Sir, – Farewell Trap and Marco and thanks for the memories. We will always have Paris. – Yours, etc,
SEÁN O’DONOVAN,
Fore Street, Edmonton,
London, England.
Sir, – “We leave this country with emotion because we understand the Irish supporters . . .” (Giovanni Trapattoni, Breaking News, September 11th). Unfortunately“the Irish supporters” didn’t understand Signor Trapattoni! – Yours, etc,
PAUL DELANEY,
Beacon Hill,
Dalkey, Co Dublin.
Sir, – Addio Trapattoni! – Yours, etc,
W CONDON,
Monaloe Avenue,
Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Sir, – I think the debate over who fills the role of national coach is the wrong debate.
Youth soccer in Ireland is very poorly developed, partly because of lack of funds due to paying for the Aviva stadium, but also because, as Trapattoni suggested, we have a pretty poor domestic league.
A comparable organisation to the FAI is the IRFU, which once had only the All Ireland League. This league is similar in many ways to the FAI Airtricity league. If the IRFU had not introduced the provincial structure to create four powerhouse teams, we would be looking at Irish rugby players flowing across the water to play in the UK just like their soccer-playing colleagues.
Could the FAI introduce a provincial structure with maybe two teams per province, well funded and structured under clear financial rules to play in a smaller Irish league? It would mean more support based on geographical rather than club affiliations and attract better finances. We might even have the quality to compete in Europe. The trickle-down to youth development football would be natural. If our northern cousins in the IFA wanted to join, then even better. The next stage could be a Celtic league, who knows? The FAI needs to do something now because, speaking as someone involved in youth soccer, I can’t see a real future for it. – Yours, etc,
TOM KENNEDY,
Taney Crescent,
Goatstown, Dublin 14.
Sir, – In the wake of Trapattoni’s departure (and following a year-long crescendo of negative sentiment towards the Italian), it is important to remember that he brought us to a European Championship and has achieved far more than could reasonably be expected of him with the players available.
Many of the current squad ply their trade in the second tier of English football, and this simply isn't a requisite level to achieve sustained success on the international stage. As Trapattoni bows out, I say bravo on a job well done. – Yours, etc,
TOM KELLY,
Fanthorpe Street,
Putney, London, England.
Sir, – A truly sad day for Irish soccer, no longer will our TV be brightened by those big Italian brown eyes – Manuela we’ll miss you. – Yours, etc,
CONAL Mc MENAMIN,
Skreen Road, Dublin 7.