indeed familiar with Steve Finnan.

Although, it should be said, he referred to the previous Irish manager as "John Kerr". Mind you, let we without sin . . . lost count of the number of times we mixed Bobby up with Bryan.

Duffy then chose to grill Robson on the subject of that feature on mobile phones that only people under 12 know how to use: speed dial. He wanted to know if Robson had Staunton's number on speed dial on his phone so that he could ring him speedily during games.

Duffy: "Have you got Steve on speed dial?"

Robson: "Of course I've got Stephen's number, yes."

Duffy: "But do you have it on speed dial?"

Robson: "I can ring him up whenever I want to, but there was no need to do it . . ."

Duffy: "No need to do it?! When we're being humiliated and embarrassed!"

Robson, though, pointed out that "you can't be ringing every minute" during games.

Gerry thought the speed dial interrogation was "slightly condescending" (if he'd left out the "slightly" he'd have been spot on) and criticised the "hysteria" that has followed the game.

"Fans should relax and take it easy," he said.

But Patricia had no intention of taking it easy. "I applauded when San Marino scored last night, I thanked God in the heavens above, the poor little craytors that they scored. I was bitterly disappointed that we scored another goal, because God love them, they deserved to win because we were an absolute shambles," she said.

"I apologise if I've been rude," Duffy said at the end of it all. "Don't worry about it," said Robson, and there ended the ordeal. Uncomfortable listening, to put it mildly. Bobby should ask for a pay rise.