DEREK ROSS,
Madam, - So the genuine Irish football fans - you know, the ones who never pay to watch Shamrock Rovers, St Pat's or any other native soccer for that matter, but spend most of their lives as carnival fans worshipping those great Irish teams Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal et al. - have finally got their wish as the coup on McCarthy was finally executed.
Yes, of course he resigned.
What should worry these plastic supporters now is that when one looks at the list of likely candidates for McCarthy's job there is genuine reason to feel apprehensive, if not depressed. But no matter, because unless Dr Keane has the requisite respect and agreement for McCarthy's successor, he won't play.
As it is now apparent that Keane is not only bigger than any Irish manager but also bigger than the FAI itself, - why not just offer to let him pick his own candidate. There is no question who this would be.
As we all know from Keane's biography, Triggs, his trusty Labrador, confidant and best friend, "never talks shite". Triggs could easily bark his orders at his players and could probably show them a thing or two about stamina, obedience and loyalty, not to mention abstinence.
I now beseech your eminent publication to launch the "Triggs for Manager" campaign in earnest. As most supporters and soccer pundits can't really tell the difference between a decent manager and a pup, the FAI could save thousands of pounds in lost wages. - Yours, etc.,
DEREK ROSS, Dublin 12.